About
Norah Head National Surfing Reserve recognises the outstanding surf all around the shores, reefs and bombies of Norah Head along with the rich and decorated surf culture and history associated with those waves, that date back to the early 1960s. Norah Head is the proud home of the Central Coast's only National Surfing Reserve and follows the motto 'Share, Respect, Preserve'. The Surfing Reserve stretches from Hargraves Beach to the north to Pelican Point to the south and includes many world class waves within this boundary. Some breaks are significant for their exceptional wave quality, and others for their history and importance in providing safe breaks for teaching the surfers of the future.
Norah Head is also special for its Aboriginal and natural values and all surfers must play a role in protecting these.
Our community was instrumental in establishing the Surfing Reserve. The committee dedicated to promoting and protecting the reserve and its values is made up of representatives from Norah Head Surfing Fraternity, Norah Head Sporties and community members.
Norah Head, located on the Central Coast of NSW, is strongly connected with the local Darkinung people and was known as Bungaree Noragh Point until 1861. Our Norah Head "village," with a population of 4173 people according to the 2021 Census, is more than a surfing community. Locals consider this coastline sacred, and our beaches have been surfed since the 1950s.
The area has several Heritage-listed sites, including Norah Head Lighthouse. There were also three ships that sunk
along our coastline during WWII and the area boasts several unique rock platforms, formed between 180-280 million years ago, creating a rich marine environment. The Norah Head tidal rock pool next to the Cabbage Tree Harbour is a popular destination for families with young children. Stingrays, one of the Totems of our Darkinung ancestors, patrol the shallows in this bay.
Surfing Reserves are 'iconic' places of recreational, environmental, historical, sporting and cultural value to the region. The establishment of the Norah Head National Surfing Reserve aims to protect our surf breaks, reef areas, cliff faces and dunes. It will also encourage a creative, safe, healthy lifestyle and provide positive economic benefits for local businesses and clubs.
We hope to continue to work with the Darkinung Traditional Owners and the Darkinjung Land Council to encourage stewardship in our younger generations. We have a responsibility to these Traditional Owners and future generations for the continuation of cultural knowledge and protection of this rich and environmentally significant Reserve area.