Trail Tales – Stories of our diverse community

The Northern Beaches Trail Tales is a community led project co-created by the We Belong community leaders. It is an engaging storytelling project celebrating the unique connection between people and place on the Northern Beaches.

Along this trail, locals share personal stories tied to the landscapes they love, offering glimpses into their experiences, histories and cultural perspectives.

These stories highlight the vibrant multicultural fabric of our community and bring new meaning to the places we walk every day.

Take a stroll, listen to the tales, and discover the Northern Beaches through the eyes — and voices — of those who call it home. Click the links below for information on where you can find each location.

Alternatively, to listen to the tales online, visit History Hub.

A woman standing in front of the camera smiling

QR Code 1: Eleonora – The Cascades, Davidson

Meet Eleonora, or Kynzha, the hummingbird. Eleonora and her family have been Davidson residents since 1996.

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A woman standing by the water near the bush

QR code 2: Kat – Middle Creek Reserve, Narrabeen

Meet Kat, proud Narrabeen local and mum of two. Her happy place is Middle Creek Reserve at Narrabeen Lagoon.

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QR code 3: Aisha – Fairy Bower, Manly

Meet Aisha. She moved to Australia in 2016 and after a few trips to Manly, she knew this was home for her and has been living in Little Manly since 2018.

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QR code 4: Elita – Clareville Beach, Avalon

Meet Elita, Avalon local and first-time mum. Clareville Beach holds a special place in her heart and her family spent many happy moments here.

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QR Code 5: Samuel – Baha'i House of Worship, Ingleside

Meet Samuel, a third-generation immigrant whose grandparents came to Australia from Italy in the 1950s and 60s.

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QR code 6: Catrin – Forty Baskets Beach, Balgowlah

Meet Catrin, from South Wales. Her favourite spot is Forty Baskets Beach which you will discover when doing the Spit Bridge to Manly Coastal Walk.

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People walking along Long Reef boardwalk

QR code 7: Lewis – Long Reef Headland, Collaroy

Meet Lewis from Glasgow in Scotland. He is taking us to his favourite place on the Northern Beaches, Long Reef Point lookout.

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Gabi taking a selfie on the America Bay Trail

QR code 8: Gabi – America Bay Track

Meet Gabi. Gabi grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, moving to Australia 7 years ago for to give her children a childhood surrounding by nature, and what better place to do so than the Northern Beaches.

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Two people handing hands jumping by the ocean

QR code 9: Aco – Manly Wharf

Meet Aco. Aco first came to Australia from Japan in 2008, living in Manly by her now favourite location: Manly Wharf. Like many locals and visitors, Aco is mesmerised by the view of the water from the wharf and the exciting surroundings of the Manly area; from the white sandy beach to the cafes and pubs.

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QR code 10: Ranjeet – Narrabeen Lagoon

Meet Ranjeet. He moved to Australia in 2002 from India, coming straight to the Northern Beaches and living here ever since! Ranjeet loves all that the Northern Beaches lifestyle offers, in terms of Beaches, Parks and the Bushlands, but especially Narrabeen Lagoon.

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Proudly funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.