Long Reef and Fishermans Beach are located between Dee Why and Collaroy Beaches and have three protected areas: Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, Long Reef Wildlife Protection Area, and Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge. It is a popular spot for walkers and provides spectacular views to the north as far as the central coast and the south to Manly. Long Reef Aquatic Reserve was the first aquatic reserve declared in NSW.

Since 1980, Long Reef Aquatic Reserve has played an important role in protecting rocky shore plants and animals, and has been an important place for marine education and research.

It is an outdoor classroom, living science research site, recreation hub and a home for fascinating marine animals and plants. Find out more and check out the video on the Department of Primary Industries website.

Protected Areas

• Long Reef Wildlife Protection Area - comprises several threatened plants and vegetation communities and provides habitat for threatened animals. The protected area includes Fisherman's Beach, Long Reef Headland, Long Reef Golf Club, foreshore and beaches surrounding the headland and dune systems, Long Reef Beach and Dee Why Lagoon. Dogs and cats are prohibited in this area at all times.
• Long Reef Aquatic Reserve - extends from Collaroy rockpools to Long Reef Surf Lifesaving Club and from mean high water out 100m to mean low water. The reserve was declared in 1980 to protect marine invertebrates found on the rock platforms and subtidal marine plants and animals. With the exception of fin fish, collecting or harming marine plants or animals in the aquatic reserve is not allowed. Dogs and cats are prohibited in this reserve at all times. Find out more
• Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge - covers 77 hectares, 30 of which is the body of water. The refuge contains important habitat for native animals, including local and migratory birds. Dogs and cats are prohibited in this reserve at all times.

Habitat

Long Reef Headland and Fishermans Beach have important remnants of coastal bushland and native grasslands and supports several significant vegetation communities. There are also 119 species of native plants, five native frogs, nine native reptiles, 136 native birds and three native mammals.