Join us for an exclusive ACF Northern Beaches & Friends of Long Reef guided Geotrail Walk around the Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, one of our key protected ecosystems here on the Northern Beaches, followed by a community BBQ.
When? Saturday, 14/11/2026 at 5:25pm for a 5:30pm start.
Where? At the Fisherman's Hut at the end of Anzac Avenue (Collaroy), near the Fisherman's Beach Public Toilets.
Long Reef is justly famous for the rich intertidal biology on the shore platform, but is less known as an important exposure of sedimentary rocks, yet these provide the foundation for the plants and animals living here. On the walk we will travel back in time over 245 million years and discover this unique location, part of a proposed UNESCO Geopark. Long Reef has some of Sydney's oldest exposed sedimentary rocks, especially Triassic-age Bald Hill Claystone and Newport Formation, rare in Sydney’s sandstone coastline. The rock types and structure have shaped its cliffs, beaches and extensive intertidal habitats brimming with life. Enjoy the new Geotrail launched in July 2026, and its chocolate shales, fossil stories, faults and folds, volcanic intrusion and middens - a rich source of food for indigenous peoples for some 7,000 years.
We will be guided by Dr Peter Mitchell, former Head of Physical Geography at Macquarie Uni, an environmental consultant in Australia and beyond, and a key figure in efforts to establish a UNESCO Geopark. Among his many publications, he co-authored with Phil Colman a field guide on coastal reefs and rock pools with a focus on Long Reef.
The geotrail begins at the Eastern end of Fishermans Beach where the main sign is located near the red heritage hut. The walk is 3 to 4km long depending on the route taken. Please note that surfaces may be uneven and slippery and ensure you bring appropriate footwear, sun protection and water. More information on the walk can be found here.
Agenda for the day:
- 5:25pm Meet by the amenities at Fisherman's Beach, at the east end before the hill. Carpooling is encouraged, with Council digital parking pass.
- 5:30 introduction by Friends of Long Reef and Long Reef Fishing Club, the oldest NSW fishing club
- 5:40-7:30pm Geowalk with Dr Peter Mitchell
- 7:30-8:30pm BBQ at the Fisher's Hut hosted by the Fishing Club - sausages, onion, bread (including gluten free) and drinks provided. Feel free to bring any other preferences for the BBQ
- BYO drink bottle for the walk any other other preferences such as slads etc for the BBQ.
Note that this event is timed for low tide 6:30pm and sunset 7:30pm.
Please RSVP if you would like to attend, as numbers are limited to 15 ACF guests!