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Collaroy, New South Wales facts for kids

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"Collaroy" redirects here. For the locality in the Isaac Region, see Collaroy, Queensland.
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Collaroy
Sydney, New South Wales
Collaroy Beach (Northern Suburb of Sydney) - panoramio.jpg
A view of Collaroy from Collaroy Plateau
Population 7,870 (2016 census)
Postcode(s) 2097
Elevation 8 m (26 ft)
Location 22 km (14 mi) north-east of Sydney CBD
LGA(s) Northern Beaches Council
State electorate(s) Wakehurst
Federal Division(s) Mackellar
Suburbs around Collaroy:
Narrabeen Tasman Sea
Collaroy Plateau Collaroy Tasman Sea
Cromer Dee Why Tasman Sea

Collaroy is a fun suburb located in northern Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's about 22 kilometres north-east of the main city area. Collaroy is part of the Northern Beaches region, known for its beautiful coastline. Locals sometimes call it "The Roy."

History of Collaroy

This area was once part of Narrabeen. It got its unique name from a ship called the S.S. Collaroy. This ship got stuck on the beach way back in 1881!

Collaroy subdivision plan 1922 Brooks
This map from 1922 shows how Collaroy Heights was planned.

Even though the ship was later refloated, it eventually sank off the coast of California in 1889. An anchor from the S.S. Collaroy has been on display at Narrabeen Lakes Public School since 1928. Most of Collaroy has grown and developed since the mid-1900s.

In June 2016, the beach and houses near Pittwater Road faced a big storm. Some homes lost parts of their backyards due to the strong waves. This showed how powerful the ocean can be!

Collaroy's Landmarks and Beaches

Collaroy has a fantastic surf beach that connects to Narrabeen Beach. Together, they form one long beach, perfect for swimming and surfing.

Women in bathing suits on Collaroy Beach, 1908, photographed by Colin Caird
People enjoying Collaroy Beach in 1908.

There are four Surf Lifesaving Clubs nearby. These clubs help keep swimmers safe and perform rescues when needed. They are North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, South Narrabeen, and Collaroy Surf Lifesaving Clubs.

Collaroy is also home to one of the largest conference centres run by the Salvation Army. This centre hosts many events for churches, schools, and other groups. It can welcome hundreds of people and offers fully catered programs.

Who Lives in Collaroy?

According to the 2016 census, about 7,870 people live in Collaroy. Most residents have English, Australian, or Irish backgrounds. About 68.8% of people were born in Australia.

After Australia, the most common birthplaces were England and New Zealand. Most people (80.8%) speak only English at home. Other languages spoken include Italian and Portuguese. Many residents identify as having no religion, Catholic, or Anglican.

Shopping and Fun in Collaroy

Collaroy's main shopping area is along Pittwater Road. Here, you can find many small businesses.

  • Cafes and restaurants
  • A book shop
  • Takeaway food places
  • A pharmacy and newsagent
  • Hairdressers and a day spa
  • A youth hostel (YHA)
  • Real estate agents
  • The Collaroy cinema
  • The Collaroy Services Club, also known as "The Beach Club"
  • "The Collaroy," a popular spot that used to be called the Surf Rock Hotel.

Getting Around Collaroy

Public transport in Collaroy mainly uses buses. These buses can take you south to the CBD, Manly, and North Sydney (during busy times). They also go north to suburbs like Narrabeen and Palm Beach.

How Collaroy is Governed

Collaroy is part of the federal area called Mackellar. This means people in Collaroy vote for a person to represent them in the Australian Parliament. Currently, Sophie Scamps is the representative for Mackellar.

For state government, Collaroy is in the Wakehurst area. This means residents also vote for a person to represent them in the New South Wales Parliament. Michael Regan is the current representative for Wakehurst.

Wildlife in Collaroy

Collaroy and Narrabeen are home to many different birds and sea animals. You might see:

  • Sea Eagles
  • Pelicans
  • Terns
  • Ducks
  • Yellow-crested Cockatoos

During migration seasons, you can often spot dolphins and even whales! In 2005, a young New Zealand Fur Seal was found on the beach. Wildlife officers helped it get better before releasing it. A similar event happened in 2014 with another New Zealand fur seal.

Schools in Collaroy

  • The Pittwater House Schools

Famous People from Collaroy

Many talented people have lived in Collaroy, including:

  • Iza Coghlan, a doctor
  • Gabriella Da Silva-Fick, a tennis player
  • Tim Freedman, a musician
  • Michael Hooper, a rugby union player
  • Emma Jeffcoat, a triathlete
  • Simon Kennewell, a rugby union player
  • Boyd Killingworth, a rugby union player
  • Johanna Konta, a tennis player
  • Nat Young, a surfer
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