
Forty Baskets Beach
A tranquil harbour beach at Balgowlah near Manly in Sydney with a 4.5 rating across 153 reviews.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Why it's worth checking out
Forty Baskets Beach is a lovely harbour beach at Balgowlah, near Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches. A 4.5 rating from 153 reviews reflects its standing as a much-loved local spot.
The appeal is a calm, scenic harbour beach away from the surf — a sheltered spot with a netted swimming area, lovely harbour views and a peaceful, family-friendly feel, reached along the pleasant foreshore. It's a genuine local gem and a lovely escape close to Manly.
Beaches have changing conditions, tides and limited facilities, so check current details before you go. Otherwise it's a free, easygoing spot to enjoy whenever the weather's good — bring sun protection, water and your swimmers.
Practical details
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 77
- Popularity
- 66
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues

Manly Pavilion
$$$Restaurants in Manly, Sydney.

The Espy, Manly
Bars in Manly, Sydney.

Hugos Manly
$$$High-end cocktail bar and club with an outdoor terrace and chic furniture, plus wood-fired pizza.

Felons Seafood
Restaurants in Manly, Sydney.
More beaches in Sydney

Freshwater Beach
Protected beach in Freshwater with calm swimming waters and a 50-metre saltwater pool.

Bronte Baths
Popular seaside destination featuring a saltwater rock pool for swimming & sunbathing.

Little Bay Beach
Beaches in Sydney CBD, Sydney.

Brighton-Le-Sands Beach
Protected swimming area with a shaded promenade & views of planes landing at nearby Sydney Airport.

