For years, historians have argued about the origin of Narrabeen’s name. Some say it comes from an Aboriginal word for swan, others that it’s the name of an Aboriginal child who helped colonial soldiers in their hunt for escaped convicts. Others have more prosaic theories, including one that Narrabeen could refer to the ‘narrow beans’ eaten by colonists. Given that settlement by Europeans occurred very early in Sydney’s history, it’s unlikely this debate will ever be settled. What is certain is that a number of land grants had been made to colonists by 1815 and that the popularity of the area grew throughout the 1800s. By the mid-1800s Narrabeen had become a popular holiday destination for those living close to the centre of Sydney. Visitors were drawn not just to Narrabeen’s spectacular beaches, but also to Narrabeen Lakes. Contemporary Narrabeen is no less attractive to Sydneysiders. While it still has the laid-back feel of a holiday town, contemporary Narrabeen is a highly sought after suburb within easy reach of Sydney’s CBD.

Offering an exceptionally diverse range of dwellings - from weatherboard weekenders to contemporary apartments and executive homes - property in Narrabeen is increasingly popular. Many homes sit on large blocks, including the unpretentious cottages from the early 1900s along with Narrabeen’s recently built luxury homes. Narrabeen also provides a great range of apartments, including medium sized blocks built in the mid-1900s, through to contemporary boutique developments. As you’d expect, the most highly sought-after homes and apartments in Narrabeen are those with views of the ocean.

Narrabeen is a great spot for relaxed dining. You’ll find Thai, Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Mediterranean dining options here, as well as cafés serving serious coffee. Many of Narrabeen’s eateries offer fabulous views, not just of the beaches, but also Narrabeen Lakes. Lamani’s Seafood Restaurant is situated here and locals recommend it’s fresh, simply prepared seafood. And that Narrabeen institution - The Sands Hotel – still has a special place in many local hearts. It’s had a recent makeover and the bar and bistro areas are now very sleek. The beach view, however, remains just the same.

Some people need the availability of amazing outdoor spaces to motivate themselves to get fit, and Narrabeen has them in abundance. Narrabeen’s four beaches are famous for their surfing breaks, and keen surfers, open-ocean swimmers and kayakers can be found here year round. Local walkers, runners and cyclists also make frequent use of the beaches.
Narrabeen is also home to several well-appointed gyms and the government-run Academy of Sport is located here too. It offers a huge range of organised sport and leisure activities for children and adults. Here, as elsewhere in the Northern Beaches, locals have access to a wide range of sporting competitions, including netball, cricket, tennis, rugby, rugby league, soccer and athletics, many of which are played in the numerous reserves and ovals located in Narrabeen.

Narrabeen is defined by the beaches that stretch along its coastline: Narrabeen, North Narrabeen, South Narrabeen and Collaroy. All have their own Surf Life Saving Club and are big destinations for Sydney’s surfers. North Narrabeen is the standout: the famed surfing breaks here make it a venue for major surfing competitions.

Narrabeen has a great shopping precinct. It’s home to an eclectic mix of up-market clothing boutiques, homeware stores and galleries, along with bakeries, butcheries, grocery stores and delicatessens. A Woolworths supermarket is located in the suburb and a post office, newsagencies, pharmacies and banks are located on Pittwater Road. A shopping mall - Warriewood Square - is about five minutes’ drive from Narrabeen and houses large retailers and specialty stores. Warringah Mall – the largest shopping complex in the Northern Beaches – is about 20 minutes’ drive from Narrabeen.

Narrabeen is home to many families and it offers excellent childcare and educational services. There are a number of daycare centres and preschools, including the council-run long daycare centre on Ocean Street. Primary school education is offered by North Narrabeen Public, Narrabeen Lakes Public and St Josephs, a Catholic school. The suburb is served by Narrabeen Sports High, and a range of independent institutions catering to primary and secondary students are located in the area. Brookvale TAFE is 15 minutes away and the universities located in the city centre are about 35 minutes’ drive away.

Narrabeen is approximately 23 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and the journey by car takes about 35 minutes. Residents of Narrabeen also have good access to public transport. State Transit buses operate frequently in peak periods and provide a link to the CBD. Buses operated by Frenchs Forest Coach Lines also serve Narrabeen, offering routes to neighbouring suburbs.