We finish the visit by climbing up to the top of the headland, where we got spectacular 360 degree views. The view south was particularly good. We could see down Dee Why Beach to the lagoon…
And beyond to Manly and North Head.
Tag Archives: long reef
Long Reef – Photography
We walked further along the headland, and I wasn’t the only one who was trigger happy that day.
Long Reef – Fossil
The great thing about such an ancient sedimentary layer being preserved is that you also have a good chance of finding fossils from the era. We found a few that day, mostly of bits of ferns and leaves from the Triassic age, however this one looks to be of a flower.
Long Reef – Layer Upon Layer
Apart from the investigating the marine life, we had a look at the geology of the headland. As you can see, it’s made up of layers of sediment. My resident geologist (ie. BB) told me that these cliffs were formed during the Triassic age, before the time of the dinosaurs who dominated during the Jurassic age. It is even older than the Hawkesbury Sandstone layer that makes up much of the Sydney Basin, so when you’re gazing at this cliff face you’re really looking at history.
Long Reef – Blue-Ringed Octopus
There is a wealth of marine life to be had. Most are to be found hiding underneath rocks and in the multitude of pools. Many are friendly, but always be careful, because some aren’t when roused.
This little blue-ringed octopus was in its hiding hole but the blue-ringed tentacles immediately blazed when roused. Dangerous, but beautiful all the same.
Long Reef – Low Tide
And now for something different! Being from the south side of Sydney, I rarely go to the north side, however a few weeks ago I did have the opportunity to explore Long Reef. This is a headland between Dee Why and Collaroy beaches that is characterised by claystone cliffs, a golf course, and an extensive rock platform.
It was very low tide when we visited, hence we saw the rock platform exposed in all its glory.
Towards Collaroy Beach.
The rock platform.
Static and Silence 