Surveys of residents of Northern Beaches show that bushland and beaches are the most valued attributes of this area.
The landscape around Narrabeen Lagoon and in the catchment is undulating - providing stunning vistas.
Very few cities in the world and certainly none in Australia, can boast 57sq kms of lagoon and catchment - so much of it still bushland - within its boundaries.
Lagoon water quality has improved over the last 30 years but is dependent upon having natural bushland in the catchment above it. Swimming, kayaking, sailing, rowing are all available at Narrabeen Lagoon in addition to picnics and barbecues along the shores. Thousands participate in low impact recreation in the bushland - such as birdwatching, bushwalking and photography. People travel from all over Sydney to enjoy the Lagoon and its catchment.
The bushland in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment supports a wide range of threatened species such as Grevillea caleyi, Tetratheca glandulosa, Koalas, Eastern Bentwing bat, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Heath Monitor, Powerful Owl, Osprey, Regent Honeyeater, Black Bittern.
Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment provided Aboriginal people with a trading surplus of shells, pigments and clays. They created artworks, middens and markings that give clues to areas where important cultural ceremonies took place. The Aboriginal cultural significance in this bushland continues to provide inspiration into the twenty-first century.
All citizens of Sydney benefit from the fresh air created by the bushland in this area.
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
is associated with National Parks Association of NSW.