Living in Freshwater
Freshwater, formerly known as Harbord, is a suburb of northern Sydney, located 17 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Warringah Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region.
History
The suburb was known as Harbord until 2008, when locals voted to change the name to be the same of that as the beach found here. Harbord took its name from the maiden name of Lady Carrington, the wife of the Governor Lord Carrington. The beach at Freshwater takes its name from a plot of land, the Freshwater Estate, named by Manly Land Company in 1884. It is alleged that Freshwater beach was the place where the Hawaiin past time of surfing was first introduced to Australia, with world champion swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, who was touring Australia at the time, fashioning a board from timber and demonstrating the idea of ‘surf board riding’ to the press.
Transport Links
Freshwater is well served by a number of buses, with fast services to both Manly and Warringah Mall. Pittwater Road is easily accessible, as is Condamine Street which then runs over to the Spit Bridge and Mosman, with the City a short drive across the Harbour bridge or tunnel.
Shopping and Recreation
There is a small strip of shops on Harbord Road including a butcher, newsagent, pharmacy and coffee shop, with a larger selection of shops and cafes to be found in Freshwater Village. Warringah Mall is a short walk or two minute drive away. Freshwater beach is popular with surfers but retains a quieter atmosphere than neighbouring Manly beach. Jacka Park is a popular family spot with a great children's playground and grassy, open spaces.
Schools
St John the Baptist Primary School and Harbord Public School can both be found in Freshwater.
