Pittwater Life April 2024 Issue

Mona Vale ranked
the 6th best beach in
the world? Discuss…
Conde Nast Traveller magazine has named
Mona Vale Beach the sixth best beach in
the world… and by default, the best beach
on the Northern Beaches. Is it though?
Rob Pegley took to the sand to find out.
News
Conde Nast Traveller is a But then we are blessed
bastion for luxury style with an amazing array of
and culture. From Paris beaches on our doorstep, so
to New York, and indeed Sydney,
who am I to argue? Instead,
it celebrates the world’s I hunted down some other
best in hotels, restaurants and people to argue. Starting with
destinations.
NRL legend Brad Fittler…
In February, it announced its
list of the 34 best beaches in Brad Fittler
the world – the 50 best would Tick for: Mona Vale
perhaps have been even better, “Mona Vale is a surfing beach,
but maybe they were pushed has a rockpool, the basin is filled WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE: The image of Mona Vale ocean pool accompanying
for time. (In fact, there is an with marine life, there are walks Conde Nast Traveller’s best beaches ranking story.
idea in publishing that an around the rocks and parking! swim across the Basin (Bongin Sue Heins
exact number like 34 suggests What more do you need?” Bongin Bay), children playing (Mayor, NB Council)
a more definitive list – you can
in Apex Park, surfers enjoying Tick for: Non-committal
be the judge of that…).
Chalk one up for Mona. multiple surf breaks, nippers “It is brilliant that Conde
Palm Cove north of Cairns
learning valuable surf lifesaving
skills, sunset drinks on the what we already know – our
Nast Traveller has recognised
was at No.1, followed by Kauai Ralph Stonell
in Hawaii. Fair enough. And (President, Mona Vale SLSC) Cooks Terrace balcony and a beaches are among the best
dreamy Wategos at Byron Bay Tick for: Mona Vale
beautiful dinner at the Basin in the world. Mona Vale offers
No.4… Noosa at No.8. But a “The Mona Vale Beach community
Restaurant, the Mona Vale something for everyone, a great
windswept Breckon in the
is buzzing about this Beach precinct has a lot to of-
surf break for keen surfers,
Shetlands of Scotland was acknowledgment. We are very fer locals and visitors alike.” rockpools for exploring, picnic
one of three Scottish beaches proud and conscious of how
areas, a great new surf club
in the list – who knew 10 lucky we are. From a pre-dawn Fair enough. Can’t argue. and several popular cafes and
per cent of the world’s best
restaurants nearby. Our community
beaches were in Scotland?
is blessed with over 20
At No.6 was the only representative
stunning ocean beaches, many
of the Northern
with amazing public facilities
Beaches: Mona Vale. The best
and no doubt we all have our
beach in Sydney… nay, NSW.
own favourite.”
Now, I love every beach on the
Northern Beaches and opinions,
Hmm. Diplomacy at its best.
including those of the Conde
Nast journalist, might be subjective,
Stuart Mercer
but Mona Vale wouldn’t
Tick for: Mona Vale
have made my top five on the
“There are 6 million people in
Northern Beaches, let alone
Sydney and some mornings
sneak into a list of the world’s
I’m the only one on the beach!
most best beaches. Although
The local swimming groups are
the aerial picture in the article
really proud of their environment
looks amazing, I wouldn’t have
here and they often talk
rated it as the best beach in Sydney.
of shark sightings out behind
I’ve never heard someone
the pool – maybe that’s what
MONA FANS:
say: “If you visit Sydney, you
Brad Fittler with keeps the people away.
MUST go to Mona Vale beach,
Stuart Mercer at
it’s out of this world.”
Mona Vale.
Maybe Conde Nast has a point.
8 APRIL 2024
The Local Voice Since 1991