In 1885 fishermen caught a fabulous quantity of fish, so many that they filled forty baskets. The fish were delivered to a contingent of soldiers who were stationed at the North Head Quarantine Station awaiting orders to be sent to fight in the Sudan. And so this beautiful little beach with views back towards Manly acquired a name.

In 1860 a hermit lived here and flew a white flag each day to let people know he was still alive.

Here you will find picnic tables, grassy areas, a lovely sandy beach, toilet facilities and a shark proof pool for swimming. You could easily spend the day here.

Follow the path down onto the rocks at the end of the grassy area.

Bracken fern on the track to Forty Baskets