Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve is an urban bushland reserve on Myola Road, Newport, on the south-eastern tip of the Barrenjoey Peninsula. Its most notable feature is Bungan Beach, a quiet 600m beach between two headlands. The reserve is a Wildlife Protection Area, so dogs must be leashed at all times.
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About Betty Morrison Reserve
Bungan Beach at Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve takes in Bungan Beach, a 600m beach that runs south east between Bungan Headland to the north and Mona Vale Headland to the south. A single bar runs the full length of the beach. The rock platforms at its northern and southern ends are Intertidal Protected Areas. Access is mainly on foot, which keeps the beach quiet. Coastal processes, including beach and bluff erosion, keep reshaping the shoreline.
Bushland and Wildlife at Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve is an urban bushland area that provides habitat for many plant and animal species that would otherwise disappear from urban areas. Three broad vegetation types grow there: Coastal Scrub, Cliff-Face Open-Heath and Coastal Closed-Heath. The Yellow-faced Whip Snake and Eastern Whipbird use its scrub, beach and rock platform habitats, and significant records include the Long-nosed Bandicoot, Peregrine Falcon and Powerful Owl. The reserve is named after Betty Morrison, and the Bungan Beach Flora and Fauna Committee, formed in 1969, grew into one of the area's oldest Bushcare groups, which is still active there.
Facilities at Betty Morrison Reserve
Visitor tips for Betty Morrison Reserve
- ✓Take care in the surf at Bungan Beach: there are two strong rips against the rocks at either end and two or three shifting rips along the beach.
- ✓Leave your cat at home, as cats are not allowed in the reserve at any time.
Getting to Betty Morrison Reserve
Myola Road, Newport NSW 2106. From Avalon, the coastal walk follows Bungan Head Road to the reserve, then descends a long, steep driveway to Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club. From Mona Vale, walk along Beach Road and follow the path through the reserve to Bungan Beach.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Newport
- 📍Bungan Headland
- 📍Mona Vale Headland
- 📍Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Frequently asked questions about Betty Morrison Reserve
Are dogs allowed at Betty Morrison Reserve?
Yes, but every dog must stay on a leash at all times, including on Bungan Beach.
Is there an off-leash dog area at Betty Morrison Reserve?
No, the reserve has no off-leash or fenced dog area, and no separate space for small dogs.
Is Bungan Beach part of Betty Morrison Reserve?
Yes, the reserve incorporates the Bungan Beach and Headland Reserves.
Is there a walking track through Betty Morrison Reserve?
Yes, paths cross the bushland, linking the coastal walk from Avalon and the Beach Road route from Mona Vale with Bungan Beach.