Curl Curl Beach is known for some of the best surfing on the Northern Beaches and is a favourite spot with locals. Curly is offshore in a west or north west wind and best swell from NE,E,ESE,SE,SSE,S.

The name Curl Curl appears to be the original Aboriginal name for the larger area of Manly Vale, Freshwater, Queenscliff. The name Curl Curl may have been derived from a Dharuk Aboriginal phrase curial curial, meaning river of life.