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(02) 9105 4888 88 Evans St, Freshwater NSW 2096
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Founded on community and mateship.

Since 5 June 1930

A legacy that spans more than eight decades, and a club that still puts its profits back into the Northern Beaches.

Our story Giving back
Diggers stacking sandbags on the beach in the 1930s
1930sDiggers with sandbags on the beach.
A digger carrying a wounded mate on his shoulders
MateshipA digger carrying a mate.
Soldiers resting beside a row of tents
AbroadSoldiers resting by their tents.

How it began

With friendships forged on the poppy fields of France, a group of Aussie Diggers came home to the Northern Beaches wanting a place to meet and share their stories over a cold beer.

On 5 June 1930, Harbord Diggers was born.

Scroll on for the rest: a hut by the beach, a storm, a barber shop, a headland and a brand new club.

Our story

From a beach hut to the headland.

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Soldiers resting beside a row of tentsDiggers stacking sandbags on the beach in the 1930sDiggers stacking sandbags on the beach in the 1930sDiggers stacking sandbags on the beach in the 1930sThe club's terraced grounds on the headland todayThe Jack Wilson power surf boat at Freshwater BeachThe Jack Wilson power surf boat at Freshwater BeachThe Ocean Terrace at the new Harbord DiggersThe Ocean Terrace at the new Harbord DiggersThe Ocean Terrace at the new Harbord DiggersThe new Harbord Diggers from above, beside the oceanThe new Harbord Diggers from above, beside the ocean

Soldiers resting by their tents.Diggers with sandbags on the beach, 1930s.Diggers with sandbags on the beach, 1930s.Diggers with sandbags on the beach, 1930s.The headland as it looks today.The "Jack Wilson" power surf boat at Freshwater Beach.The "Jack Wilson" power surf boat at Freshwater Beach.The Ocean Terrace at the new club.The Ocean Terrace at the new club.The Ocean Terrace at the new club.The new Harbord Diggers from above.The new Harbord Diggers from above.

  1. 5 June 1930

    Harbord Diggers is born

    Returned Diggers wanted a place to meet and share their stories over a cold beer.

  2. The 1930s

    A hut by Freshwater beach

    Members met at an old hut by the beach. Billy teas were served to holiday makers, with the money raised going to members and families in hardship.

  3. 1933

    The storm

    A storm washed the hut away, and members moved to a club member's residence.

  4. 1935

    The old barber shop

    The club relocated to Wilsons Old Barber Shop on Moore Road.

  5. 1952

    The headland

    With the help of community leaders, the club lobbied for the headland where it stands today, and building commenced.

  6. Late 1960s and 70s

    Stars in the auditorium

    The club expanded, and stars from around the world played the auditorium to massive crowds.

  7. Late 1980s

    An Australian icon

    By the late 1980s, Harbord Diggers was one of the most iconic clubs in Australia.

  8. 2006

    Mounties Group steps in

    With a vision to revamp the club.

  9. 2014

    Approval for a new venue

    Development approval was granted for a new Harbord Diggers.

  10. 2016

    Construction begins

  11. 30 June 2018

    The new Harbord Diggers opens

    Stage One opened its doors.

  12. 2019

    Stage Two completed

    Fitness, aquatic and the Watermark Freshwater retirement residences.

A history of giving back

Proud of what we've given.

180+local organisations supported
$600k+of financial support each year
  1. 01Donated the first CAT scan machine on the Northern Beaches, to Manly Hospital
  2. 02Donated the first motorised surf life-saving boat on the Northern Beaches
  3. 03Built the first local fitness centre in a registered club, more than 50 years ago
  4. 04Established Waves Youth Centre
  5. 05Supported more than 180 local organisations
  6. 06Provided more than $600,000 of financial support each year
  7. 07An annual Christmas party for Stewart House children, and gift donations for Stewart House and Bear Cottage
The Jack Wilson power surf boat at Freshwater Beach
Surf boatThe "Jack Wilson" power surf boat at Freshwater Beach.
The CAT scan equipment donated to Manly Hospital
CAT scanThe equipment donated to Manly Hospital.
A cheque presentation to Manly District Hospital
HospitalA cheque presentation to Manly District Hospital.

Profit for purpose

The difference our profits make.

Profit from every beer poured, every meal served and every game played is invested back into the community through grants, donations, new facilities and events.

250+local jobs, making the club one of the largest employers on the Northern Beaches
$1m+contributed by Mounties Group to local community groups every year

Health and wellbeing

A fitness and aquatic precinct that puts health and wellbeing first.

Watermark Freshwater

Over-55s residences, right here on the headland.

Visit Watermark ↗

Keep exploring

Be part of the story.

Community rooms
Three friends sharing a table of food and drinks on the Ocean Terrace

Join the Mounties Group family

Membership

 The club's terraced grounds and lawn, looking out to the ocean

Getting here, hours & contact

Plan your visit