The 10 best beaches in Sydney that will help you escape the city buzz
Did you know that Bondi Beach in Sydney made it to the world’s best beaches list, according to Lonely Planet? Well, no one’s going to deny that.
From the city’s golden sands to its breathtaking waves, you’ll never go wrong choosing Sydney as your must-visit spot this summer.
However, there are lots of wonderful beaches in the city so it might be too overwhelming for you to pick one. Fortunately, we made a list of the best beaches in Sydney to help you.
1. Camp Cove
– Media credit: campcovekiosk
Directions: New South Wales
Camp Cove is among the most accessible beaches in Sydney. If you’re coming from Watsons Bay ferry wharf, you only need a short walk to find this beach located on the harbour side of South Head.
It’s free and open for all, but take note to not leave any trash to preserve the beauty of the beach.
If you have your kids with you, they will surely enjoy the place – especially the view, waves, and other water activities. The most common activity here is snorkeling, where you can see the diverse range of small fish, starfish, and more.
Apart from the scenery, I enjoyed the food here. The seafood is fresh, tasty, and perfectly cooked.
Pro tip:
After swimming, consider walking along the South Head Heritage Trail, starting at the north end of the beach. Don’t forget to wear flip-flops to protect your feet from the hot sand.
2. Balmoral Beach
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Directions: The Esplanade, Mosman, NSW
Balmoral Beach is nothing short of amazing! I love this place because of its stunning calm waters and unforgettable scenery.
While there are barely any waves, it still promises an extraordinary beach experience. Paddle Boarding and snorkeling are highly recommended, with rentals easily accessible.
You can also try their kayaking tours and have a relaxing picnic by the shore.
For dedicated foodies, don’t miss the chance to grab a breakfast at The Boathouse and enjoy dinner at Bathers’ Pavilion. Both restaurants offer delicious food and stunning beachfront settings.
Pro tips:
- If you’re visiting in March, join or watch the Balmoral Swim for Cancer. It’s a long-standing event since 1990 that supports cancer-related charities.
- Taronga Zoo is just nearby, so consider dropping by with your family.
3. Bondi Beach
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Website: https://hellobondi.com.au/
Bondi Beach is among the most popular attractions – not only in Sydney but in the entire country. It’s definitely a must-visit destination, especially for tourists.
One of its highlights is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. I loved the great ocean views, as well as the beautiful cliffs present around the place.
There are plenty of spots to rest and take photos to remember your trip. Make sure to check out the Bondi Icebergs and the pool right next to the ocean.
If you crave coffee or any dessert, don’t worry. There are lots of coffee shops around the beach, offering delicious pastries and drinks.
Truly, being here is a must – especially if you want to escape from the humdrum of city life.
Pro tip:
When it gets busy, head to North Bondi Rocks at Ben Buckler Point – a less crowded spot than the main beach.
4. Bronte Beach
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Directions: Bronte, NSW 2024
Just a little over a kilometer south of Bondi, Bronte Beach offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
What makes it different from other beaches is that it has pools for all ages. For instance, the natural rock pool is ideal for kids, where your little ones can enjoy splashing the water and playing with their friends.
You can also try the ocean-fed lap pool tucked beneath the South Headland. This is considered one of Sydney’s best saltwater pools, offering free admission to all.
If you’re up for a stroll, the scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is a must. When you reach Bronte, expect a wide grassy park where you can relax and fire up a barbecue.
Pro tip:
For swimmers and surfers, keep in mind that the beach faces east and picks up waves from all directions, which means there are some areas prone to large rocks. It is best to ask the locals for a safe area where you can surf and swim.
5. Manly Beach
– Media credit: Manly Beach
Website: https://hellomanly.com.au/
Manly is the historic site of the world’s first surfing content back in 1964. That’s why it’s the first beach to be visited by many surfers around the world.
If surfing isn’t your thing, the beach is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun. Lifeguards keep the swimming area safe, but you still need to know up to what water level you can swim.
I also recommend walking the scenic shore from Manly Beach down to Shelly Beach. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of cafes and eateries, where you can grab a coffee or a delicious meal.
Additionally, visit the Manly Gate Gallery & Museum for an art and culture experience. It’s just a quick two-minute walk from the wharf, with fresh exhibits every month.
You can also take a stroll through Manly’s back streets to find some hidden local art galleries.
And if you’re into beer, don’t miss a tour of 4 Pines – Manly’s own award winning microbrewery. The beers are brewed right there on site and are seriously worth a try.
Pro tip:
You can check out all the local surf schools nearby if you want to learn or improve your surfing skills. Most of these schools cater to all ages and levels.
6. Palm Beach
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Directions: New South Wales
Don’t underestimate Palm Beach, or Palmy, as it’s called by the locals. It’s known for its mighty waves and beautiful scenery, with mountains surrounding the area.
One of my favorite things to do in the area is to hike up the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. It’s just a short 800-meter walk, with panoramic views of the Central Coast.
However, if it is your first time hiking, it’s better to warm up and bring your water with you.
You’d also want to try wandering along the Beach to Bay Walk and soaking in the local flora and fauna. This can provide you with a peaceful and refreshing experience.
I discovered some great dining spots too. For a special dinner, Jonah’s is a must-visit. They serve contemporary Australian cuisine paired with an incredible wine list.
Pro tips:
- Visit in the early morning to catch the stunning bioluminescence lighting up the shoreline.
- For a more exciting experience, take the historic ferry to Ettalong, which usually takes 30 minutes from Palm Beach. Passengers are requested to be in the wharf 10 minutes prior to departure.
7. Coogee Beach
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Directions: Coogee beach, Coogee, New South Wales
From the moment I arrived, I was already amazed by how stunning the beach was. It’s clean, spacious, and family-friendly, with calm water perfect for a relaxed swim.
What caught my eye was the promenade, with beautifully restored historic buildings and well-maintained parklands.
Not all beaches have convenient facilities – but trust me when I say that Coogee does. Showers, toilets, and changing rooms are available near the Arden Street bus stop, making everything super accessible.
And when you head down south toward the Grant Reserve, you’ll see a children’s playground. You can set up a picnic here and enjoy the open space.
There are also upscale restaurants with reasonable prices around the area.
Pro tip:
If you have your dog and you want to play with them, you can walk south of Coogee Beach at Trenerry Reserve. There is an off-leash dog park there, where you can play with your pet.
8. Freshwater Beach
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Directions: Cavill St,
People have been swimming at Freshwater since the early 1900s, back when campers used to set up nearby. A little creek at the north end of the beach provided fresh water – hence the name Freshwater.
It’s well-protected from summer nor’easter winds thanks to the North Headland. Plus, the waves are pretty reliable all along the shore because of the steady sandbanks.
If you’re more into swimming, be sure to try the big eight-lane – a 50-metre saltwater pool at the north end of the beach.
Lastly, don’t forget to visit some of the nice cafes and upscale restaurants nearby. One of the best experiences at this destination is enjoying delicious food while appreciating the breathtaking view.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the Northern Beaches Council parking permit to have free access to their parking spaces. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay. Accessible parking for disabled individuals is also available.
9. Cronulla Beach
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Directions: Cronulla
When I visited Cronulla Beach, I didn’t worry about the parking.
Sounds like a little thing for some, but for me, it’s a big deal. I experienced so much convenience – it’s the only beach in Sydney that can be reached by train, after all.
The Cronulla Rock Pools are a must-try feature, perfect for those who don’t want to swim with waves. Meanwhile, the larger southern pool is most suitable for novice swimmers and lap swimming.
If you want to just relax and seize the moment, you can visit the Cronulla Pavilion and the Surf Life Saving Club.
Additionally, Cronulla Beach provides wheelchair access, disabled toilets, and even free beach wheelchair and Mobi Mat services.
However, take note that dogs are prohibited on the beach.
Pro tip:
Head to the southern end of North Cronulla Beach early in the morning for smaller, cleaner waves. This time is perfect for all beginner surfers.
10. Dee Why Beach
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Directions: New South Wales
Unlike the usual crowded beach spots, Dee Why Beach is much more laid-back and local. The waves here are big enough for solid surfing, so many professional surfers come to this place every year.
Aside from surfing and swimming, there are lots of other activities here. There’s a fenced playground for kids, and even an outdoor ping pong table at Ted Jackson Reserve.
If you want a chill water activity, you should try paddleboarding. No need to worry as there are plenty of stalls around offering equipment rentals.
Beach Burrito Co is also a must-visit because of their delicious food. While it’s quite pricey, it’s worth the price, as the ingredients used are high-quality.
Pro tip:
Visit the Long reef Headland during whale migration season (May to November) for a chance to spot humpbacks. Don’t forget to bring binoculars for the best view.