8 of the Best Beaches in Sydney, Australia
There are more than 100 beaches across Sydney’s ocean and harbor coastline. While each is worth visiting, some stand out more than others. From the world-famous Bondi Beach to under-the-radar shorelines popular with locals, here are eight beaches you should visit on your next trip to Sydney.
Balmoral Beach
Tranquility abounds on Balmoral Beach, located on Sydney’s north shore. Beachgoers come here to recline on the golden sand while taking in captivating views of Middle Harbor. The welcome lack of revelers only enhances the sense of calm.
The serenity extends to the water, which is gentle and clear, making it perfect for families with small children. When your little ones get hungry, wander over to Bathers Pavilion, where you can grab a bite while enjoying views of the harbor. If they’re fully beached out, try to a trip to Taronga Zoo, located nearby.
Bilgola Beach
This tucked-away beach sits off a windy backroad approximately 19 miles outside of Sydney. Upon arriving, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among locals.
Stretching for less than half a mile, Bilgola Beach feels like your own personal slice of paradise. Wade in the calm waters of a rock pool, or head to the shoreline’s northern end, where the waves attract surfers. Quiet and largely untouched, Bilgola Beach is the perfect place to get away.
Bondi Beach
Australia’s most famous shoreline is more than just a beach; it’s an entire village filled with shops, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The “Bondi Bubble,” as the area is known, offers everything a vacationer could want, so much so that you can easily spend your whole trip here.
As for the shoreline itself, Bondi is a place for people who want to be seen. The glamorous and scantily clad sprawl themselves out on the wide beachfront, particularly its southern end, which is home to the Bondi Icebergs Club. The northern end of the more than half-mile shoreline, meanwhile, attracts families with an enclosed children’s pool.
Bronte Beach
A haven for families, Bondi’s quieter cousin is home to a spacious park, a playground, and a train ride, all of which are sure to keep your young ones entertained. While strong currents (which attract surfers) and the presence of underwater rocks can make swimming treacherous at times, an enclosed rock pool known as the Bogey Hole is safe even for children.
Coin-operated barbecues are available in the park when you get hungry; there’s also a kiosk where you can grab a coffee and a small bite. Alternatively, head over to the local main street, where you’ll find a range of dining options.
Camp Cove
With calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere, Camp Cove is a great place to spend a languid day soaking up the sun. Even better is that you can do so while enjoying stunning views of Australia’s largest city, which is visible from the sand.
Nearby is a large park and playground, meaning kids will have plenty to do. As the day draws to a close, gather them for some snacks purchased from the kiosk here while watching the sun dramatically disappear behind the horizon.
Manly Beach
A trip to Manly Beach, accessible by ferry or bus from Sydney, gives visitors easy access to several distinct shorelines. Shelly Beach, located 15 minutes by foot from Manly to the south, attracts snorkelers with vibrant marine life. To the north, Freshwater Beach is popular among swimmers and surfers.
Manly Beach itself is a more than one-mile stretch of sand where you can do everything from people-watch to relax on the golden sand while imposing Norfolk pines stand guard behind you. Nearby, a bustling downtown hosts a weekend arts and crafts market as well as a range of places to grab something to eat.
Nielsen Park Beach
You can reach this eastern harbor beach by bus or car, but if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for Hermitage Foreshore trail. The spectacular walking path winds through a national park near the shore.
Once you arrive, take a dip in the serene water, then dry off by luxuriating on the hot sand. Alternatively, lie out on the nearby grass, which is shaded by a majestic fig tree. Although popular, Nielsen Park isn’t touristy—part of the reason it’s referred to as Sydney’s “hidden secret.” Add in quaint charm and enviable views, and it’s a secret you should make it a point to know.
Palm Beach
Located approximately 28 miles outside of the city center, Palm Beach is home to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Built in 1891, it’s a historic structure that offers dramatic views of the northern Sydney coastline. Many television viewers know the lighthouse from the long-running series Home and Away.
As for the beach itself, it’s a lagoon whose long stretch of sand borders bushlands and dunes. If you’re interested in swimming, head to the shoreline’s southern end, where’s there’s an Olympic-sized ocean pool. After drying off, play a round at the neighboring golf course.