What are the best beaches in Sydney, Australia? The answer is up to each traveler and their personal preferences. Some travelers may favor a beach with lots of activities to do, which means they’ll enjoy Bondi Beach, while others might prefer a more serene location such as Curl Curl or Palm Beach.
Whatever your preference, there is sure to be a beach in Sydney that is perfect for you. To help get you started, here are the best beaches in Sydney that travelers have voted for.
Travelers might want to know about the best beaches in Sydney, Australia. That’s because travelers have voted these beaches as some of the best in the area. They offer something for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and fishing.
This article will cover the best beaches in Sydney, Australia, and why knowing about them could be important for travelers.
The beaches listed are some of the most popular in the area and offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Knowing about these beaches can help travelers plan their trip accordingly and make the most of their time in Sydney.
Table of Contents
Best Beaches in Sydney, Australia to Visit
Castle Rock Beach
Castle Rock Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Castle Rock Beach is located between Homestead and Leisure City in the unincorporated territory of Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is noted for legends surrounding its creation that claim it was built single-handedly by Latvian-American eccentric Edward Leedskalnin (1887–1951) using reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to move and carve numerous stones, each weighing many tons.
Today, Coral Castle is a privately operated tourist attraction open to the public for tours. The castle features a variety of megalithic stones, mostly limestone that has been formed from coral. Each of these stones weighs several tons.
Visitors can explore Coral Castle and learn more about its fascinating history. Additionally, there is a gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase souvenirs.
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Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach, Clovelly NSW 2031, Australia
Clovelly Beach is a beautiful suburb of Sydney with miles and acres to offer. The most popular time for visitors is during the summer as they can enjoy sunbathing on any given day without fear or worry about inclement weather conditions taking away from their fun!
A must-see destination when traveling down under, Clovely Beach offers an array of beaches within its boundaries, including East Stradbroke Island; Cox’s Bay, which features award-winning seafood restaurants located right next door (and across) from where you’ll find many other attractions); curricle hill national park – homes only native flora species such as the Illawarra Flame Tree and much more!
Clovelly is a mainly residential suburb on Clovelly Bay. Clovelly Beach is a small beach that sits on the end of the narrow bay. The bay is popular with swimmers and is home to one of the first surf lifesaving clubs in the world, Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1906.
Clovelly is surrounded by the suburbs of Bronte in the north, Waverley in the northwest, Randwick in the west, and Coogee in the south.
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Coogee Beach
Coogee Pavilion, 169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034, Australia
Coogee Beach is a world-famous beach located in Sydney, Australia. The beach is well known for its white sand and crystal clear water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing.
Coogee Beach is located in the eastern suburb of Coogee. The beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Coogee Beach is well serviced by public transport with several bus routes running to and from the beach. The beach is also within walking distance of several hotels and restaurants.
Coogee Beach is patrolled by lifeguards from November to April. During these months, visitors can swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark the area as safe for swimming.
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Manly Beach
Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
Manly Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney. The beach is well known for its surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants located nearby.
Manly Beach is located in the northern suburb of Manly. The beach is a short ferry ride from the city center and is well serviced by public transport. Manly Beach is patrolled by lifeguards from November to April. During these months, visitors can swim between the red and yellow flags which mark the safe swimming area.
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Collins Beach
Collins Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Collins Beach is one of the best beaches in Sydney for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards from November to April, and swimmers may swim between the red and yellow flags that designate the safe swimming zone during these months. Nearby attractions include a variety of stores and restaurants.
Collins Beach is another great option for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is located in Gordons Bay and is patrolled by lifeguards year-round. Swimmers may swim between the red and yellow flags that designate the safe swimming zone.
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Palm Beach
Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Palm Beach is the northernmost stretch of sandy beach in Sydney. The beach is situated on a peninsula between Pittwater and Broken Bay, about 50 minutes from the city center, and has the best water quality on the Sydney coastline.
Palm Beach is an ideal location for picnicking. Children will enjoy splashing in the calm seawater, swimming in the 35-meter pool, and building sandcastles along shorelines.
The south is an ideal location for picnicking. Palm Beach offers fun activities for the whole family and watersports activities to suit everyone.
There are activities available at all levels of your family’s age. This family-friendly beach is a great place to spend the day in Sydney.
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Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sydney and is a National Surfing Reserve. It is a great place to learn how to surf and offers something for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and fishing.
The beach has been awarded a hazard rating of 4 by Surf Life Saving Australia, due to the presence of a rip current known as the “Backpackers’ Rip”. This rip is located near the bus stop and is especially dangerous for backpackers and tourists who are not aware of its existence. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for surfboard riding.
Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them. Be on the lookout for marine life. There is an underwater shark net; however, it does not stretch the entire length of the beach. Pods of whales and dolphins have been sighted in the bay during the months of migration (March-May, September–November). Fairy penguins are sometimes also seen swimming close to shore or amongst surfers in the southern line-up.
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Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Balmoral is an urban locality in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is in the local government area of the Municipality of Mosman and is part of the Lower North Shore. The locality is mostly known for its beach, officially divided into Balmoral and Edwards Beaches.
Expensive residential real estate on the surrounding “Balmoral Slopes” benefits from the views and beach proximity. The naval depot HMAS Penguin is situated at the eastern end of Balmoral Beach. It houses a naval hospital and is accessed from Middle Head Road.
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Edwards Beach
Stanton Road, Sydney, NSW 2088, Australia
Edwards Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Sydney for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. It is also a popular spot for locals, who come to the beach on weekends to enjoy its excellent amenities and beautiful surroundings.
The beach is located in Balmoral near Mosman and is separated from Balmoral Beach by Rocky Point. East-facing towards the Heads, Edwards Beach is usually calm and an ideal family spot. It has a shark net pool at the southern end and a rock pool on the north side, making it a safe and enjoyable swimming place.
Balmoral Beach and Edwards Beach are connected via The Esplanade, which runs off Military Road and a promenade fringed by beautiful Moreton Bay fig trees. There are also showers, toilets, and change rooms available for beachgoers.
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Milk Beach
Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030 Australia
Milk Beach is one of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs’ well-kept secrets. It is a small isolated beach surrounded by the Heritage-listed Strickland House. Offering a breathtaking view of Sydney, Milk Beach is one of the area’s most beautiful locations.
Access to Milk Beach is limited, however, it can be accessed via Public Transport, boat or limited off-street parking is available. There is plenty to do when visiting Milk Beach, from fishing and snorkeling to family picnics under the awning or a walk along the Hermitage Foreshore.
Kutti Beach
Kutti Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Kutti Beach is a fascinating beach that can only be reached through a steep stairway from the road. There is limited parking available at the top of the stairs. It is not suitable for those with restricted mobility. It’s a beach few people know about, apart from those who live near it.
What makes Kutti Beach so special is its seclusion. Despite being close to residential areas, the beach feels remote and private. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty.
Fairlight Beach
Fairlight Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Fairlight is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Fairlight is located 13 kilometers northeast of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of Northern Beaches Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region.
Fairlight lies between Balgowlah and Manly on both sides of Sydney Road. The suburb reaches north past Balgowlah Road, and the western boundary is Hill Street. Fairlight Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
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Freshwater Beach
Freshwater Beach, Freshwater NSW 2096, Australia
Freshwater Beach is a beach located in Freshwater, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. Freshwater Beach is the first beach north of Manly, New South Wales, on the Peninsula. The beach is flanked by a headland at each end and can produce excellent surf. There is a large rock pool at the northern end.
Lifeguards patrol the beach and has a surf lifesaving club. Freshwater Beach is one of the most popular of Sydney’s 21 Northern Beaches and is visited by around 3,000 people on weekends and public holidays during the summer months.
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Store Beach
Manly, New South Wales, Australia
Store Beach is one of Sidney’s hidden treasures and a sheltered beach that is only accessible by water. Located among the city’s northern beaches, this beach stands out from others, not just because it’s hidden from plain sight, but also because it remains sparsely populated. This makes it an excellent place for a weekend getaway.
A favorite for boating enthusiasts, it is no surprise that summer weekends bring together boaters and kayakers looking for adventure. It is easy to hire kayaks from Manly, as this is the only way to access the beach, so it’s advisable to pack a lunch and water, as well as sunscreen. Entry to the beach is free, but hiring a kayak costs a small amount.
This beach also serves as a penguin breeding ground, so do not be surprised if your picnic is interrupted by fairy penguins. These penguins are considered endangered, so effort must be made to preserve the aquatic reserve.
Manly Beach
7 Pine Street, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
Manly Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sydney. Within Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly offers a unique combination of wide ocean beaches and serene sandy coves. Capt named the beach. Arthur Phillip wrote for the indigenous people living there, “Their confidence and manly behavior made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place.”
Manly is a great destination for active water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are also saltwater swimming pools if you want to take a dip. The beach is also a popular tourist destination for its restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Shark Beach
Vaucluse, New South Wales, Australia
Shark Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located in Sydney’s Vaucluse suburb. Don’t let the name scare you! Shark Beach is very safe. Like most Sydney beaches, Shark Beach is protected by shark nets. It is a 220-meter sandy strip with sparkling views of the Sydney skyline.
Families love Shark Beach for its sheltered swimming and beautiful surroundings. The soft sand is perfect for lounging, and you can sit on the seawall steps linking the beach and esplanade. You’ll find beachside benches shaded by fig trees and a grassy reserve for picnicking in the adjoining 30-acre park.
Obelisk Beach
Obelisk Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Obelisk Beach is a nude beach in Mosman, New South Wales, Australia. The beach is on the southern side of Middle Head in Sydney Harbour and is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. It is one of the few nude beaches in Sydney and offers a unique experience for those looking to sunbathe in the nude.
Nude bathing is not technically legal in New South Wales, but Obelisk Beach has been unofficially designated as a nude beach for many years. You can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the unique experience without fear of arrest.
The beach is also great for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The harbor views are breathtaking, and you can see the Sydney skyline in the distance. No lifeguards are on duty, so be sure to swim at your own risk.
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Seven Shillings Beach
536 New South Head Road, Point Piper, Woollahra New South Wales 2028, Australia
Seven Shillings Beach is a beautiful beach in one of Sydney’s wealthiest parts. The beach can be accessed via Blackburn Gardens off New Head Road. The western half of the beach is located within Redleaf Pool, a 100 m-long tidal pool. The east half of the beach is 10 m wide and backed by a grass strip, then a seawall-brick fence and beachfront houses. Boats are moored off both beaches.
Seven Shillings Beach is great for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The harbor views are breathtaking, and you can see the Sydney skyline in the distance. Sydney beaches sometimes have no lifeguards on duty, so be sure to swim at your own risk!
Bellamy Beach
Bellamy Beach Harbour Rd. , New South Wales, Australia
Bellamy Beach is a small, secluded cove located in Rose Bay. It is a protected and sheltered spot with gently lapping waves and reasonably shallow waters. The sandy stretch is only about 230m long and, compared to the much larger Rose Bay Beach, this is more a smaller harbor beach. No lifeguards are on duty, so be sure to swim at your own risk.
The beach is hidden behind the Rose Bay Police Station and can be accessed via the footpath down behind the police station. Dogs are allowed on Bellamy Beach; many people take advantage of this by bringing their dogs to the beach to play. There is also a place for kayaks and SUP rentals, which makes it easy to paddle between Bellamy and Rose Bay beaches.
Lady Bay Beach
Victoria Street, Watsons Bay New South Wales 2030, Australia
Lady Bay Beach is south of the port, between Camp Cove and South Head. What this beautiful beach lacks in size, it makes up for in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. It has wonderful views of the harbour, swimming, picnicking, and nude sunbathing near South Head.
The South Head Heritage Trail is a lovely path for evening strolls, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful views across the vast South Pacific Ocean while soaking in nature’s beauty. The journey begins with an easy walk along a well-defined footpath past several historical landmarks before culminating on the beach.
Queens Beach
Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Rose Bay New South Wales 2029
Queens Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Sydney. It offers stunning views of the harbor and the Gothic architecture of Kincoppal-Rose Bay Convent School. More than a few visitors rarely occupy the beach, and is a great place to relax and enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty.
To access the beach, drive to Vaucluse Road, then Queens Avenue. There is limited parking at the entrance to the National Park, where a rocky steep path descends to the beach.
Quarantine Beach
Quarantine Beach, New South Wales, Australia
The North Head Quarantine Station is a heritage-listed former quarantine station and associated buildings that is now a tourist attraction at North Head Scenic Drive, on the north side of Sydney Harbour at North Head, near Manly, in the Northern Beaches Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia.
It is also known as North Head Quarantine Station & Reserve and Quarantine Station & Reserve.
The property is owned by the Office of Environment and Heritage, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. The buildings and site were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The entire 277-hectare (680-acre) North Head site, including the Quarantine Station and associated buildings and facilities, was added to the Australian National Heritage List on 12 May 2006, and now forms part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
The complex operated as a quarantine station from 14 August 1832 to 29 February 1984. The concept behind its establishment was that, as an island nation, the Colony of New South Wales, as it then was, was susceptible to ship-borne disease.
Those with an infectious disease would be kept in quarantine until it was considered safe to release them. The isolation and strategic role of North Head was recognized in 1828 when the first vessel, the Bussorah Merchant, was quarantined at Spring Cove.
The importance and future role of North Head was reinforced by Governor Darling’s Quarantine Act of 1832, which set aside the whole of North Head for quarantine purposes in response to the 1829–51 cholera pandemic in Europe.
One of the most historic features of the quarantine station is the series of engravings along the escarpment adjacent to the jetty. The carvings were executed by people staying at the quarantine station and covered an extensive period that stretched from the early nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.
Stonemasons and sculptors executed some and showed a high degree of skill. More carvings are located at the rock formation known as Old Man’s Hat.
The station is now home to a hotel, conference center, and restaurant complex known as Q Station and remains part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
There are plenty of beaches to visit in Sydney, and the ones listed here are just a few of the best. What can we learn from these beaches?
The Sydney area has several great options to choose from. Beaches offer something for everyone, but the best share one thing in common: they’re all voted by travelers as some of the best in the area! Whether you want swimming and sunbathing or surfing and fishing, there’s an option on this list for you.
So when you’re ready to hit the beach, check out one of these Sydney gems.
FAQ
Does Sydney have nice beaches?
Relax on Sydney’s finest beaches, from the peaceful bays of the harbour to the city’s best surfing locations. The internationally renowned beaches at Manly and Bondi offer stunning seaside views.
How many swimmable beaches are in Sydney?
The city has over 200 beautiful beaches and is easily accessible via public transport with restaurants and shops.
What is the most beautiful beach in Sydney?
The most beautiful beach in Sydney is Bondi Beach. It’s a favorite among the locals who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other aquatic activities.
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