15 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sydney

Discover Sydney’s 15 best beaches, from family-friendly spots to iconic surf destinations, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Sydney is a dream destination for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, offering dozens of beaches to explore, from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south.

We’ve handpicked what we consider the most beautiful beaches in Sydney; some are small and quiet, while others are livelier and packed with nearby amenities.

1. Palm Beach

Palm Beach
Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the most iconic beachside destinations in New South Wales, located about 40 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD.

The ocean-facing side of the beach can sometimes be a bit rough due to strong winds, while the smaller Pittwater side, known as Station Beach, offers calmer waters, ideal for a relaxing swim.

If you’re visiting Palm Beach, be sure to take a walk up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse on Barrenjoey Headland. The views from the top are simply spectacular.

2. Whale Beach

Whale Beach
Whale Beach

Whale Beach is another stunning stretch of sand in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, located just south of Palm Beach.

While it may not be as famous as its larger neighbour, Whale Beach is often much quieter, offering a serene and secluded atmosphere.

Spanning around 600 metres, Whale Beach is framed by two striking sandstone headlands: Little Head at the northern end and Careel Head at the southern end. Both offer beautiful views of the coastline.

Like many Sydney beaches, Whale Beach features a rock pool. The 25-metre Whale Beach Rock Pool is located at the southern end, providing a scenic spot for a refreshing swim.

3. Freshwater Beach

Freshwater Beach
Freshwater Beach

A favourite among surfers, Freshwater Beach is a 350-metre stretch of sand located just north of Manly Beach.

While swimming can often be challenging due to waves and rips, the beach offers consistently excellent surfing conditions.

Freshwater is part of the Manly-Freshwater World Surfing Reserve, one of the designated World Surfing Reserves that celebrate the historical, cultural, and environmental significance of renowned surfing beaches.

4. Manly Beach

Manly Beach
Manly Beach

Manly and Bondi are Sydney’s most iconic beaches, but opinions often differ on which one is the best or most popular. In truth, they’re quite different, so we’ll leave it up to you to decide which you prefer.

Manly features two main beaches: one facing the Harbour with calm waters ideal for families, and the other facing the ocean, where the currents tend to be stronger.

The best way to reach Manly Beach is by ferry from Circular Quay. This scenic ferry ride is a tourist attraction in itself, offering a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

Read our guide on things to do in Manly Beach for more great activities in the beautiful part of Sydney.

5. Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach

If Manly Beach feels a bit too crowded, take the footpath from Manly’s main beach heading south, and you’ll arrive at the picturesque Shelly Beach.

This small stretch of sand is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected aquatic reserve spanning around 20 hectares. The reserve includes the entire bay, its shores, and the beaches, stretching from the southern end of Manly Beach to the northern tip of Shelly Beach Headland.

Shelly Beach is a favourite spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, thanks to its shallow waters and the wide variety of marine life visible beneath the surface.

It’s also the starting point for a walk around Manly North Head, one of Sydney’s most scenic hikes.

6. Balmoral Beach

Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach

Balmoral Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand in Sydney’s Middle Harbour, known for its calm waters, a swimming enclosure, and fantastic nearby picnic spots.

The Esplanade behind the beach is lined with inviting cafes and restaurants, while the grassy areas are ideal for picnics or a relaxing stroll.

Thanks to its sheltered location, the water remains calm, making it perfect for swimming. For those feeling more adventurous, Balmoral also offers stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling.

7. Milk Beach

Milk Beach
Milk Beach

Milk Beach in Vaucluse offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline in front, with the stunning heritage-listed Strickland House behind you. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Milk Beach is one of several secluded bays and beaches along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, one of Sydney’s most enjoyable coastal walks.

Being a small and quiet beach, Milk Beach doesn’t have cafes or shower facilities. However, nearby Nielsen Park and Shark Beach provide those amenities if needed.

8. Shark Beach

Shark Beach
Shark Beach

Shark Beach, also located in Vaucluse, is a popular spot, with the lovely Nielsen Park right behind it and several walking trails nearby.

Due to its popularity and relatively small size, finding a parking spot on a warm summer’s day can be challenging. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning is the best way to avoid the crowds.

Despite the crowds, Shark Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination. It features an enclosed swimming area, a shaded promenade, and a cafe serving snacks, coffee, and lunch.

9. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Bondi Beach is an iconic destination, not just in Sydney, but across New South Wales and Australia.

With its wide, beautifully curved sandy shoreline, excellent swimming and surfing conditions, numerous cafes and restaurants nearby, large picnic areas, and even an outdoor gym, Bondi is the perfect place to spend an entire day.

Recognised on the Australian National Heritage List, Bondi Beach epitomises classic Australian beach culture and is a must-visit for any tourist in Sydney.

Bondi’s Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), officially the world’s oldest surf life-saving club, does an incredible job of keeping the many beachgoers safe.

10. Tamarama Beach

Tamarama Beach
Tamarama Beach

Affectionately nicknamed “Glamarama” by locals, Tamarama Beach is just a short stroll from Bondi Beach and is known for its good surfing conditions.

Though relatively small and narrow, the beach has a cosy charm, featuring a couple of volleyball courts and a cafe tucked away at the back.

Due to its often hazardous water conditions, Tamarama is better suited for sunbathing and relaxing than for swimming, making it a favourite spot for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the atmosphere.

11. Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach
Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach, located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, is a popular destination just a short walk from Bondi Beach. It features a large park and plenty of trendy cafes right across the road.

The water at Bronte is perfect for surfers, while hobby swimmers can enjoy the lap pool, and families can splash around in the natural rock pool.

However, it’s important to note that the water at Bronte Beach can be dangerous at times. Always follow the directions of the surf lifesavers, who play a vital role in keeping visitors safe.

12. Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach

Clovelly is a charming beachside suburb just north of Coogee, featuring a lawn bowls club, a picturesque beach, and a spacious parking area.

Swimming at Clovelly is a delight, though the water can become rough as you move closer to the open ocean, particularly on windy days. At times, it feels like swimming in a giant wave pool.

Closer to the shore, however, the water is typically calm and shallow, making it ideal for both kids and adults.

13. Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach
Coogee Beach

Often described as a smaller version of Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach is a picturesque 400-metre stretch of sand nestled in Coogee Bay, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. While it’s not ideal for surfing, the water is usually perfect for swimming.

Behind the beach lies Goldstein Reserve, a spacious parkland with excellent facilities, including picnic tables, barbecues, shelters, and plenty of shady trees. Further back, Coogee Bay Road is lined with fantastic cafes and restaurants.

Coogee is easy to reach by public transport, but one of the best ways to get there is via the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk. This stunning 6km coastal trail offers breathtaking ocean views from start to finish.

14. Maroubra Beach

Maroubra Beach
Maroubra Beach

Maroubra Beach, located just south of Coogee, is one of Sydney’s most popular surf beaches. With its long and wide sandy stretch, you’re almost guaranteed to find a spot to lay your towel, even on warm, sunny days.

The beach is surrounded by open spaces. To the north, you’ll find Jack Vanny Memorial Park, Mahon Pool, and a scenic rocky headland.

To the south lies Arthur Byrne Reserve and another headland, while Broadarrow Reserve sits to the west, offering even more room to explore and relax.

15. Cronulla Beach

South Cronulla Beach
South Cronulla Beach

The Cronulla Peninsula, located south of Sydney, boasts a variety of stunning beaches, making it a favourite weekend day trip for many Sydneysiders.

North Cronulla Beach, a 400-metre stretch of sand facing Bate Bay, is popular with surfers. However, swimming here can sometimes be hazardous due to the strong rips that are often present.

The busier option in the area is South Cronulla Beach, situated near Cronulla Park. This family-friendly beach typically has calm waters and is well-equipped with facilities nearby.

 

15 Most beautiful beaches in Sydney

 
Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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