Discover Sydney’s prettiest secluded beaches, perfect for a peaceful swim and stunning Harbour views away from the crowds.
Sydney is home to a great variety of stunning beaches, with some renowned worldwide and others remaining smaller and more under the radar. While spending a day at Manly, Cronulla, or Bondi can be fun, you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by thousands of other beachgoers and sunbathers.
Thankfully, Sydney still has its share of hidden beaches. These are quieter spots, often with minimal or no facilities, where you can soak up the city’s natural beauty in peace. We’ve shortlisted 17 secluded beaches for you to explore!
Find all of the below beaches in this interactive map.
1. West Head Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Offering panoramic views of Pittwater and the Barrenjoey Headland, West Head Beach is a hidden gem tucked away in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, featuring beautifully calm waters.
Reaching the beach is straightforward: just follow the short, signposted bushwalking track from the West Head Lookout.
A steep staircase leads you down to the pristine sand, where you can settle in and enjoy a peaceful swim.
2. Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Just a few hundred metres south of West Head Beach lies Resolute Beach, another stunning and secluded stretch of sand.
Resolute Beach is also a highlight of the Resolute Beach Loop Trail, a scenic walk that begins and ends at the Resolute Picnic Area.
While West Head and Resolute Beach share many similarities, if we had to choose a favourite, it would be Resolute Beach.
3. Whale Beach, Northern Beaches
Less well-known than its larger neighbour, Palm Beach, Whale Beach in the Northern Beaches region is a stunning 600-metre stretch of sand.
Despite its size, with its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, Whale Beach rarely feels buys.
At the southern end, you’ll find a picturesque 25-metre rock pool, perfect for swimming laps.
4. Clareville Beach, Clareville
Facing Pittwater, Clareville Beach is a tranquil and secluded stretch of sand located just south of the Palm Beach peninsula.
Its sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on Pittwater.
Swimming here is considered very safe, and with a car park, grassy reserve, and picnic area conveniently located behind the beach, Clareville is an excellent weekend destination for families.
5. Collins Flat Beach, Manly
Just a few minutes from Manly, tucked between North Head and Little Manly Cove, Collins Flat Beach is a secluded retreat, perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying a quiet swim.
Collins Flat Beach is sometimes referred to as Collins Beach or simply Collins Flat, depending on who you ask or where you look.
For a secluded beach with easier access and more facilities, consider Little Manly Beach instead. Located only a few hundred metres from Store Beach, it’s a fantastic option for families.
6. Fairlight Beach, Fairlight
Fairlight Beach is an 80-metre stretch of sand with a small rock pool, nestled in the suburb of Fairlight, just west of Manly Beach.
The beach is easily accessible via the Fairlight Walk, the final section of the Spit Bridge to Manly coastal walking track.
Its rock pool, more akin to an ocean bath, might not be large enough for swimming laps but is perfect for a refreshing and relaxing dip.
7. Forty Baskets Beach, Fairlight
Forty Baskets Beach is a family-friendly stretch of sand with calm, sheltered waters that are perfect for swimming.
The beach is protected from waves and features a swimming enclosure. Just behind the sand, you’ll find picnic areas, a small playground, toilets, and showers.
While it can get busier on weekends during the warmer months, the secluded vibe and stunning Harbour views make it well worth a visit.
8. Reef Beach, Balgowlah Heights
Reef Beach is a small, picturesque strip of sand at Dobroyd Head, offering scenic views of Sydney’s North Harbour and Manly Cove across the water.
A wooden walkway behind the beach is part of the popular Spit Bridge to Manly Beach walking track.
Interestingly, Reef Beach was one of Sydney’s designated clothing-optional beaches in the 1970s and 1980s, but unclothed bathing has been prohibited since 1993.
9. Castle Rock Beach, Clontarf
Castle Rock Beach is a small, lesser-known secluded spot, accessible via a short walk down a set of stairs from the Spit to Manly walking trail.
With no facilities available, it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks if you plan to stay for a while.
While it’s a beautiful stretch of sand, like many small beaches in Middle Harbour, it can almost disappear during high tide!
10. Athol Beach, Mosman
Athol Beach is a quiet west-facing beach with beautiful city and Harbour views to enjoy while relaxing on the sand.
On Google Maps, you will see Athol Beach marked as a tiny strip of sand, but there are two slightly bigger beaches closer to the Taronga Zoo wharf that are also referred to as Athol Beach or Athol Bay.
The beach can be accessed via the walking trail between Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head. Look for the signs to Athol Beach from that trail. Another secluded beach nearby that is worth visiting is Whiting Beach, which is located on the other side of the Taronga Zoo wharf.
For more of these secluded spots in this beautiful part of Sydney, read our list of best beaches in Mosman.
11. Double Bay Beach, Double Bay
Nestled along the foreshore of Double Bay, right next to the ferry wharf, Double Bay Beach is a quiet and peaceful stretch of sand.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick swim, some relaxation, or simply soaking in the scenic views from the sand or one of the benches along the promenade.
If you’re feeling peckish or in need of a coffee, the Double Bay town centre and shopping precinct are just a short stroll away.
Parking in the area can be tricky, so the best way to reach this secluded beach is by ferry, an experience that adds to the charm of exploring Sydney.
12. Lady Martins Beach, Point Piper
Lady Martins Beach in Point Piper is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets in the world of beaches.
This long but narrow strip of sand can be accessed via a small lane next to the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club on Wolseley Road.
It’s important to note that the beach is quite narrow, and you’ll only find dry sand to relax on during low tide.
The beach is named after Lady Martin, the wife of Sir James Martin, who served as Premier of New South Wales during the 1860s and 1870s.
13. Bellamy Beach, Rose Bay
Bellamy Beach is a hidden gem, quietly nestled between Point Piper and the western end of Rose Bay.
In addition to swimming, it’s a fantastic spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with a canoe and kayak rental service conveniently located just north of the beach.
You can access Bellamy Beach via a set of stairs near the end of Wunulla Road or through Rose Bay Park along New South Head Road.
Keep in mind that Bellamy Beach is dog-friendly, so you might find yourself sharing the sand and water with a few four-legged visitors.
14. Milk Beach, Vaucluse
Milk Beach is a 50-metre-long, 5-metre-wide strip of sand overlooking Hermit Bay and Sydney Harbour, right in front of the historic Strickland House in Vaucluse.
The best way to reach the beach is by following the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walking track, starting at the Rose Bay ferry wharf. A refreshing swim after a bit of hiking makes the visit even more rewarding.
While Milk Beach may not be as quiet as it once was, it remains a stunning spot for a swim and to take in the picturesque views of Sydney Harbour.
15. Queens Beach, Vaucluse
Queens Beach is a tiny, secluded strip of sand located along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, not far from Milk Beach.
In our view, Queens Beach is quieter (and smaller) than Milk Beach, making it a great choice if you’re after a beach all to yourself.
The views from the beach towards the city and Sydney Harbour are spectacular, adding to the charm of this hidden gem.
When visiting, be sure to check the tides, as parts of the beach can disappear during high tide!
16. Hermit Bay Beach, Vaucluse
Hermit Bay Beach is a small, secluded strip of sand in Vaucluse, situated along the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walking track between Queens Beach and Milk Beach.
With its position facing Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, the views from Hermit Bay Beach are nothing short of sensational.
Just north of the beach lies a picturesque grassy area, making it an ideal spot for a picnic after a refreshing swim.
17. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse
The best thing about Kutti Beach is that it’s a well-kept secret; unless you’re a local, of course.
Tucked between Parsley Bay Reserve and Watsons Bay, Kutti Beach can be tricky to find. That is, until now.
The beach is accessible via a narrow staircase located right next to the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club at the end of Wharf Road. While it might look like a dead-end, don’t walk away, as the staircase is right there.
Kutti Beach is also one of Sydney’s few dog-friendly beaches, so be prepared to share the sand and water with a few playful pups.
