Choosing the top 10 of anything is difficult, however when it come to something that all Sydneysiders care deeply about—their beaches—the effort seems insurmountable.
You can always find an excuse to visit the beach, whether it's beach party season or it's just unusually warm for the time of year. We've compiled a list of our favourite urban beaches in Sydney because, let's be honest, Sydney has some of the best airport beaches in the world.
There are no restrictions on exercising or playing on the beach if you reside within five kilometres of one. Please keep the following in mind, though.
- Exercise, such as swimming and surf, and outdoor recreation, such as read or having a picnic, are prohibited for unvaccinated adults that are not living in the same household unless the group size does not exceed two persons.
- A group of up to five adults from different houses who have all been vaccinated is permitted to go outside and engage in physical activity and recreation together.
- To get to a friend's place of employment, you will need to drive yourself or take public transportation, as carpooling is forbidden for any purpose outside of private households.
- Homes can travel together without having to interact with any other households.
- You are required to wear a hat whenever doing so is safe and reasonable, and this includes during sunbathing. When participating in severe physical activity or when consuming food or liquids, masks may be removed.
- Beach volleyball and beach cricket, and similar group sports, are not allowed.
- You may not go more than 5 kilometres outside of your LGA to visit a beach if there is no beaches in your LGA, and you may be requested to provide proof of your residence if you do so. Check out this interactive map to find the location of the nearest beach to you.
Keep yourself safe and slip, slop, and slap, Sydney.
Sydney is known also as Harbour City, although the Town of the a Hundred Beaches would be more appropriate. Over the length and breadth of Sydney's many beaches, you'll find countless golden expanses (exact figures vary on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). When faced with such a bevvy of beach options, it might be difficult to choose on just one.
We've done the legwork for you and evaluated nearly every beach with in city, giving each one a score based on its convenience, aesthetics, amenities, and other special qualities. We have compiled the data, computed the rankings, and can now confidently declare the top 50 beaches in Sydney.
In other words, roll out your beach towels and get ready to swim.
Beaches On The Ocean
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path is a 6-kilometer path that takes in a number of beautiful beaches along the way. Gordons Bay, located inside the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve to the north of Coogee Beach, is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Bondi Beach, along with nearby Maroubra and the beaches of southern Cronulla, is indeed a National Surfing Reserve as well as an excellent area to learn how to surf. From Cronulla, you may catch a ferry to Bundeena, which serves as the park's main entrance. You can also take a road trip within the national park to visit the pristine Wattamolla Beach & Garie Beach.
The beautiful Northern Beaches, which include Narrabeen, Dee Why, and Avalon, are located in the northern part of the city. Both Manly and Freshwater, the latter of which is considered the spiritual home of surfing in Australia, comprise another National Surfing Reserve. Join Flamin' Galah or Northern Beaches Tours for a trip to Palm Beach, made famous in the television series Home and Away, for a good time and some cool TV swag.
Beaches On The Harbour
There are numerous beautiful, protected beaches in Sydney Harbour, many of which have tidal swimming enclosures. Milk Beach, which is close by, offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, while neighbouring Camp Cove and Shark Beach (also called Nielsen Park) are ideal for swimming. Rent a kayak or take your dog for just a swim at neighbouring Rose Bay Beach.
Balmoral, located north of the harbour and close to Mosman, is a gorgeous beach with a wide variety of waterside eateries. Chinamans Beach, partially-netted Little Manly Beach, and the completely enclosed Greenwich Baths are all great options for families. Check out North Harbour's beaches between the months of February to see nesting Little Penguins.
How To Get To The Beach
All of Sydney's most well-known beaches are easily accessible via public transit. To get to Bondi Beach to Town Hall in the heart of the city takes about 40 minutes using public transportation. The trip from city to Coogee on the bus usually takes around 40 minutes and is a frequent service. From Circular Quay, you may take a ferry to Manly across one of world's best natural harbours. It also takes an hour to get by train between Central Station to Cronulla.
The Top Ten Sydney Beaches
There are more than a hundred beautiful beaches in Sydney, ranging from quiet, secluded bays with secret coves to crowded surf beaches and well-known hotspots. The majority can be reached quickly from the heart of Sydney, and many feature enclaves of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding are just some of the water sports that may be enjoyed here. Because of the wide range of options, everyone can find something they like. You'll find nine of the best beaches in Sydney right here.
Eastern Suburbs, Tamarama Beach
Tamarama's 80-meter-wide sliver of sand wedged between two headlands exudes an aura of opulent solitude, which is unusual for a metropolitan beach and comes as a pleasant surprise given its closeness to Australia's busiest beach. The beautiful people come here to sunbathe, and if you want to surf or bodyboard, you'll have to compete against some of the best in the city surfers or bodyboarders at the left-hand reef break. Relax with a refreshing juice at the oceanfront cafe and watch the Bondi to Bronte runners speed by as you take a breather from the heat. You may also use the adjoining barbeque area to cook up some gourmet snags that you brought along with you.
You may reach this tiny beach by following the coastal path a short distance from Bronte Beach. Although only 80 metres in length, Tamarama has beautiful, creamy sand and excellent surfing waves. The nearby park features a cafe, grilling pits, and a children's playground.
This part of Tamarama is known for its abundance of attractive people and has been dubbed "Glamorama" as a result. Tamarama's clean shoreline may seem unremarkable now, but in the 1800s, it was the site of an amusement park complete with the a roller coaster with elephant rides. Listen to the lifeguards when they say it's too risky to swim at Tamarama.
Northern Beaches, Bilgola Beach
Bilgola, which takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning "swirling rivers," is a small town at the foot of a hill, concealed by a thicket of palm trees with lantana. This makes Bilgola one of the most picturesque beaches in the north, despite the fact that it's a royal pain to reach using public transportation. The excursion to this beach, which is 500 metres long, is, however, well worth it. Relax on the beach and take in the sights of Newport Head, or swim a few laps in the 8 ocean pool. You can also go fishing in a specially defined location.
Northern Beaches, Freshwater Beach
Duke Kahanamoku, an native Hawaiian, famously constructed a surfboard using local pine and hypnotised crowds there at beach in 1915, making Freshwater the unofficial origin of surfing in Australia. On the northern headland, there is also a statue of Kahanamoku that is nearly life size.
Freshwater is a beautiful beach regardless of your interest in surfing history. It is a short stroll to Curl Curl along the shore, and it has a 50-meter saltwater stone pool for lap swimming. We advise you to treat yourself to lunch at the highly regarded Pilu restaurant; you won't be disappointed.
Bondi Beach, Eastern Suburbs
Bondi Beach may be the most popular in Australia, but it doesn't mean residents have no right to enjoy it. Bondi is at its best during the week, when fewer tourists are there.
If you want to swim in peace and quiet away from the masses of inexperienced surfers, you should travel to North Bondi. In the morning, you can catch Sean's Panorama and still have time for breakfast. In addition to the beach, you can spend the day in either Calita or Bondi Seaside Public Bar.
Bondi is a popular beach with a mile of golden sands and a variety of attractions located between two headlands. Bondi Beach, located 8 kilometres from Sydney's business district, is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, and those looking to take the ideal beach selfie.
Spend $6.50 to enter the picturesque Icebergs pool that floats above the beach. Bondi Market is open every Sunday, so if you're looking for some unique antique or handmade gifts, jewellery, or artwork, you should definitely stop by. Bondi is home to a wide variety of restaurants serving up delicious fare, from hip cafes like Rocker to casual eateries serving up everything from burgers and pastries to opulent brunches and cocktails, such as Panama House.
Northern Beaches, Manly Beach
Manly Beach, another breathtaking Sydney beach, has it all: a ferry trip over the city, a bustling promenade, a beach lined with trees, and pure blue waves. It's not as accessible from south of the bridge as, say, Bondi, but it's still one among Sydney's most well-known beaches.
In addition, every Sydneysider must take the ferry to Manly at least once in their lives. Stop by Rollers Bakehouse for a warm croissant and a hot drink before hitting the sand. Get yourself a bottle of organic wine from Winona Wine later in the day. When you've had enough of the sun during the day, head to Chica Bonita for some excellent Mexican cuisine or The Cumberland, a speakeasy-style pub in Manly.
Eastern Suburbs, Bronte Beach
Bronte is one of the prettiest and the most accessible city beaches, as it is sheltered by the headlands & surrounded by a wonderful picnicking area. Located after a one kilometre stroll along Sydney's famous coastline, Bondi Beach is a great location to relax and unwind before jumping into the ocean. And if the sun is too much to bear, there's always the cool rock ledge for a siesta.
These rocks also form a natural pool where you can swim in peace and quiet, away from the sound of the ocean, or you can swim laps in the salty pool. Meanwhile, advanced surfers love the southern headland. The park behind beach is a great place to take a break from the sun and sand with a picnic and some grilled meat.
Northern Beaches, Avalon Beach
Avalon, at the very northernmost end of the coastline's beaches, is a popular spot for surfers and wave-seekers. If we don't surf yourself, you can still enjoy watching the pros compete. Even Baywatch considered moving production to Avalon in the 1990s.
The 25-meter ocean pool near the North Avalon triangle-shaped sandbank is another attraction. However, a shallow rocky shelf along south cliff (locally known little Avalon) provides surfers with fast-barreling tube rides. The beach is backed by a park that provides shelter and features amenities like a skate park, picnic tables, and a BBQ pit.
Northern Beaches, Shelly Beach
One of the reasons why Shelly Beach is so untouched is because it is located in a marine reserve known as Cabbage Tree Bay, which is home to a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine life. This is why snorkelers and scuba divers use the area so frequently. One of the best surf breaks in Sydney may be found on the Fairy Bower side.
The annual Coles Classic, Australia's largest ocean swim, takes place on this beach. Those who like to be out in the wilderness can take advantage of the headland pathway that offers stunning vistas of North Head and the beaches to the north. This quiet bay is just a few minutes' walk south down Manly's main street, and it's also accessible via ferry.
Shelly Beach, located within Sydney's Northern Beaches neighbourhood close to Manly, is a little but beautiful beach. From surf club in Manly's southern end, it's about a 15-minute stroll along the coast to this spot, where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas. This tiny cove is located within the Cabbage Tree Bay Marine Reserve, so don't forget to pack your snorkelling gear so you may explore the area's pristine waters.
Surfers seeking the legendary shallow-breaking surf wave known as "The Bower" typically head to the west side of the beach. A beachside eatery known as "Le Kiosk" provides BBQ grills for guests.
Palm Beach And The Northern Beaches
Palm Beach, the setting of the TV show Home & Away, is undeniably one of Sydney's most stunning beaches. Having the Pacific Ocean to the east, Pittwater to the west, and Broken Bay to the north is a fortunate position (the Hawkesbury River flows into).
It's best to avoid the crowds by going early in the day or on a weekday. Staying put? Rent a summer home and live like a millionaire for several night during your staycation. Do not forget to stop by The Boathouse for breakfast or lunch.
Eastern Suburbs Of Clovelly
There are days when you just want to bring a cooler and an umbrella to a beach and spend the day relaxing under the sun and the surf. Then there are the days when you just want to take a brief swim without worrying about soiling your clothes. The convenience of being able to do both is one of the reasons why Clovelly is so well-liked by the neighborhood's regulars.
A 25-meter saltwater pool runs down its southern side of the cove, and there is a small, quiet beach for calm wading. On either side, though, are two concrete platforms ideal for cannonballing the sun or a blasting. Diverse marine life, notably an enormous blue groper known as Bluey, make Clovelly a favourite destination for snorkelers.
Conclusion
There are no restrictions on exercising or playing on the beach if you reside within five kilometres of one. Carpooling is forbidden for any purpose outside of private households. Group sports, such as beach volleyball and beach cricket, are not allowed. Check out this interactive map to find the location of the nearest beach to you. Bondi Beach, along with nearby Maroubra and the beaches of southern Cronulla are National Surfing Reserves.
Gordons Bay, located inside the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve, is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. The beautiful Northern Beaches, which include Narrabeen, Dee Why, and Avalon are located in the northern part of the city. There are more than a hundred beaches in Sydney, ranging from secluded bays with secret coves to crowded surf beaches and well-known hotspots. The majority can be reached quickly from the heart of the city, and many feature enclaves of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Only a select few cities can boast more than one truly spectacular beach. Sydney? We're up to over a hundred already. Sydney is among the world's finest coastal cities, and it's not only because of the number of beaches here.
At any time of year, you can find dedicated ocean swimmers completing laps in any of the dozens water inlets and bays that dot the coast. You have beaches with pulsing swells and exquisite breaks.
Not to mention that the majority of Sydney's finest beaches are authentic, easily accessible city beaches. There is a train station in Cronulla, and the fact you are able to take a ferry from the heart of a CBD's financial area to Manly with just under 30 minutes is fairly astounding, both for locals and visitors.
There are many tourist traps in Sydney, yet many of the city's top eateries, bars, and cafes can be located in close proximity to the city's most popular beaches. Popular restaurants in the area include Sean's & Icebergs in Sydney, Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral, and Jonah's in Whale Beach.
Then there are reinvigorated classics, such as Mimi's at the Coogee Pav, or the Harbord Hotel, over in Freshwater. Not to mention the numerous beach-fronting eateries that can sort you out with a cappuccino after your morning swim.
Content Summary:
- Choosing the top 10 of anything is difficult, however when it come to something that all Sydneysiders care deeply about—their beaches—the effort seems insurmountable.
- You can always find an excuse to visit the beach, whether it's beach party season or it's just unusually warm for the time of year.
- We've compiled a list of our favourite urban beaches in Sydney because, let's be honest, Sydney has some of the best airport beaches in the world.
- There are no restrictions on exercising or playing on the beach if you reside within five kilometres of one.
- Please keep the following in mind, though.
- Exercise, such as swimming and surf, and outdoor recreation, such as read or having a picnic, are prohibited for unvaccinated adults that are not living in the same household unless the group size does not exceed two persons.
- A group of up to five adults from different houses who have all been vaccinated is permitted to go outside and engage in physical activity and recreation together.
- To get to a friend's place of employment, you will need to drive yourself or take public transportation, as carpooling is forbidden for any purpose outside of private households.
- Homes can travel together without having to interact with any other households.
- You are required to wear a hat whenever doing so is safe and reasonable, and this includes during sunbathing.
- When participating in severe physical activity or when consuming food or liquids, masks may be removed.
- Beach volleyball and beach cricket, and similar group sports, are not allowed.
- You may not go more than 5 kilometres outside of your LGA to visit a beach if there is no beaches in your LGA, and you may be requested to provide proof of your residence if you do so.
- Check out this interactive map to find the location of the nearest beach to you.
- Keep yourself safe and slip, slop, and slap, Sydney.
- Sydney is known also as Harbour City, although the Town of the a Hundred Beaches would be more appropriate.
- Over the length and breadth of Sydney's many beaches, you'll find countless golden expanses (exact figures vary on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach).
- We've done the legwork for you and evaluated nearly every beach with in city, giving each one a score based on its convenience, aesthetics, amenities, and other special qualities.
- We have compiled the data, computed the rankings, and can now confidently declare the top 50 beaches in Sydney.
- In other words, roll out your beach towels and get ready to swim.
- The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path is a 6-kilometer path that takes in a number of beautiful beaches along the way.
- Gordons Bay, located inside the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve to the north of Coogee Beach, is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.
- Bondi Beach, along with nearby Maroubra and the beaches of southern Cronulla, is indeed a National Surfing Reserve as well as an excellent area to learn how to surf.
- From Cronulla, you may catch a ferry to Bundeena, which serves as the park's main entrance.
- You can also take a road trip within the national park to visit the pristine Wattamolla Beach & Garie Beach.
- The beautiful Northern Beaches, which include Narrabeen, Dee Why, and Avalon, are located in the northern part of the city.
- Both Manly and Freshwater, the latter of which is considered the spiritual home of surfing in Australia, comprise another National Surfing Reserve.
- Join Flamin' Galah or Northern Beaches Tours for a trip to Palm Beach, made famous in the television series Home and Away, for a good time and some cool TV swag.
- There are numerous beautiful, protected beaches in Sydney Harbour, many of which have tidal swimming enclosures.
- Milk Beach, which is close by, offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, while neighbouring Camp Cove and Shark Beach (also called Nielsen Park) are ideal for swimming.
- Rent a kayak or take your dog for just a swim at neighbouring Rose Bay Beach.
- Balmoral, located north of the harbour and close to Mosman, is a gorgeous beach with a wide variety of waterside eateries.
- Chinamans Beach, partially-netted Little Manly Beach, and the completely enclosed Greenwich Baths are all great options for families.
- Check out North Harbour's beaches between the months of February to see nesting Little Penguins.
- All of Sydney's most well-known beaches are easily accessible via public transit.
- To get to Bondi Beach to Town Hall in the heart of the city takes about 40 minutes using public transportation.
- The trip from the city to Coogee on the bus usually takes around 40 minutes and is a frequent service.
- From Circular Quay, you may take a ferry to Manly across one of world's best natural harbours.
- It also takes an hour to get by train between Central Station to Cronulla.
- There are more than a hundred beautiful beaches in Sydney, ranging from quiet, secluded bays with secret coves to crowded surf beaches and well-known hotspots.
- The majority can be reached quickly from the heart of Sydney, and many feature enclaves of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding are just some of the water sports that may be enjoyed here.
- Because of the wide range of options, everyone can find something they like.
- You'll find nine of the best beaches in Sydney right here.
- Tamarama's 80-meter-wide sliver of sand wedged between two headlands exudes an aura of opulent solitude, which is unusual for a metropolitan beach and comes as a pleasant surprise given its closeness to Australia's busiest beach.
FAQs About Sydney
100
There are more than 100 picturesque beaches in Sydney – from calm, sheltered bays and secret coves to busy surf beaches and world-famous tourist destinations. Many have cafés, restaurants or entire shopping villages clustered around their edges, and most are easily accessible from Sydney’s city centre.
A range of aquatic activities are also available, including snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and surfing. With all the variety on offer, there is something for everyone. Here are nine of Sydney's top spots to swim, surf or lie on the sand.
Sydney's ocean beaches include the internationally renowned Bondi, Coogee, Cronulla and Manly. The ocean beaches are usually divided into the Northern Beaches, located north of the entrance to Sydney Harbour and the southern beaches, which are in the eastern suburbs and Sutherland Shire area.
Within easy reach of the city are Sydney’s east and south beaches. Starting with Bondi beach on the northern end and all the way down to Cronulla Beach, on the other side of Botany Bay.
Other popular Sydney South beaches include Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach, Tamarama Beach, Clovelly Beach, Maroubra Beach, Wanda Beach, the Cronulla beaches and Elouera Beach.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach. Hands down, Bondi is a favourite for the best city beach. It's one of the closest beaches to Sydney's CBD, and its fame lands it on the list of the top beaches in Australia.
Seven areas declined in water quality, including Nielsen Park and Rose Bay Beach in the east, Tambourine Bay near Lane Cove, Oatley Bay Baths, Carss Point Baths, Congwong Bay and Horderns Beach in the south. Sydney's north is the cleanest area for a dip, with 91 per cent of sites rated good or very good.