Best Beaches in Sydney

Most cities are lucky to have even one great beach. Sydney? We have more than 100. But we’ve got more than just quantity going for us: it’s the sheer diversity of Sydney’s beaches that make us one of the world’s great coastal cities.

We have beaches with pumping swells and beautiful breaks; sheltered, hidden harbour coves that are perfect for picnics; and dozens of inlets and bays filled with keen ocean swimmers doings laps – regardless of the time of year.

Then there’s the fact that most of Sydney’s best beaches are true, accessible city beaches. Cronulla has its own train station, and it’s pretty incredible – for locals and tourists alike – that you can take a ferry trip from the heart of the CBD’s financial district to Manly in just over 30 minutes.

And while there are plenty of tourist traps to dodge, many of Sydney’s best restaurants, bars and cafes can be found right by its best beaches, too. There are dining institutions, such as Sean’s and Icebergs in Bondi, Bather’s Pavilion in Balmoral and Jonah’s at 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 countless beach-fronting cafes that can sort you out with a coffee after your morning swim.

This summer, refresh yourself by getting outside – these Sydney beaches will make you feel new.

Words by
Updated on 20 June 2025

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Bondi Beach

Undeniably one of the best beaches in the world, Bondi brings it all home. Its sand and surf are unrivalled and its thriving hospitality scene counts institutions such as Bondi Icebergs. Start here for a famous coastal walk that leads all the way to Coogee.

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Manly Beach

Sydneysiders and expats flock here for a reason: waterfront dining, beachside pubs and some of the best conditions for surfing and swimming. The ferry ride from Circular Quay is essential.

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Cronulla Beach

Colossal pines, a huge stretch of sand, some truly brilliant surf and plenty of bars and eateries worth staying for. It’s also the only beach in Sydney with its own train station.

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Garie Beach

This rugged stretch offers swimming, beach fishing and excellent conditions to surf in. Best of all, you’re still technically in Sydney. It's the highlight of any good day trip to the Royal National Park.

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Avalon Beach

The one-time residence of pro-surfer Kelly Slater. The small-town energy of nearby Avalon village draws in sea-changing Sydneysiders by the barrel-load.

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Gordon’s Bay

A spectacular rocky cove on the Bondi to Coogee walk. It's a little bit bohemian with a splash of Mediterranean energy. Come here to experience the best of both worlds.

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Shark Beach

No sharks, just good times and Vaucluse vistas towards the city skyline. This beach is right next to Nielsen Park, making this one of the city’s best recreation areas.

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Coogee Beach

The last stop on the famous coastal walk from Bondi, Coogee has two of the most decked-out beachside boozers in the city. Not to mention some of the best swimming in the east.

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Shelly Beach

The side-story to Manly’s main attraction is a favourite for swimmers and families looking to have a picnic. It forms part of an aquatic reserve teeming with marine life, so bring your snorkel.

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Bronte Beach

The often rough conditions are redeemed by a sparkling ocean pool and some gorgeous parkland. One of the best places to picnic in the eastern suburbs.

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Freshwater Beach

The birthplace of Australian surfing; “Freshie” is ever-popular for its consistently good breaks year round. Also home to a northern beaches icon, the Harbord Hotel.

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Tamarama Beach

Rough conditions don’t hinder locals from sprawling across Tamarama’s pristine sand. “Glamarama,” as it’s known, is just one beach over from Bondi on the coastal walk leading all the way to Coogee.

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Clovelly Beach

Part beach, part swimming pool – Clovelly is two concrete promenades either side of the bay. There’s a family-friendly shore, plus a kiosk and lap pool thrown in for good measure.

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Balmoral Beach

Bordered by lush greenery, middle’s harbour’s jewel of a beach is picnic nirvana. Balmoral is also home to an institutional Mosman eatery.

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Narrabeen Beach

Seasoned surfers prefer Narrabeen over Collaroy – Narrabeen is the northern stretch of the same coastline, with more advanced conditions and a sizable lagoon for paddleboarding.

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Collaroy Beach

A hotspot for beginner surfers. This fully accessible beach has excellent facilities plus one of the city’s great art-deco monuments, the United Cinemas.

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Maroubra Beach

World-beating surfers cut their teeth in Maroubra’s wild waters. It’s one of the best surfing beaches in Sydney, but not one for amateurs.

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Palm Beach

The longest-serving cast member on beachside soap opera, Home and Away. Home to an iconic lighthouse and some of the best surf on the peninsula.

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Camp Cove

This spot is in the top tier of Sydney's city beaches – complete with premium views of the city skyline. It's also the inspiration behind the name of a popular Melbourne rock band.

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Whale Beach

The northernmost beach on the Barrenjoey Peninsula – the name is a red herring (whales are, sadly, not a common occurrence) but you can expect reliably good surf and a petite ocean pool instead.

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Bilgola Beach

A compact surf spot halfway up the Barrenjoey Peninsula, with stellar conditions and a swimmable rock-pool at the southern end.

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Little Bay

Tucked away behind a golf course, this sheltered cove is delightfully swimmable from one end to the other. Don’t forget your snorkel.

Honourable Mentions

Collins Beach, Manly

Collins Beach, in the North Head precinct of Sydney Harbour National Park, will transport you miles from the bustle of Manly. It’s a short walk from the road, so you can enjoy the beach, which looks out to the Heads, in peace. There’s even a waterfall giving this spot a tropical vibe.

Store Beach, Manly

For a further touch of seclusion, try Store Beach, around the bend from Collins Beach. Store Beach is only accessible by water, so you’ll have to rent a kayak or paddleboard from Manly Wharf and add some adventure to your day. Don’t forget to look out for Manly’s colony of little penguins.

Milk Beach, Vaucluse

While it may not be the most secret harbour beach, Milk Beach has clear waters and views. Walk around the Hermitage Foreshore Walk from Nielsen Park to Milk Beach, and enjoy the city views and bush walk by the water, before taking a leisurely dip.

Chinaman’s Beach, Mosman

Chinamans Beach is one kilometre around the waterfront from the much busier Balmoral Beach. Chinamans is totally sheltered within the harbour, so it’s the perfect spot for those who prefer calmer waters or a snorkel. The expansive Rosherville Reserve just behind the beach is also a great picnic spot.

Lady Bay Beach, Watson’s Bay

Between South Head and Camp Cove, this is one of Sydney’s most picturesque beaches. It’s also one of Sydney’s dedicated nude beaches, so if that’s how you like to swim, or if you forgot your togs, then this is the place for you. Walk around the South Head Heritage Trail for some of the most spectacular views over the harbour and out the heads.

Lady Martin’s Beach, Point Piper

If swimming in the harbour while admiring Sydney’s finest real estate sounds good to you, then Lady Martin’s Beach is worth checking out. Located at the end of Point Piper, the beach is accessed by a lane beside the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club. Surrounded by waterfront properties, find a spot along the narrow beach to laze and take a dip in the harbour.

Parsley Bay, Vaucluse

Parsley Bay is a narrow stretch of water and beach. The reserve is perfect for a picnic, and the century-old suspension bridge joining the two sides of the bay adds some history to this beach. If you’re looking for even more seclusion, try to find Kutti Beach, a spot between Parsley Bay and Watson’s Bay.

Parramatta Lake, Parramatta

While not technically a beach, Parramatta Lake features a designated swimming spot within a 73-hectare area of bushland. This is a great spot for walks, picnics, and cooling down on a hot day.

Bungan Beach, Mona Vale

Bungan Beach is a lesser-known surf break between Mona Vale and Newport on the Northern Beaches. The near-50-metre-high cliff faces, and bushland that surrounds the beach, provide some stunning scenery. There is limited parking, and a steep descent on a private driveway to the beach, so you’re sure to find it quiet.

Delwood Beach, Manly

Delwood Beach, on the harbour side of Manly, offers pristine waters for swimming or snorkeling. It is just past Manly Wharf and the Sea Life Sanctuary before you reach Fairlight Beach. Follow the small staircase down to find it.

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