An undeniable wildness exists at Garie Beach that can’t be found at Sydney’s metropolitan beaches. It’s in the Royal National Park, surrounded by thick rainforest teeming with native birdsong. The nearby Governor Game lookout is an excellent vantage point for whale watching in the cooler months.

The beach itself is primed for a range of activities including surfing, fishing or an easy splash-around. It’s a popular picnic area, and visitor numbers can – and often do – exceed the available parking space. This is a day trip you should definitely carpool on, best done mid-week to beat the crowds.