Best Beaches in Sydney

Here are some of the best beaches in Sydney that one should consider visiting while in the city.

1. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach in Sydney is the country’s most popular and most visited one. This beach is lovingly called Bondi Bubble by the locals. Other than beautiful blue water to swim and surf in, Bondi has lined up souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and bars to let your hair down and relax. Bills or Speedo’s Café are popular brunch spots across the road, where one can go for the day’s meal.

2. Balmoral Beach

In the calmer northern shore of Sydney, Balmoral Beach draws a good crowd thanks to softer waves, gentler currents and enclosed swimming areas. There are places here to learn to do kayaking or paddle-boarding on your own and set off in the crystal blue ocean. After swimming and water activities, one can relax in the many exquisite diners lined up along the beach.

3. Palm Beach

Palm Beach in Sydney in the northern coastline of Sydney is characterised by lush green bushes and sand dunes. It is a long strip of sandy land protruding out as a golf course into the sea. This place is meant for sea-watching while the southern part of Palm Beach is more ideal for swimming. There is an international size swimming pool which aligns with the sea and waves come splashing in. An interesting attraction here is the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Do remember to stop for breakfast on the wooden deck of The Boathouse.

4. Coogee Beach

Although around 8 km away from main city, a visit to Coogee Beach in Sydney is worth the short drive. There are alfresco cafes on the streets, snorkelling trails in the nearby Gordon Bay and big waves to break in with the surfboard. If adventure is not your thing, enjoy the cafes or the beachfront pubs and soak in the ocean with a Carlton beer in hand.

5. Seven Shillings Beach

Seven Shillings Beach, nestled right in between Double Bay and Point Piper, is a thin strip of a sandy stretch. This is an ideal getaway from the rush of the city, but not too far away to enjoy its beauty. From the sunbeds of this beach, one can have a great view of the harbour, the bridge and the opera house. It is one of the quiet beaches in Sydney, despite of being closer to the city.

6. Nielsen Park

Nielsen Park, also known as Shark Beach is a busy little beach with three big open spaces for a picnic. To reach this beach, one has to take the Hermitage Foreshore Walk – a lovely trail that takes you along all the eastern harbour beaches in Sydney.

7. Manly Beach

There is nothing specifically ‘manly’ about this beach. Located near the Circular Quay area, this tranquil harbour-side beach is home to many snorkelling locations and surf clubs. One can reach Shelly beach from here along the Marine Parade. On weekends, there is a craft market here to shop from. If you are looking for fine seafood dining, pay a visit to Manly Wine and get yourself a Grande Platter.