Best beaches in Sydney

Sydney is mainly a beach destination, so it has a large number and variety of places to swim, practice water sports and relax. Here I tell you which are the best beaches you can visit during your visit.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best beaches in Sydney

Cronulla, Sydney |©Nic Prins

Sydney is one of the most important global cities in Oceania, it stands out for its tall skyscrapers and has some iconic buildings, such as the Opera House, which colonizes the skyline of the city, but it is, above all, a beach destination, so it has some of the most popular beaches in the region. Because of their variety and quantity, each of them offers different alternatives, but all equally interesting.

Among the best things to do in Sydney is to visit its beaches, including Bondi Beach, which is one of the most famous in the city, the paradisiacal Manly Beach, the picturesque Palm Beach and Little Bay, which is one of the lesser-known coastal secrets of this destination.

1. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach|©Loraine Blythe
Bondi Beach|©Loraine Blythe

Bondi Beach is undoubtedly the most glittering jewel among Sydney's beaches, establishing itself as the most famous in the city. With its golden sand, crystal clear waters and vibrant atmosphere, this iconic beach attracts both locals and visitors from around the world. Its popularity is due in part to its location just minutes from downtown Sydney, making it an accessible haven for those looking to enjoy the sun and waves.

What sets Bondi Beach apart is its status as a surfer's paradise. The consistent and powerful waves attract surf lovers from far and wide, making Bondi an epicenter for those seeking aquatic thrills. The local surf school offers opportunities for beginners and experts alike, allowing everyone to enjoy this typical Sydney summer activity.

In addition to its renown in the surfing world, Bondi Beach also stands out from a unique perspective: the air. Those who venture out on helicopter tours of Sydney are greeted by the spectacular view of Bondi from above. The stretch of golden sand and crashing waves create an unforgettable image, highlighting the beauty and magnificence of this iconic beach from a unique perspective from above.

Book a helicopter flight

2. Manly Beach

manly beach|©khristianie
manly beach|©khristianie

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney, you can't miss Manly Beach, which is located on the outskirts of the city and stands out for its picturesque and relaxed atmosphere. With its wide views and large beach areas, this site offers visitors a serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its accessibility from central Sydney adds to its appeal, providing the opportunity to escape to this coastal paradise in just a short ferry ride.

Manly Beach, which is considered one of the top 20 beaches in the world, offers a wide variety of activities. The calm waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking or even trying surfing for beginners. The coastal promenade that borders the beach will invite you to take a walk with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the main street, The Corso, is home to stores, cafes and restaurants that perfectly complement Manly's beachside charm.

The journey to get to Manly Beach is also an experience in itself. Opting for the ferry from Circular Quay allows you to enjoy a scenic water ride with unforgettable views of the Sydney skyline. Another exciting option is to choose one of the best Sydney boat tours that includes stops at this site, giving you the opportunity to explore other locations along the way.

Whether by ferry or cruise ship, the journey to Manly Beach becomes the perfect prelude to a day of relaxation in this coastal paradise.

Join a kayaking experience

3. Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach-NSW|©Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn
Bronte Beach-NSW|©Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn

If you want to visit one of the smallest but most famous beaches in Sydney, you can't miss Bronte Beach. This natural stop is located between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach and stands out mainly for its landscapes, which include natural pools in the rocks that are ideal for swimming and relaxing.

In addition, Bronte Beach is located next to a park that offers picnic and barbecue areas, making it a perfect place to spend the day with family or friends. It is also easily accessible, as Sydney' s hop on-hop off tour bus includes a stop in the area.

Bronte Beach also features The Bronte Baths, a saltwater pool that blends into the ocean and is an iconic spot to enjoy the ocean views. The proximity to Pacific Coast National Park adds an element of adventure, allowing visitors to explore scenic trails and discover local flora and fauna.

Buy tickets for the tour bus

4. Murray Rose Pool

Murray Rose Pool|©Erin Perullo
Murray Rose Pool|©Erin Perullo

Tucked away among the cliffs and rocks of the bay, just off the route of Sydney's cruise ships offering shore stops, the natural Murray Rose Pool is located in the Double Bay area, offering a serene retreat away from the crowds and bustle of the city's busiest beaches.

With an ingenious geography that makes it feel like a natural extension of the ocean, surrounded by rocks and with a sweeping panoramic view of the Sydney skyline, this natural pool provides an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to get away from the city crowds that are so prevalent during the summer in the capital of New South Wales.

However, despite its unobtrusive location, Murray Rose Pool is not rugged and the surrounding area has amenities such as easy access stairs and sunbathing areas, providing visitors with a comfortable space to enjoy a quiet day by the water.

Book a cruise with stops

5. Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach|©Marcio Garcia
Coogee Beach|©Marcio Garcia

Coogee Beach is Sydney's coastal gem, standing out among the city's most famous beaches with its unparalleled charm and diversity of experiences. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and golden sand, Coogee Beach offers much more than just a place to lie in the sun and take a dip in the ocean.

What makes Coogee Beach so special is its perfect balance of serenity and activities. The calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the Coastal Walk will have you exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The Coastal Walk, which connects Coogee to Bondi Beach, offers sweeping panoramic views and a tranquil setting for children in Sydney.

In addition to its natural charms, Coogee Beach has a lively local scene. The Pavilion, a historic beachfront building, is home to restaurants and cafes offering everything from delicious brunches to gourmet dining. During the season, local events and festivals add a vibrant touch to the Coogee Beach atmosphere, attracting locals and tourists alike.

6. Tamarama Beach

Tamarama Beach|©Niall Kennedy
Tamarama Beach|©Niall Kennedy

Tamarama Beach is considered one of Sydney's best kept secrets. Offering a picturesque destination, this beach is known as Glamarama, attracting visitors and locals looking to escape the crowds of Blondi and Coogee.

What sets Tamarama apart is its quieter and more exclusive atmosphere compared to its more famous neighbors, and although it is smaller in size, its scenic beauty and crystal clear waters make it an enchanting retreat. Tamarama Beach is appreciated by locals looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds typical of more crowded beaches.

Despite its modest size, Tamarama Beach is known for its strong waves, making it an attractive spot for more experienced surfers. The annual Bondi Sculpture Festival extends to Tamarama, giving the beach an artistic and cultural flair. With its relaxed atmosphere and unique beauty, Tamarama Beach presents itself as a hidden treasure that captivates those seeking an authentic Sydney beach experience.

7. Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach|©Scott Higgins
Shelly Beach|©Scott Higgins

Although lesser known than some of its more famous neighbors, Shelly Beach is a hidden treasure worth discovering. Located in Manly Bay, Shelly Beach is noted for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, which attracts mainly locals, as tourists tend to concentrate en masse on Manly Beach.

The protected natural environment and calm waters, which are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, make Shelly Beach a natural swimming pool, offering perfect conditions for those looking to dive into the deep sea and discover the rich underwater life. In addition, nature lovers can enjoy the scenic trails that surround the bay, exploring the local flora and fauna in an environment far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shelly Beach also has the added charm of being family-friendly, with picnic areas and barbecues that invite you to enjoy a full day in the sun. It is also one of the ideal places to visit with children in Sydney, as the bay retains the force of the waves, making the coast a safe place for the little ones.

8. Little Bay

Little bay|©Jo.eli
Little bay|©Jo.eli

If you want to discover a hidden gem away from the crowds in Sydney, Little Bay, which is distinguished for being a quiet and ideal refuge to visit with the family, can offer an interesting alternative. Contained in a protected bay and calm waters, with restricted access due to its status as a nature reserve, this beach stands out for its golden sand.

In addition, the surrounding area offers gardens and scenic trails that will allow you to explore the local nature and contemplate sweeping views of the ocean. Little Bay is also characterized for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of the city, a curious characteristic since most of the paradisiacal beaches are concentrated in the north of the city.

Because of its location, Little Bay is a place to enjoy not only during the summer, but also during the winter in Sydney, when the surrounding hiking trails flourish and the Pacific Ocean offers some of the best sunsets of the year in the region.

9. Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach|©Anne Lonergan
Clovelly Beach|©Anne Lonergan

Clovelly Beach is one of Sydney's best known rugged beaches and is famous for its unique geography, as unlike the other northern beaches, which are noted for their soft, golden sand, this beach resort has a rocky floor that is easy to distinguish against the backdrop of the crystal clear waters. This unique feature creates a sheltered natural pool, perfect for swimming and exploring marine life.

Clovelly Beach 's natural pool makes it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the ocean without the rough waves of other beaches. The calm waters make it a popular choice for families with young children, as well as those who prefer a quieter, more relaxing swim. Snorkeling enthusiasts also find Clovelly an underwater paradise.

In addition to its aquatic attractions, Clovelly Beach features a picturesque coastal promenade offering views of the ocean. The calm and relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the welcoming local community, creates a unique experience at this beach stranded just off Gordons Bay.

10. Lady Bay

Lady Bay Bitch|©charlotteinaustralia
Lady Bay Bitch|©charlotteinaustralia

Lady Bay, on the outskirts of Sydney, stands out as one of the few recognized nudist beaches in Australia. This coastal nook has earned a reputation for being a space where those who opt for nudity can enjoy the sun and sea in a relaxed and respectful environment. While nudism may not be for everyone, Lady Bay has attracted those who value freedom and connection with nature without the barriers of swimwear.

Surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, the beach is in a secluded space and offers privacy and tranquility, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the nudist experience without feeling exposed. Lady Bay's respectful and tolerant atmosphere has contributed to its reputation as a popular destination for those looking to explore nudism in a natural setting near the popular Hornby Lighthouse.

Despite its notoriety as a nude beach, Lady Bay also attracts the curious and visitors who simply wish to enjoy the beauty of the Australian coastline. Its appeal is not limited to nudity alone, but is also highlighted by the ruggedness of the surrounding vegetation and crystal clear waters. Are you up for the challenge?

11. Palm Beach

Swimmers at Palm Beach, Sydney.|©Michael Phillips
Swimmers at Palm Beach, Sydney.|©Michael Phillips

Palm Beach, known as Palmy by the locals, is one of the most famous beaches in Sydney and part of its popularity is due to the fact that it was the setting for the iconic Australian television series Home and Away.

What makes this beach, located north of the city, unique is its combination of coastal elegance and natural surroundings. Golden sands stretch the length of the peninsula, offering an idyllic spot to enjoy warm days and Pacific waves. In addition to being a beach destination par excellence, Palm Beach features the Barrenjoey Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula, a lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the coastline and ocean.

Additionally, along the main street you can discover cafes and restaurants that allow you to continue enjoying the area even after sunset, so visiting this beach is also one of the best things to do in Sydney at night.

12. South Cronulla Beach

South Cronulla Beach|©Beach & Bay Realty
South Cronulla Beach|©Beach & Bay Realty

South Cronulla Beach is one of the most famous and picturesque beaches in southern Sydney. Its notoriety is due in part to its strategic location, as it is outside the tourist bustle of the north of the city. This factor makes it a haven of tranquility compared to the busier seaside resorts, allowing visitors to enjoy the coast without the usual crowds.

The beach has a long stretch of golden sand that runs along the shore, providing a spacious place to relax and enjoy the sun. Calm waters and gentle waves make this beach an idyllic destination for those looking to swim or simply soak in the serenity of the ocean.

Despite its local popularity, South Cronulla Beach retains its authenticity and is a place frequented primarily by locals. The local cafes and stores along the promenade offer a more intimate experience, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic coastal life off the main tourist and surfer circuit in Sydney. So if you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, South Cronulla may prove to be a must-see alternative.