Sydney's best beaches for sun, sea and surf

Good for: surfers of all levels
Facilities: SLSC, ocean pool, toilets, showers, change rooms, restaurants, cafes

This beautiful cove north of Manly is the birthplace of modern surfing in Australia thanks to a 1914 demonstration by Duke Kahanamoku, a visiting Hawaiian Olympian. It has some of the most reliable breaks in the city and being away from a big shopping hub means it’s one of the Northern Beaches' more relaxed and scenic beaches. It is patrolled from September until May. It's also home to Pilu, a Sardinian fine diner in a weatherboard beach cottage just above the dunes.

Good for: post-brunch beaching, gentle swims, big gatherings
Facilities: kiosk, toilets, changerooms, showers, public BBQ and picnic area

Whatever your pleasure, Bronte is a reliably all-purpose beach. It has waves every bit as exciting as Bondi’s, but also quiet rock pools and the beautiful ocean baths at its southern end for those who prefer a gentler dip. Its pristine sands lead to well-manicured lawns with modern utilities, including shower blocks, barbecues and a well-stocked kiosk, plus it’s easily accessible from the city. There are also plenty of cafés to be found along Bronte Road, so it’s ideal for that classic Sydney weekend combo of brunch and the beach.

Good for: some of the most picturesque swimming you can get in the city
Facilities: two SLSC, two ocean pools, toilets, showers, change rooms, parking

Impressively, this deep cove boasts not one but two ocean baths – the rockpool at the north end and a dual basin lap pool at the southern point that allows cold water wusses to enter gradually before submerging completely. North Curl Curl has protective cliffs, a lagoon and there's an off-leash dog excercise area behind the dunes. Manly catches most of the tourists so Curl Curl is a quieter locals' beach.

Good for: disabled access, families and kids
Facilities: toilets including disabled access, playground, picnic area

City types might wince at the thought of travelling so far south for a beach when there are so many in easy reach, but Cronulla is situated a conveniently short stroll from the train station, with regular services to Sydney Central. It’s patrolled year-round, so no matter the season you can enjoy its waters with peace of mind, and it’s also fully wheelchair accessible. Cronulla seamlessly connects with a chain of beaches running the length of the peninsula (Wanda Beach is also well worth checking out), but should you tire of the sands, there’s the expansive Cronulla State Park to explore.

Good for: snorkelling, sunbaking, families
Facilities: toilets, showers, change rooms, disabled access, ocean pool, kiosk, barbecues, playground

Tucked between Bronte Beach to the north and Gordon's Bay to the south, Clovelly is a small beach lying at the mouth of a narrow bay between two rocky ridges. If sand is not your favourite, you’ll be pleased by the large patches of concrete where you can roll out your towel. Have a float in the ocean pool or grab a snorkel and go looking for ‘Bluey’ the groper – there's also ample space for prams and disabled access all the way around the beach. 

Good for: learning to surf 
Facilities: SLSC, volleyball nets, toilets, showers, changerooms, surfboard hire, playgrounds

Manly’s beach is such a luxuriously long stretch of golden sand that it’s divided into three sections: Queenscliif at the northern tip, North Steyne and South Steyne. It’s a popular surf break (home to the Manly Surf School), and very well guarded (year-round) so there’s always a safe stretch for swimming. The long walking/cycling track that runs parallel to the shore is a daily promenade for dogs, skaters and athletic types, or for cardio on the sand there are also beach volleyball nets for hire.

Good for: surfing, swimming, mini-breaks, picnics, and star-spotting
Facilites: Ocean pool, SLSC, toilets, showers, change rooms, cafes and kiosks nearby

Sydney’s most northerly surf beach is also the famous filming location for long-running soap, Home & Away. In fact, it’s far enough from the CBD that people genuinely have holiday homes in Palm Beach, and why wouldn’t you: clean air, clear water, and fewer crowds than the central sands. The narrow peninsula has the open ocean on one side and the calm waters of Pittwater on the other, plus just enough spots for a beachside brunch to keep the coffee set happy. 

Good for: surfing, as a pitstop along the coast on the Coogee-Bondi 
Facilities: SLSC, toilets, changerooms

The quieter, more chilled-out sister of Bronte and Bondi Beaches, ‘Tama’ is an inlet with great surf and grassy areas for picnicking. Watch out for that current though – it’s well-regarded as one of the country’s most dangerous patrolled beaches. 

Good for: a secluded alfresco lunch with stunning vistas
Facilities: SLSC

On either side of Long Reef Head are two of the quieter stretches of sand along the Northern Beaches inside an aquatic reserve where line and spearfishing are permitted. There’s a Surf Life Saving Club at Long Reef Beach, which is north of the mouth of the Dee Why Lagoon, but little else facilities wise. While Fishermans has even fewer amenities, it's still a picturesque spot to eat an award-winning pie from Collaroy bakery Upper Crust.

Good for: a post-hike swim under the falls
Facilities: toilets, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, car park

This beauty of a beach is an overachiever for sure: it’s got a waterfall and a lagoon, and it’s nestled in the Royal National Park, but don’t think that its faraway location saves it from crowds at peak times. It’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure: you can trek through the forest to end up here, or you can park close by at the picnic area for ease of access. Just note there’s no drinking water, so bring your own.

Good for: surfing, beachside eats and drinks
Facilities: toilets, showers, wheelchair access, surfboard hire, lifeguard patrol

While Bondi claims the fame, this 1.1 kilometre bay with a world-famous wave culture is the OG home of Surfing NSW. Beyond the thundering waves favoured by the likes of Kelly Slater, the Bra is hemmed by windswept dunes, wild bushland and a rocky headland – yet is close to many eating and drinking options. With year-round patrols, this place is safe and popular with families as well as the constant flow of surfers. But less confident swimmers may be better sticking to floating in Mahon Pool at the beaches’ north. 

Good for: diving, perching on the rocks with a picnic
Facilities: none, but toilets and cafes at Coogee Beach nearby

One of the prettiest nooks on the Coogee-Bondi coastal walk, this little beach is tucked away just north of Coogee beach. With its calm waters, boats moored on the sand and shady, rocky hangouts, it’s a popular cove come summertime. It’s also a favourite among divers and snorkellers for its clear water.

Good for: experienced surfers who want to spread out across the waves
Facilities: SLSC, changerooms, toilets, showers, kiosks, parking

It’s long, famously rip-filled and a breeding ground for world-class surfers. Four SLSCs guard this stretch of coastline and as such they are the safest places to swim. Aside from the clubs and kiosks there isn’t much in the way of high street shops or facilities - but one benefit of the location is that there are vast amounts of beach-adjacent street in which to search for parking.

Good for: a family day out with gorgeous views to boot
Facilities: playground, kiosk, picnic tables, toilets, change rooms

Picturesque Chowder Bay is situated in Sydney’s North near Mosman and makes for a great family day out. If you’ve got kiddies willing to trek, take the walk from Bradley’s Head near Taronga Zoo all the way to Chowder Bay for a stroll with a huge pay-off in views. Oh, and the playground set-up will make you want to be a little one yourself. 

Good for: letting it all hang loose to a backdrop of beautiful harbour views
Facilities: none, but toilets and picnic facilities at Camp Cove nearby

This nude-friendly beach isn’t your average family day out, but it’s a stunner if you’re fine with a little open expression. It’s just up near Camp Cove, and looks out over the harbour. You can’t drive or get transport straight there, but it’s pretty easy once you find Camp Cove – just follow the South Head Heritage Trail, which starts up near Camp Cove’s kiosk, and you’ll end up in this little nook. 

Good for: groups, families, swimmers, surfers, sunseekers – everyone really
Facilities: bathers pavilion with toilets, changing rooms and toilets, easy access to shops and picnic areas

It is the Sydney beach, which is a status that comes with pros and cons. While it has plenty of conveniences, from its proximity to shops and eateries to its as-seen-on-TV Bondi Lifesavers, it’s also considered one of the city’s biggest tourist traps, and overcrowding, trouble parking and a general absence of beachside serenity tends to put off many Sydneysiders. All the same, there's no denying that this is a world-class beach that ranks up there with the likes of other celebrity sands such as Miami or Impanema.

Good for: snorkeling, scuba diving, coastal walks
Facilities: showers, toilets, café, barbecues

This secluded beach is a lot more chilled than the nearby sandy stretch of Manly Beach. The whole area is a nature reserve, so look out for protected water dragons on the walk from Cabbage Tree Bay and blue gropers in the waters, which are popular for snorkeling and diving.

Good for: kids, picnicking on the grass
Facilities: café, change rooms, toilets, playground

With refreshingly cool water and picture-perfect suspended bridge overlooking its secluded shore, Parsley Bay is a gem of a beach hidden in Sydney’s east. It's definitely one of the prettiest numbers on this list, and it's got a bounty of native fauna and flora for you to explore. If you’re really lucky you might even spot a wild seahorse (they’ve been known to live along the shark net at the mouth of the bay). Its strip of sand is also perfect for a round of beach cricket or Finska – gather the troops and park here for an ideal kind of beach day.  

Good for: big get-togethers with barbecues, picnics, people watching
Facilites: lifeguards, toilets, change rooms, showers, shops, cafes, park, barbecues, ocean pools

Coogee is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, and a great one for swimmers – its more sheltered conditions mean it’s not as regular a surfing haunt. It’s central, easy to access, surrounded by facilities and shops, and the sand backs onto a grassy stretch of park popular for picnics, barbecues and lawn games. Bonus points for having Sydney’s only women’s baths (McIver Baths) and the Wylie Baths tidal ocean pool.

Good for: nature lovers and snorkellers, interesting local history
Facilities: toilets

On the southern edge of the Kamay Botany Bay National Park in La Perouse, Congwong is the larger of two sister beaches just to the east of Bare Island. History seekers can visit the Island Fort, including a secret shipwreck on its rocky roundparts. The seas here are sheltered and calm, which makes them ideal for swimming and families. Double your fun by taking the ten-minute trail along the coast to neighbouring (and clothing-optional) Little Congwong Beach, which is much like Congwong, but (you guessed it) littler.

Good for: family-friendly picnics and a full day at the seaside
Facilities: kiosks, cafes, showers, change rooms, toilets, pavilion, park, parking

Once you’ve snagged that elusive parking spot, you're free to soak in the reflected luxe life glory of this gleaming harbour beach. Yes, it gets packed to the gills on sunny weekends with families. The appeal of calm waters, leafy trees, gleaming sailboats, and calamari and chips for lunch is a powerful motivator, and its central location sweetens the deal.

Good for: surfing, exploring hidden walkways
Facilities: toilets, changerooms, surfboard hire, lifeguard patrol

Earning the crown as Sydney's very best beach is this well-known surf shore in Sydney’s Northern Beaches adjacent to Manly. It’s a popular hangout for locals and out-of-towners alike, found just a short walk from Manly Wharf and with regular connections to the CBD. It’s got all the elements of a truly great beach: exciting waves, accessible by public transport, solid family-friendly vibes, and little nooks and crannies to explore. Continue on northwards from the main beach area towards the 50-metre rockpool and you’ll meet the ‘Manly wormhole’ that’ll spit you out at Freshwater Beach. If you happen to be there for sundown, you’ll see the pinks and violets of the ocean sunset lighting up the waterfront. 

Good for: experienced surfers 
Facilities: SLSC, showers, toilets, change rooms, parking, drinking water

Is Avalon Beach good for surfing? Well, given it was the home for a while of 11-time World Surfing champion Kelly Slater, it’s fair to say that yes, people come here for the surf. Also the rockpool. Plus it’s conveniently located with a parking lot, a bus stop right out the front of the beach and a lifesaving club to keep everyone’s head above water.

Good for: people watching, harbour views 
Facilities: none

A tiny stretch of sand in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, Lady Martins Beach is found at the end of a Point Piper laneway. Don’t plan to spend the whole day there with picnic in tow, but it’s a picturesque place to lie back, count luxury yachts and spy on exxy real estate from. 

Good for: a bounty of native flora and fauna 
Facilities: toilets, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, wheelchair access

A trip to Resolute Beach should be a compulsory part of any trip to the stunning Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Looking out over Pittwater, with Barrenjoey Head and its picture-perfect lighthouse in the distance, it takes a little effort to reach Resolute, but boy, does the time invested pays dividends. You can reach these sands either by taking the Mackeral Trail from Mackeral Beach after catching a boat across from Pittwater Park Wharf or by heading south on the Resolute Track from the West Head Lookout. Whichever you choose, your day at the beach will come bookended by a blissful bushwalk through some of the most beautifully unspoiled parklands near the city.

Good for: feeling like you’ve discovered a Sydney secret
Facilities: SLSC, sunscreen dispenser, ocean pool, toilets, change rooms, showers, kiosk, parking, bubbler

A very sharp turn down a precipitous street takes you from the Bilgola Bends, the curling bush road that connects Avalon to Newport, to Bilgola Beach. This also gives Bilgola an “off-the-beaten-track” feeling. It’s nevertheless a well-guarded beach with nice touches like a sunscreen dispenser and a chalkboard introducing your guards of the day and giving stats on water temp and tides. 

Good for: a wild and foamy swim in the ocean pool
Facilities: SLSC, toilets, change rooms, toilets, parking, picnic tables, ocean pool

As a rule, the ocean pools dotted along Sydney’s coastline tuck into the rocky outcrops at either end, but the Mona Vale pool sits protruding out to sea at the widow’s peak between the quiet, little Basin Beach and Mona Vale’s bigger beach. The beach is also insulated from the built environment by the adjacent gold course so it feels more wild and remote than other suburban beaches.

Good for: making a day out of a trip north - go from the beach to the famously updated pub, the Newport.
Facilities: SLSC, toilets, change rooms, showers, playground, ocean pool

This 1.3km beach shares more than just its name with California’s famous seaside town. Newport Beach has two surf breaks that draw crowds, an ocean pool, a Surf Lifesaving Club, and a playground when the swell is too much. There’s a stormwater drain right in the centre of the beach so this is one to avoid after heavy rain.

Good for: a quick dip along the Hermitage Foreshore walk
Facilities: picnic tables (on grassy area above the beach)

This tiny strip of sand on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk is beautiful, secluded and worth a stop and a dip while exploring the north-eastern coastline of the city. Take a trip up to the historic Strickland house up above while you’re there.

Good for: some casual whale watching with your swim
Facilities: SLSC, toilets, showers, pool, playground, brunch spots up the hill

Being slightly off the main thoroughfare through Sydney’s northern reaches plays in its favour – this beach isn’t as busy as Palm Beach to the north. Its name isn't just a name - during season, the giants of the sea can be spotted frollicking off the coast as they migrate north and back down again. If you want a fancy getaway, luxe boutique hotel Jonah’s is perched up high on the ridge surrounding the beach.

Good for: swimming, snorkelling and watching beautiful sunsets
Facilities: toilets, change rooms, foot-washing facilities

Embraced by two rocky outcrops on either side, this ocean-facing beach is surprisingly well sheltered from the monster swells so common at other popular spots along Sydney’s southeast coast. While it’s certainly not a total secret, particularly amongst locals, Little Bay definitely falls into the “hidden gems” category of Sydney seaside attractions. We recommend you take in the sunset here; framed by the Bay’s adjacent cliffs, it’s a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Good for: a mid-walk swim
Facilities: toilets

The Manly to Spit Coastal Trail may be one of Sydney's most popular inner-city hikes, but this charming beach on the Dobroyd Head leg of the track is often overlooked by passersby. This pretty spot has great views across the harbour waters towards Manly, and because of its sheltered position within the North Harbour, the swimming conditions here are excellent. The rocky outcrops at the beach’s southern end are worth exploring, both for the marine life in the many rock pools and for the ancient Aboriginal carvings, depicting fish and shields. These are extremely weathered and not always possible to spot, but they're easiest to find when the tide is at its lowest.

Good for: pretending you’re a billionaire 
Facilities: toilets, showers, change rooms, kiosk

It’s the first harbour beach inside the southern head where everyone will have their pants on (Lady Bay is clothing optional). The cove is popular with swimmers, boaters and even scuba divers – the water here is extra clear and crisp – and there's a kiosk where you can buy gelato frozen inside a lemon rind or a Callipo. It’s also an easy walk from Watsons Bay if you want to save yourself the traffic dramas and get the ferry.

Good for: feeling far from the madding crowd
Facilities: SLSC, kiosk, toilets, showers, parking

It’s a steep descent down from the clifftops to Warriewood Beach, and at times the narrow road is one car wide so on weekends it could get snarly. But once you’re here and have parked basically on the beach the sheltered aspect and bird song in the trees will fill you with calm. It’s a reliable surf beach, with a clubhouse at one end with facilities and a kiosk.

Good for: a quiet swim with harbour and city views
Facilities: none, but toilets nearby at the Murray Rose Pool

Push past a gate next to the Murray Rose Pool and you’ll find yourself at Seven Shillings Beach, a flat and scenic strip in Double Bay. Head back towards shore and explore the greenery around the Blackburn Gardens after you’ve had a dip.

Good for: a pup’s day out
Facilities: park benches (nearby on Dumaresq Reserve)

This relaxed beach in the East is placid and perfect for running around with your furry friend. Dogs wanting to swim laps can go for gold at any time in the calm water. At nearby Dumaresq Reserve on the north, free play times are before 8.30am and after 4.30pm.

Good for: secluded swims and breathtaking views
Facilities: disabled parking spot

Take a walk off the beaten path, away from the big beaches at Manly, and you may find yourself in a tucked-away cove that has a beach and its own waterfall. This is Collins Flat Beach – the closest waterfall to Sydney Harbour and a nice little getaway from the city. It’s more of a dribble than a gushing waterfall on our visit, but the best time to go is after heavy rainfall in autumn. You can’t bring dogs though, as this hideaway is a habitat for fairy penguins. 

Good for: surfing, easy access to the Royal National Park
Facilities: toilets, changing rooms, showers, SLSC, kiosk

Take an hour’s drive south of Sydney and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the epic, rolling bushlands of the Royal National Park. Along its eastern edge, there are several isolated beaches, but the largest and most impressive is unquestionably Garie. It’s surrounded by densely forested hills, but thanks to the Surf Life Saving clubhouse, you’ll still have access to toilets, changing facilities and even (cold) showers. Surf conditions are bodacious here, although these waves are best left to the more experienced tube-chasers as there are only lifeguard patrols 9am-5pm in December and January.

Good for: lazing on a pontoon, beach picnics
Facilities: kiosk, toilets, change rooms, showers

Murray Rose Pool (formerly Redleaf Pool) can be found in Double Bay's Blackburn Cove and provides swimmers with a safe harbourside tidal enclosure. There’s a wrap-around deck, which makes for a lovely walk and begs for a dive into the cool water, where you can swim to a floating pontoon that's perfect for sunbathing. Feeling peckish? Head to the kiosk on the hill, grab a snack and take in the views of Sydney's wondrous harbour.

Good for: a relaxed clothing-optional vibe, snorkelling, gay friendly 
Facilities: none - take what you need, leave nothing behind

Obelisk Beach is one of Sydney's few legal nude beaches, so if you're feeling the natural vibe, then shed some layers here. You'll need to park up the hill and walk a fair way to get here – it's at the bottom of a long series of steps, and as far as beaches go, she's a small one. But it's worth it for the gorgeous views of Camp Cove and Parsley, Watsons and Vaucluse Bays in the distance.

Good for: a quiet waterfront barbecue away from the waves and crowds
Facilities: Beach House café, barbecues, picnic spots, toilets, drinking water, golf course

Sure, Palm Beach might get all the limelight, but this serene stretch of tidal sand in Pittwater on the other side of the peninsula is where to head for some quiet time, maybe with a kayak or paddleboard. There are parklands for a barbecue or picnic, the Boathouse Palm Beach for fancy brunch and a golf course.

Good for: family picnics with splashy fun
Facilities: kiosk, barbecues, picnic tables, shade, toilets, parking, netted swimming area

Sandy, shallow, warm and shady is how to best sum up this family-friendly beach in Middle Harbour. The Clontarf Reserve has picnic tables, amenities, a kiosk and barbecues plus lots of shade, and the netted pool is a gradual incline so it’s good for swimmers of all skill levels.

Good for: cooling off those hot feet after a long walk
Facilities: netted swimming area, swings, barbecue area

As you near the 10km mark on the Spit to Manly Coastal Walk you’ll be aching to dip your feet in the cold, clear water that’s been taunting you the whole way. If you can’t hold out for Manly you can always call time early and slip into the netted swimming pool at Forty Baskets Beach, so named for a particularly successful fishing day once upon a time.

Good for: one final dip before the ferry leaves the wharf
Facilities: netted swimming area, bubblers, shops and kiosks nearby

No one would try to argue that Manly Cove was the number one swimming spot in Manly. Hell, it probably wouldn’t even make top five in this water-centric ‘burb, but it is a conveniently shark-netted pool right next to the ferry wharf so if you’re short on time, have just finished the walk in from the Spit, or just want one more dip before heading off – it’s a cheeky spot to strip off and wet your gills.

Good for: feeling like you’ve got your very own private beach
Facilities: SLSC, toilets

There’s a reason you haven’t heard of Bungan Beach, and that’s because it’s very difficult to access unless you live in that particular pocket of Newport. It feels like a private beach, especially as you need to walk down a steep drive to the SLSC – there’s no parking near the beach and the hike back out is no picnic.

Good for: getting away from everyone and everything
Facilities: none, bar the ocean itself

Want to feel like you’re miles from anywhere? Turimetta Beach is a little known beach at the bottom of a steep cliff stairway that leads down from a tiny pocket of shops in suburban Warriewood. There are no lifeguards, no facilities, just you, a bunch of rips and some unspoilt beauty with cliffs to shield you from any reminders of the major city you’re in.

Good for: relaxing swims close to a top tier pub
Facilities: dinghy storage, park benches

The boutique hotel might be synonymous with the name now, but Watson’s Bay was just a pretty strip of sand before Sydneysiders and out-of-towners came to sip Aperol Spritzes and eat fish and chips en masse. Gibsons Beach is a great, secluded spot to while away a day – and you know where to get a drink when you’re ready for one.