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Where To Find The Best Beaches In Sydney
When Australians think of retreating to a picturesque beach, they think of golden sand being greeted by the splash of the tide as it sweeps back and forth, retreating back into a glistening ocean that stretches into an endless skyline of blue - and many of these 'dream-like' beaches can be found in Sydney.
Whether you are planning a beach trip with the family, looking to explore your local area or wanting an exciting beach destination for the holidays, Sydney is the place to be. From obvious standouts such as Bondi Beach to lesser-known gems like Gordons Bay, we have created the ultimate guide where you can find the best beaches in Sydney.
Quick Links:
- Coogee Beach
- Palm Beach
- Camp Cove Beach
- Cronulla Beach
- Bronte Beach
- Freshwater Beach
- Bondi Beach
- Whale Beach
- Manly Beach
- Gordons Bay
Coogee Beach
Beginning our list of the best beaches in Sydney is Coogee Beach. If you were to ask the locals what the best Sydney beach is, they would put Coogee Beach before Bondi Beach, and it's not hard to see why. The beach is super family-friendly, offering plenty of facilities like showers and enjoyable calm waves. Whether you are bringing down a blanket to enjoy a nice picnic or bringing the kids down for a splash in the water, Coogee Beach caters to every need. You also can't head down without taking a dip in the nearby ocean baths that are located at the southern end of the beach.
Palm Beach
Stretching out like an extended arm towards Broken Bay in Palm Beach, another strong contender for the best beach in Sydney. If you head down during sunset, you will be treated to a breathtaking sight of reddish-orange hues streaked across the blue sky as small waves gently crash along the 2.3km golden shoreline. Palm Beach is located on the Northern Tip of the peninsula and the name may ring a bell as many episodes of Home and Away were filmed on the iconic beach. And there are not just picturesque views and soft shorelines to enjoy. You will also find plenty of activities such as nearby markets to wander through, cruises to explore nearby sights, kayaking, a lighthouse walk, fabulous restaurants and even a golf course!
Camp Cove Beach
Unlike the other beaches on our list, Camp Cove Beach is a harbour beach, which means gentle calming splashes of water coming into the shoreline rather than the crashing of ocean waves and whitewash. This creates a tranquil paradise escape that many locals, families and visitors seek out. Camp Cove Beach is also littered with fun activities such as snorkelling beneath the water's surface and kayaking along the coastline. If relaxing is the top task on your agenda, then it's the perfect spot for a quiet and relaxing picnic with friends, family or loved ones.
Cronulla Beach
Head down to South Sydney and you will discover Cronulla Beach, another slice of absolute paradise that can only be found in Sydney. For travellers, it's also worth mentioning that this is the only beach in Sydney that can be reached by train, which saves you the struggle of battling for a free spot in the local car park. There is a plethora of stunning rock pools to enjoy, award-winning restaurants to dine at, trained lifeguards available all year round and incredible views of Bate Bay.
Bronte Beach
Situated about 10km from the Sydney CBD, Bronte Beach is one of the most popular and loved beaches in Sydney. With a rich history dating back to 1845 (including a tram line that once used to go directly to the beach), Bronte Beach is filled with jaw-dropping views of cascading cliffs, a spectrum of blue hues reflecting from the ocean and a surrounding valley of lush green stress and stunning sandstone. It's perfect for families wanting a dip in the ocean as well as a relaxing picnic of the wide stretch of sand.
Freshwater Beach
Known to the locals as "Freshy", Freshwater Beach is located north of Manly and is the literal definition of 'where the city meets the beach'. As the most popular family beach in Sydney, it has reasonable waves that can reach up to two metres and lifeguards that are always on duty, making it a great beach spot for relaxing with family or grabbing a surfboard and hitting the waves. Freshwater Beach also has the best northeast wind conditions that any other beach in Sydney. Notable spots include the 50m natural ocean pool and the nearby Harbord Hotel.
Bondi Beach
Both nationally and internationally regarded as the 'magnus opus of beaches in Sydney', the sparkling jewel that is Bondi Beach needs no introduction - but we will give it one anyway. It is home to a variety of world-famous events such as the Vans Bowl-A-Rama skateboarding competition and has cemented itself into popular culture by being the centre of many iconic televisions shows like Bondi Vet, Bondi Rescue and even video games like Tony Hawk's Underground 2. Whether you want to take a surf lesson, explore the coastline while stand up paddle boarding, chill out with a drink and bite to eat at the famous Bondi Icebergs, take a dip in the ocean pools or simply sit back and relax on the iconic stretch of sand, there is heaps to do at Bondi Beach.
Whale Beach
Stretching out for 600 metres is Whale Beach, another top pick for one of the best beaches in Sydney. A key feature of this beach is that the winds come in from the southeast, creating a 'wedge effect' in its waves, making it a great destination for more experienced surfers. The landscape of Whale Beach is a blend of golden sun-kissed sand and giant rocks sprawling out into the ocean. If surfing doesn't tickle your fancy, this is still the perfect spot to unravel a blanket and enjoy a secluded picnic on a beach that would rival any beach in the world.
Manly Beach
Two beaches instantly spring to mind when thinking of Sydney - Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Scattered with large Norfolk Island pine trees and spanning three kilometres, this patrolled beach is another big reason tourists from Australia and all over the world flock to Sydney. Having held the first surfing contest in the world, Manly Beach is a surfer's paradise, featuring plenty of swell all year round. And as one of the world's most popular beaches, there is plenty to see and do such as snorkelling, swimming, fishing, stand up paddle boarding and so much more!
Gordons Bay
Gordons Bay is considered a 'hidden gem' to tourists, but it is still incredibly popular with locals and those in the know. Protected by an offshore reef, Gordons Bay is nestled between Clovelly and Coogee, being accessed only by foot - but is well worth the effort. It is an incredibly popular dive spot with locals and features calm tranquil waters that beg to be explored either by kayak, stand up paddle board or snorkelling. There is also an underwater nature trail to be discovered for those who are looking for a little adventure. This secluded oasis is also a great fishing spot, so make sure you pack your fishing rod before going down!
Explore the Beautiful Beaches Sydney Has to Offer
There is nothing quite like heading down to the beach with family either on the weekend or during a holiday for some much-needed relaxation. Explore these places on our guide and discover all the best beaches Sydney has to offer! Ensure you are fully equipped with all the beach essentials you need with Anaconda. Explore the range of beach sunshades, swimwear, body boards and more for your beach trip at Anaconda. For more fun holiday destinations, tips and everything else, check out our Adventure Centre at Anaconda today, some articles and buying guides you might like:
