The 10 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 into a glistening ocean that stretches to an endless skyline of blue. And many of these dreamy beaches can be found right in the heart of Australia's largest city - Sydney.

But the Harbour City has some out of the way, little-known beaches too, and a few newly opened ones that defy the classic image of a beach yet hold the same appeal.

Whether you are planning a beach day with the family, looking to explore your local area or wanting a new, 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 to all-new destinations like Marrinawi Cove, we have created the ultimate guide to the 10 best beaches in Sydney.

Quick Links

• Coogee Beach
• Palm Beach
• Camp Cove Beach
• Cronulla Beach
• Freshwater Beach
• Bondi Beach
• Manly Beach
• Gordons Bay
• Putney Beach
• Marrinawi Cove

1. Coogee Beach

Beginning our list of the 10 best beaches in Sydney is Coogee Beach. If you ask Eastern Suburbs locals what the best Sydney beach is, many put Coogee before Bondi, and it's not hard to see why. The beach is less crowded and family-friendly, with plenty of facilities like showers, plus gentle waves and calm waters.

Be sure to check out:

• The historic ocean baths at Coogee's southern end.
• The memorial to victims of the 2002 Bali bombings on the northern headland.
• Nearby McIver Baths, Australia's last ocean pool reserved for women and children.

Did you know?

• In 1928, a pier with a theatre, restaurant and ballroom was built at Coogee, but it was demolished in 1934.
• Coogee's former aquarium was the site of the infamous Shark Arm case.
• Wedding Cake Island in Coogee Bay protects the beach from most swells.

2. Palm Beach

Stretching out from the Northern Beaches towards Broken Bay, Palm Beach is another strong contender for the best beach in Sydney. At sunset, reddish-orange hues streak across the blue sky as small waves gently crash along 2.3 km of golden shoreline. And there's more than picturesque views and soft sands to enjoy - you'll also find nearby markets to wander through, cruises to explore nearby sights, kayaking, a lighthouse walk, fabulous restaurants and even a golf course!

Be sure to check out:

• Barrenjoey Lighthouse at the northern end of the beach.
• The two sandstone boulders on the beach that attract rock climbers.
• The stalls at the monthly Palm Beach Market.

Did you know?

• Many episodes of Home and Away were filmed on this iconic beach.
• You can take a seaplane from Rose Bay in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs to Palm Beach.
• A ferry service runs between Palm Beach, Wagstaffe, and Ettalong Beach on the Central Coast.

3. 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 perfect for fun activities such as snorkelling, kayaking or enjoying a quiet and relaxing picnic.

Be sure to check out:

• Nearby Aboriginal rock engravings depicting a range of marine creatures including whales and fish.
• Watsons Bay Hotel for a drink and a meal with million-dollar views.
• The South Head Heritage trail, which starts at the northern end of the beach.

Did you know?

• In 1788, the First Fleet rested for a night in Camp Cove before landing at Sydney Cove.
• Ferries depart from Watsons Bay to a range of destinations around Sydney Harbour.
• In summer, a beach mat improves access for people with disabilities or mobility challenges.

4. Cronulla Beach

Head down to South Sydney and discover Cronulla Beach, another slice of absolute paradise that can only be found in Sydney. It's also the only beach in Sydney that can be reached by train, which saves you the struggle of battling for a spot in the local car park. There is a vast collection of stunning rock pools to enjoy, award-winning restaurants to dine at, trained lifeguards available all year round and incredible views of Bate Bay.

Be sure to check out:

• The thriving sea life in the rockpools while snorkelling.
• The whale watching tours that run from mid-May to late October.
• Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club for a meal with waterfront views.

Did you know?

• The name Cronulla is derived from an Aboriginal word kurranulla, meaning 'place of pink seashells'.
• Formed in 1907, the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club was one of the first surf clubs established in Australia.
• The TV adaptation of Puberty Blues was filmed in and around Cronulla.

5. Freshwater Beach

Known to the locals simply as "Freshy", Freshwater Beach is located north of Manly and is the literal definition of 'where the city meets the beach'. As one of the most popular family beaches in Sydney, it has waves that can reach up to two metres, making it a great beach spot for grabbing a surfboard and hitting the waves, or just relaxing with family. 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.

Be sure to check out:

• The Wormhole - the manmade tunnel linking Manly and Freshwater beaches.
• The life-size statue of Duke Kahanamoku on the northern headland.
• The eight lane, 50 metre saltwater pool at the north end of the beach.

Did you know?

• In 2012, the 4km stretch between Freshwater Beach and Shelly Beach was declared the "Manly - Freshwater World Surfing Reserve".
• Freshwater Beach is where surfboard riding was popularised in Australia by Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku during a 1915 demonstration.
• Freshwater Beach is one of 21 Northern Beaches on the peninsula.

6. Bondi Beach

Nationally and internationally regarded as the 'magnus opus of beaches in Sydney', the sparkling jewel that is Bondi Beach needs no introduction. It is home to a variety of world-famous events such as skateboarding competitions, and has cemented itself into popular culture through iconic televisions shows like Bondi Vet and Bondi Rescue. Whether you want to take a surf lesson, explore the coastline while stand up paddleboarding, chill out with a drink 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.

Be sure to check out:

• Bondi Icebergs, one of Australia's oldest swimming clubs.
• The gallery and theatre in the historic Bondi Pavilion.
• The clifftop walk that runs from Bondi to Coogee.

Did you know?

• By 1929, approximately 60,000 people would visit Bondi beach on a typical summer weekend day.
• Through most of the 20^th century, Bondi Beach was a working-class suburb, home to many Jewish migrants from Eastern Europe.
• Bondi Beach has been at the centre of debates about decency in beach attire as far back as 1907.

7. Manly Beach

Two beaches instantly spring to mind when thinking of Sydney - Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Scattered with its iconic Norfolk Island pine trees and spanning three kilometres, this patrolled beach is another big reason tourists from across Australia and all over the world flock to Sydney. 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 paddleboarding and so much more!

Be sure to check out:

• Shelly Beach, the only western facing beach on the eastern coast of Australia.
• The undersea life in nearby Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
• The Corso, a pedestrian plaza that's Manly's shopping and dining hub.

Did you know?

• Manly Beach was home to the first surfing contest held anywhere in the world in 1964.
• The beach was named by Capt. Arthur Phillip for the indigenous people living there, who impressed him with their stature and confidence.
• Ferries take you from Manly from Circular Quay in approximately 30 minutes.

8. Gordons Bay

Gordons Bay is considered a 'hidden gem', 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, and accessible only by foot - but it's well worth the effort. It's an incredibly popular dive spot, featuring an underwater nature trail. On the surface, calm tranquil waters beg to be explored either by kayak, stand up paddleboard or snorkelling. This secluded oasis is also a great fishing spot, so make sure you pack your fishing rod before going down!

Be sure to check out:

• The tinnies belonging to members of Gordon's Bay Amateur Fishing Club stored on wooden racks.
• The resident blue gropers who curiously swim up to divers and snorkellers.
• The Gordon's Bay Underwater Trail, a self-guided 45-minute journey showcasing the aquatic flora and fauna.

Did you know?

• Gordons Bay is home to one species of frog, eight reptile species and 42 bird species.
• A nearby natural spring feeds the abundant wetland undergrowth on the north end of the bay.
• An offshore reef protects Gordons Bay from currents and waves.

9. Putney Beach

For Sydney residents away from the coast, getting to the beach can be a major hassle, with an hour or more in traffic just to go for a dip. That's what inspired Putney locals to create their own beach instead, right on the banks of the Paramatta River. Opened in January 2025, this manmade swimming spot features sandstone stairs, upgrades to the seawall and swim netting, plus plenty of parking and park facilities.

Be sure to check out:

• The extensive playground and facilities at nearby Putney Park.
• Ferry service from Kissing Point Wharf to Circular Quay.
• The scenic riverfront stroll from Kissing Point Park.

Did you know?

• One of the earliest settlers in Putney was the brewer James Squire, who settled there in 1792.
• Putney was a popular place for watching World Championship rowing races from the 1880s to 1930s.
• Cleves Park is considered a possible burial site of Bennelong, the first Aboriginal man to visit Europe and return.

10. Marrinawi Cove

While technically not a beach, Marrinawi Cove makes our top ten list based on a few factors: its location, a short stroll from the heart of the Barangaroo business district, its stunning views, taking in the Harbour Bridge and Cockatoo Island, and its newness, having opened in 2023. Marrinawi Cove features inviting turquoise waters, sandstone slabs to bask on, safety netting and showers. Where else but Sydney can you go for a blissful dip in the heart of the city?

Be sure to check out:

• The nearby historic district of The Rocks, Sydney's oldest settled area.
• The plethora of shopping and dining amenities at Barangaroo.
• Views of the Harbour Bridge, North Sydney and Cockatoo Island.

Did you know?

• Marrinawi Cove's opening marked the first time people could swim in the Barangaroo side of Sydney Harbour in 50 years.
• The cove was an important Aboriginal fishing ground for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans.
• Barangaroo takes its name from Bennelong's second wife.

Explore the Beautiful Beaches Sydney Has to Offer With the Right Gear From Anaconda

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 our range of beach tents and sunshades, beach toys, beach towels, swimwear, beach trolleys, body boards and more for your beach trip.

For more fun holiday destinations, tips and everything else, check out our Adventure Centre at Anaconda today for articles and buying guides like these:

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