Sydney's Beaches

Sydney is famous for its excellent surfing beaches. There are also some popular beaches along the harbour foreshores that don't have any surf including Redleaf, Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay and Camp Cove. There are some less accessible nudist beaches such as Lady Jane and Obelisk.

Most of Sydney's 37 beaches are situated within 30 minutes of the city's CBD by public transport. For locations, check out our Sydney Beach Map. On the south side of the harbour you'll find some of Sydney's main beaches from north to south. Starting from Barrenjoey Head at the northern tip of Sydney's north shore and moving south, you'll also find some of Sydney's other popular beaches.

Bondi Beach: One of the busiest and most famous Sydney beaches, Bondi is just 8km from the city centre and is a must visit for many tourists. Join the sunny, carefree lifestyle along the main promenade or try and spot a minke whale at the northern headland during migration season. Bondi also features a dining precinct offering everything from trendy cafes and casual fish and chip shops to excellent dining venues and iconic names like Gelato Messina.

Coogee Beach: One of the oldest beachside suburbs in Sydney, Coogee is also home to Australia's last remaining women's and children's ocean bath. A true representation of Sydney beach culture, Coogee is a patrolled beach perfect for swimming safely under the supervision of lifesavers. Coogee Beach is also a popular spot for foodies thanks to its buzzing bar and restaurant scene offering delicious food and stunning ocean views.

Cronulla Beach: Cronulla is popular for its diverse yet lively beach culture where swimmers and water sports enthusiasts flock to its waters. On any given day the water will be busy with surfers, swimmers, kiteboarders, stand up paddle boarders and even snorkellers. With a vibrant cafe culture, coffee lovers will enjoy a quality cup while strolling along the esplanade taking in the spectacular ocean views.

Curl Curl Beach: Located in Sydney's Northern Beaches, Curl Curl Beach is situated between Dee Why Beach and Freshwater Beach. One of Sydney's best surf beaches, Curl Curl is approximately 1.2km long and averages waves of around 1.6m. The northern part of the beach features a lagoon which is great for kids who prefer shallow water or to build sandcastles. The southern end of Curl Curl is beautiful and is popular for its cafes and child-friendly ocean pool.

Dee Why Beach: Also situated in Sydney's Northern Beaches district, Dee Why is a popular surf beach and is also host to a number of main events including New Year's Eve fireworks, Australia Day celebrations and a number of sporting events including the Beachley Classic. The area surrounding the beach is a commercial hub offering fantastic shopping, dining and nightlife. Adjoining the beach is Ted Jackson Reserve which boasts funky outdoor table tennis, a children's playground and free WiFi.

Manly Beach: Nestled between a popular surf beach and a tranquil inner-harbour beach, Manly Beach offers the perfect mix of laidback beachside lifestyle and sophisticated shopping and dining. Offering something for everyone, Manly Beach attracts swimmers, surfers and walkers to its long ocean-side stretch of sand. The beach boasts smooth waves making it the ideal place for first time or inexperienced surfers, with lessons available onsite.

Maroubra Beach: Maroubra Beach has deep ties to the local community and has been named by the National Surfing Reserves for its intrinsic cultural, heritage, environmental and sporting value. The 1km curved stretch of white sand offers some of the most consistent waves in Australia, making a popular surf beach with both pros and beginners who are keen to learn. It's also a popular family beach thanks for its safe rock pools, picnic areas and shaded playgrounds.

Palm Beach: Sydney's most northerly beach, Palm Beach sweeps south from Barrenjoey Head and offers excellent surfing and easy coastal walks to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Just over an hour's drive from the CBD, the sparkling blue water and golden sand of Palm Beach are ideal for swimming, surfing, strolling and relaxing. The northern end is ideal for surfing while the protected southern end is the ideal environment for swimming with a 35m ocean pool ideal for paddling in the shallows. The wharf is a great fishing spot while the waterside cafes are the perfect place to relax.

Shelly Beach: Situated in Manly, Shelly Beach is part of the protected marine reserve of Cabbage Tree Bay. Especially popular with snorkellers and scuba divers, Shelly Beach has a maximum depth of 12m and is home to a wide variety of marine life, most of which can be seen in relatively shallow water. There is also a picturesque bush track which winds its way around the headland and offers stunning views of the Northern Beaches. Perfect for family picnics, Shelly Beach features a kiosk, electric bbqs, toilets and showers as well as a restaurant on the beach.

On the south side of the harbour the main beaches from north to south are Sydney's famous Bondi Beach, Bronte, Coogee and Cronulla.

Related Links

• Last Minute Sydney Accommodation
• Aboriginal History
• Things To See & Do
• Sydney Hotels