Australia has some of the world’s best beaches and Sydney is home to more than a few of them. Some of the beaches you can visit in Sydney are so great that when you find them, you’ll never want to leave. So whether you just want to laze in the sun or go for a surf without the crowds, here’s a top 5 of Sydney’s best beaches.
1. Bronte Beach
With huge palm trees and sweeping grass, Bronte is a great beach. It’s not as busy as the other beaches along the Bondi to Coogee walk, but there are always groups of people enjoying the free BBQs and sun shelters offered here.
The beach itself is wide and sandy. There are rock pools to explore, cliffs to climb and even a salt-water pool to relax in if you don’t want to tackle the waves. Definitely one for our Sydney’s best beaches list.
TOP TIP: If you’re there to cook food, come early to secure a table or BBQ. They get snapped up fast!
2. Manly Beach
Easily one of the best surf beaches in Sydney is Manly Beach. The beach is so long that it usually has all kinds of waves going on. So, you can pick a spot based on whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner wanting to learn in the baby waves.
Manly Beach also has lots of beach-centred sports. There are grassy areas for football and slacklines as well as countless beach volleyball nets. It’s definitely a beach that active travellers will appreciate.
TOP TIP: Look out for surf shops that hire surfboards and wetsuits for decent prices.
3. Little Bay Beach
Little Bay Beach is located a little further out than the busy central beaches and isn’t really on the public transport route. But if you have access to a car, this beach is a must see. It’s a popular one with the locals and easily one of Sydney’s best beaches.
When you head to the calm waters of Little Bay, take some snorkelling gear along with you. The bay is perfect for delicate and small sea life such as anemones, squid and huge schools of younger fish. Giant groupers have also been spotted here. It’s the perfect bay for snorkelling even if you’re a beginner.
TOP TIP: Because it’s a local’s beach, if you go during the week you’ll have the whole beach to yourself.
4. La Perouse Area
The La Perouse suburb has a few beaches worth checking out. The area can be a little tricky to get to but is well worth the effort. An interesting area for the history buffs, there’s an island fort and a historical museum close by. Walk over the rickety planks to Bare Island and go explore the old fort.
If a sunbake with a twist is what you’re after, just lay down on one of the beaches here. Soon enough you’ll spot the planes flying overhead, coming in low to land at the busy airport nearby.
TOP TIP: There’s a nudist beach called Little Cogwong Bay here. Head here to iron out those tan lines, if that’s what you’re into!
5. Camp Cove Beach
No matter what beaches you have on your ‘must-see’ list, make sure you do a sunset in the Watsons Bay area of Sydney. For the best view, head to Camp Cove Beach. As the sun starts to lower, the gorgeous Sydney Harbour and city’s skyscrapers twinkle with lights. It’s quite possibly the best sunset view in the city.
Aside from the sunset, Watsons Bay is Australia’s oldest fishing area. There are numerous sandy inlets to explore and really, really good seafood to sample. Fish and chips are a must-try here. You could also have a cocktail at the beach club or do one of the numerous walks around the beautiful harbour.
TOP TIP: Watsons Bay is easily accessed by ferry. On Sundays, all public transport with an Opal Card is capped at $2.50 AUD. Awesome.
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