10 Best Beaches in Sydney, Australia
Looking for the best Sydney beaches for a day in the sun? Here you can find a list of some of the most beautiful and best beaches in Sydney, Australia. We have also included some of the best beaches in Sydney for kids and families too
10 Best Beaches in Sydney
If there is one thing Sydney is known for it’s the abundance of pristine sandy beaches where you can settle back, soak up the rays and listen as the waves crash against the shore.
All the while, you’re munching away on fish and chips with the kids, while fending off the pesky seagulls who are all too eager to join the party.
Are you on the hunt for a fabulous beach to spend your summer days? Or perhaps you’re keen to do a bit of beach hopping to find your favourite spot. Here’s a round-up of the best beaches in Sydney.
1. Freshwater Beach
Number one on our list of the best Sydney beaches is Freshwater Beach. The perfect location for a family-friendly splash, Freshwater is a gorgeous, big beach that offers up plenty of fun. There’s a great rock pool that is great for kids, but also perfect for doing laps up and down for parents, too.
There are even two great playgrounds near the beach, with swings, slides and scooter tracks around. They also have accessible toilets and plenty of seating around, or grass if you’re keen to set up a picnic.
You’ll find a kiosk at the surf life saving club, which is nice and close, so you can grab everyone a much-needed ice-cream as the sun heats up.
2. Avoca Beach
This Sydney beach is one of those hidden gems nestled away on the Central Coast. Just 10 minutes down the road you will find a popular tourist destination, Terrigal, which is why Avoca Beach is such a find. It’s got it all, without the crowds!
You have plenty of options when it comes to splashing with the kids. Down one end of the beach you will find the rock pool, which kids love exploring and running in and out of at low tide.
Right next to it is a handy cafe, getting you through the day with tasty snacks, ice-creams, coffee and more. Beyond that, there’s a great playground with big climbing structures for the older kids and plenty of space to run.
You can also set up in the middle of the beach between the flags for the kids to have a surf (or bodyboard!). Or head to the other end where you will find the lagoon. Dogs do frequent this area, so keep this in mind. There are also paddle boats and kayaks for hire to keep the kids busy.
3. Shelley Beach
Shelley Beach at Manly is a fabulous little spot to wile away an afternoon with the kids in tow. One of its best features is the natural shade provided on the beach, so you can set the family up without the need for lugging out the giant beach canopy.
Right on the beach you will find Boathouse Shelly Beach where you can grab an early dinner to enjoy together. Older kids will love popping on a snorkel and exploring near the rocks, where there’s plenty of coral and colourful fish to spot.
If you’re up for the walk, Fairy Bower rock pool is just down the road down Marine Parade. There’s also a nice, stroller friendly path that takes you around the beach and headland with some incredible views to enjoy along the way.
4. Queenscliff Beach
One of the best beachesin Sydney for families with kids, it’s the Lagoon Park Playground that really makes it.
It’s a big, fenced playground right next to the lagoon, which sings, spider climbing nets, scooter and bike paths and toilets outside. There are so many walks you can take around the area once the kids are done playing as well.
You will find Queenscliff Beach right at the northern end of Manly Beach, with a kid-friendly rockpool that’s perfect for swimming.
Parking here is a lot easier than down the road at big brother Manly beach, and there’s plenty of cafes nearby to grab a bite to eat.
5. Balmoral Beach
If you’re on the hunt for a nice and calm beach in Sydney where the kids can splash out in the waves, then this is your spot. Located just down by the harbour from Mosman, the netted swimming area provides the perfect sheltered spot to dive in.
You’ll find a long jetty down the beach, which is perfect for older kids to go swimming off. Or you can simply set up on the sand, where the water is calm and perfect for kids of all ages.
There’s plenty of cafes around, and a few great fish & chips shops as well. Yum!
Once the kids are done with the water, you can take them up to the playground just off the beach, which has swings, slides, a huge climbing area and plenty more.
If you’re up for it, take off for a walk down the esplanade and soak up some of those rays.
6. Camp Cove Beach
This stunning harbour beach offers up shallow, protected waters that are perfect for the whole family. It’s a well-known snorkelling sport where you might be lucky enough to find an array of fish, and possibly even a seahorse! So pop those goggles in the bag when you visit.
The one downside is there isn’t much shade on this beach, so it’s time to pull out the beach wagon and load it up with your tent to set up for the day.
The Camp Cove Kiosk sits right on the shoes, where you can grab an ice-cream to keep everyone nice and refreshed. They even sell sugar-free slushies!
7. Bronte Beach
Another of Sydney’s best beaches is Bronte Beach. The highlight of this gorgeous beach? On the weekends there’s a model train that takes the kids on rides. Fun! You’ll find a n ice, shaded reserve that’s perfect for picnics, and even has barbecues you can use.
While Bronte Beach is known for their big waves, there’s a shallow natural pool on the south side of the beach, which is great for kids. Close by there’s also a seawater swimming pool, equipped with toilets and showers.
Note, you will have to head back to the north end of the beach to find the kiosk and grab those all-important snacks, so it might help to stock up at the start.
8. Greenwich Baths
If you have little kids, this has to be the perfect beach to take them for a stress-free splash. Of course, there is a catch: it costs to get in. Thankfully, it’s just a few dollars and kids under three are free. Plus, it’s very much worth it.
You won’t find any big waves at this sheltered harbour spot, but you will find toys that are free to use for the kids. Winning! Time to get sandcastle building. They’ve also thought about the parents too, with sun-loungers and picnic tables for you to enjoy.
There’s a kiosk onsite, so you can enjoy some seafood and a cool drink on the beach. PLus, changing rooms and showers are provided with the entry fee.
One of the best beaches in Sydney for kids.
9. Bondi Beach
The most famous Sydney beach by far is Bondi Beach. It is always popular with the tourists, so if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, this isn’t the spot for you. However, it is plenty of fun for a day out with the family.
Bondi Beach is known for its huge waves, but there are also sections for the kids to splash.
At the northern end of the beach you will find a children’s pool with a shallow end that’s perfect for little legs. Be warned, sometimes the waves do break into the pool, which can cause a little stir for wary kids.
Close by the pool, you’ll also find some rock pools kids can explore, collecting shells and spotting sea creatures. There’s also plenty of cafes scattered around to find a bite to eat.
There’s even a playground, which has some great views across the ocean for you to enjoy while the kids play. There’s plenty of shade, with swings, a slide and even a boat. There’s also toilets close by.
10. Little Manly Cove
Another popular beach in Sydney with tourists, Manly Beach really does have something for everyone.
Just across the peninsula from this famous beach you can set your sights on Little Manly Cove, where you will find a little harbour beach that’s nice and sheltered (no surf!).
Kids can splash about in the sharkproof swimming enclosure, or even take a jump off the platform. There’s plenty of mini rock pools for kids to explore, and a kiosk right on the beach with coffee, cold drinks and snacks.
There’s also toilets, and plenty of shade if you head there in the morning.
Plan Your Beach Day
With so many amazing options around Sydney, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to planning a fun-filled beach day!
Just remember to pack the sunscreen and slip, slop, slap to keep everyone sunsafe in warmer months. Happy exploring in some of the best beaches in Sydney!
