The Best Beaches in Sydney

As a decorated city full of iconic and unique locations, Sydney proudly plays host to a series of the most stunning and tranquil beaches in Australia.

In this guide I will be sharing how you can enjoy and explore the best beaches in Sydney.

One way you can visit and explore numerous beaches on this list is by completing the ever popular and famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. As well as connecting a series of the most iconic suburbs and beaches in Sydney, the route allows you to take in and view the sweeping nature of the coastline and the dramatic scenery from above.

The 3.5 mile route takes between 2-3 hours to complete, depending on stops. For more information, I have previously written a separate guide regarding the coastal walk, which can be viewed here.

How to Get There

Naturally, all of the beaches in Sydney are away from the city and out towards the eastern suburbs, north Sydney or beyond. For the beaches at the eastern suburbs such as Bondi and Coogee, you can simply catch a Bus, or alternatively a Train from central Sydney to Bondi Junction and then hop on a Bus to any of the nearby beaches from there.

For beaches such as Manly heading over towards north Sydney, the best and fastest route is by Ferry, the quickest of which takes 20 minutes. To gain access to the Ferry, simply head down to Circular Quay and connect onto the subsequent port from there.

Bondi

When talking about beaches in Australia and in specially Sydney, where else would we start other than the iconic location of Bondi Beach. As one of world’s most famous beaches, the white sand and trendy nature of Bondi attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each year.

One of the main attractions of Bondi is the laid-back vibes and atmosphere the suburb contains, giving a more than adequate reason as to why Bondi Beach is incredibly popular. Alongside relaxing on the beach, there is potential opportunites to participate in a spot of Surfing alongside the hundreds of locals and visitors alike who love to ride the waves of these golden shores.

Bondi is also well received and loved by all because of its amenities nearby. Just across the road from the beach you will find a wide and varied selection of Cafes, Restaurants, Bars and Shops, all of which are perfect for a refreshment or a break from the intense heat on a day full of sunshine.

To gain a different view and perspective, and to experience all of what Bondi has to offer, head up to the iconic Bondi Icebergs. Over the years the icebergs have become an instantly recognisable location in Bondi, largely in thanks to their famous ocean views. Once a members only club, you can now pay at the door to gain access to the spectacular pools.

Furthermore, from here you also maintain a heightened vantage point of the beautifully crescent shaped beach that is Bondi, allowing you to witness this stunning location in all its glory.

Tamarama

Just a short distance away from Bondi, here lays the picturesque beach of Tamarama. One of my favourite beaches in Sydney, Tamarama Beach has a wonderful setting and is conveniently perched and nestled in a spot which allows for amazing coastal views located on either side.

One of the first things you will notice heading into Tamarama is how popular and refreshing the waves are here, acknowledged by its large amount of Surfers. The area possesses great surf, largely in part due to the outlying landscape that surrounds. However, in turn this can produce strong rips, therefore it is recommend to proceed with caution if you choose to surf here.

Small but mighty, Tamarama definitely packs a punch as it also plays host to a number of facilities for all ages, therefore making it a popular spot amongst the locals of Sydney. With its golden sand and fashionable vibes, the location is a perfect fit for many reasons.

Bronte

Making our way further south along the coastline, the next location on this list takes us to the magnificent beach that is Bronte. As you come down the hill and into the aspects of the beach, you’ll notice this eastern suburb has a relaxed family friendly vibe.

Bronte Beach once again is a fan-favourite spot in Sydney due to its all-round amenities and features, and therefore often leaving you in awe of its flavoursome beauty. Alongside being a popular area for swimmers and surfers alike, the reserve itself also holds a large park and recreational area, perfect for family gatherings and get-togethers in the Summer sunshine.

Far less touristy and away from the well-known hotspots of Sydney, Bronte is also home to the historic Bronte Baths. Similar to the Bondi Icebergs (although smaller in size), the Baths act as tidal ocean pool, reacting to the overflowing nature of the incoming waves.

Of course, a swim here in these pools also have the added bonus of the stunning coastal and ocean views.

Coogee

As maybe one of the best and well loved beaches in Sydney, Coogee Beach is a incredibly popular destination for many, and for a large amount of reasons. Here a bustling historic centre of freedom awaits, an area which attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each and every year.

One of the reasons why Coogee is loved and adored by many is because of its welcoming feel and vibe here, thereby allowing this suburb of Sydney to engage into a lively and energetic energy to its surrounds.

Alongside its charming beach, Coogee also plays host to a number of cool and funky cafes, many of which offer an ocean view, a perfect setting to relax and watch the waves roll in.

Manly

Now it’s time to head north to this subsequent suburb of Sydney. Full of freedom, fun, and surprises, this area acts as one of the premiers of Sydney's Northern Beaches. A renowned and historic location, Manly Beach features one of the top surf destinations in the world.

Featuring golden sand and a 2km long stretch of wavering shores, Manly is popular due to its easy laid-back vibes and vibrant atmosphere. Spilt into three main sections, each area offers something different with its safe-haven of patrolled swimming and locations well known as the best conditions for surf.

Alongside this, the beach features a promenade which allows for activities such running and cycling along the beach, a perfect spot to be outside and active. Furthermore, designated areas are assigned for sports such as Beach Volleyball, which is great fun to play in the summer sun.

In addition to the iconic beach, Manly also hosts its own selection of amenities and wonderful dynamics in the area. To access all that is available, the main varieties of which are located in a stretch of the suburb called The Corso, a pedestrian street and mall which connects the ocean touching beach to the harbour side of the suburb.

Gordons Bay

If it’s a unique and secluded location you’re after, you will be hard pushed to find a more scenic and tranquil location than Gordons Bay. This hidden gem of Sydney is a popular spot with the locals, mainly due to its beautifully picturesque bay and tropical ocean vibes.

Nestled in-between the beaches of Clovelly and Coogee along Sydneys coastline, Gordons Bay is benefited by its transparent waters and casual vibes.

Here, activities such as Diving, Fishing, and Snorkeling are all very well received and extremely popular. Naturally, the local Fishing and Diving Clubs situated here utilise the landscape and location to the full extent.

In total, Sydney is home to over 100 beaches stretching across its harbour sides and coasts. From the iconic famous locations to the hidden gems located in the corners of the city, you could spend a lifetime discovering and exploring each one to your hearts content.

Whether you stick to the classics or extend your reach to the beaches of Northern Sydney such as Narrabeen, Palm Beach and beyond, you’ll no doubt soon realise why Sydney is regarded as one of the best beach destinations in the world.