Sydney's best beachesSYDNEY’S TOP 10 BEACHES YOU CAN’T MISS
Whether you’re travelling down under for the very first time or you’re a born and bred Aussie local, there’s certainly no shortage of golden sands to explore and ocean waters to swim when visiting NSW. Sydney has some of the most picturesque beaches in the whole of Australia, so if you have the desire for a day by the seaside, you’ve come to the right place.
Grab your best friends and lather up in sunscreen, because we have put together Sydney’s top 10 must-see beaches you simply don’t want to miss out on.
Palm Beach
If the name isn’t exotic enough to get you reaching for that bathing suit, then these pristine blue waters will. Situated in the depth of Sydney’s northern beaches, Palm Beach has been nicknamed the ‘jewel’ among them all. Hemmed by verdant greenery and luscious bushland, Palm Beach offers some of Sydney’s most scenic views. The beach is only an hour drive from Sydney’s CBD, so you can make a day of your trip finished with dinner overlooking the harbour bridge. You may recognise the glow of Palm Beach from the famous Australian television series, Home and Away. It is also home to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse and lightkeeper’s cottages, which are well worth a visit while you’re there. Palm Beach is also an enjoyable place to hire boats or jetties for the day.
Manly Beach
Also located among the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Manly Beach is famous for its strong tourist attraction. You will find plenty of entertainment for the whole family along the boardwalk including an array of cafés and restaurants, fabulous shopping experiences, planned events for tourists and bike tours. Manly Beach holds a prime surfing culture and entices people for its stunning walks, surf schooling and of course fine sands for you bronzed bods. You can’t go wrong with heading to Manly Beach for a breath-taking sunset and a romantic stroll along the soft sands
Freshwater Beach
Situated just north of Manly Beach, you will find the incredible turquoise waters of Freshwater Beach. The beach got its name back in the 1900s when its small creek provided fresh water for the visitors and campers in the area (fun history fact, yay!). Freshwater Beach never fails to amaze even the most travelled holidaymakers and boasts a remarkable marine life, hence its popularity among scuba divers and snorkelers. It is also renowned for its 50-metre saltwater lap pool and stunning rock-side views.
Bondi Beach
Roll out your beach towel at another one of Sydney’s most exclusive beaches, Bondi Beach. Bondi is home to one of Australia’s best-known beaches, attracting people from all over the world to its affluent seaside destination. The beach is only seven-kilometres from Sydney central, making it easily accessible by public transport. Whether you want to ride the waves with Sydney’s surfing superstars, or you prefer to stay dry with the sand between your toes, everyone can appreciate the true cosmopolitan vibe of Bondi Beach. We also recommend grabbing a bite to eat at one of their fine dining restaurants, or if you would rather a quick grab-and-go, you can’t go wrong with their selection of lip-smacking fish and chips stores.
Oh, and did we mention the nightlife here is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!
Tamarama Beach
Just a short way up from the bustle of Bondi Beach, about one-kilometre south to be exact, you will find the stunning strand of sand that is Tamamara beach. Fringed by scenic high cliffs, this small but popular recreational beach has been labelled, and I quote, ‘a tiny beach with a big reputation. Tamarama Beach sits at the end of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, a two-kilometre must-see strip of beach that is remodelled each year into a sculpture spectacular with over 100 sculptures, something worth checking out if you get the chance. Don’t forget to pack your picnic with Tamarama Beach’s plentiful parkland and picnic areas. It’s also worth mentioning Tamarama Beach is known for the ladies going topless. We’re all for supporting the #freethenipple campaign!
Bronte
200-metres south of Tamarama and just over a kilometre walk south of Bondi, you will find yourself overlooking the shores of beautiful Bronte Beach. You will quickly notice the exclusivity of Bronte, surrounded by lavish properties and affluent locals (a girl can dream, right?). Bronte is also a great vacationing destination with a broad choice of accommodation, stunning coastal walks, beautiful beach pools and a 30-metre lap pool if you feel so inclined. Bronte’s claim to fame is holding the title of the oldest surf lifesaving club in the world, established in 1903. Let’s just hope they have renewed their lifeguards!
Avalon Beach
It is time to get the surfboards out and our red swimmers on because we have reached Avalon Beach, home of Baywatch in the 1990s. Boasting one of Australia’s finest beaches with its prime surfing culture, panoramic views and golden multi-coloured sands, Avalon Beach is truly an Insta-worthy shoreline (no filter needed). Be sure to check out the 25-metre saltwater rock pool, said to be a pure bliss of relaxation. Grab your sunscreen, put on your shades and head to this splendour of a beach.
Turimetta Beach
Another idyllic shore of Sydney is the incredible Turimetta Beach. Bursting with flat rocks, stunning rock pools and surrounded by mighty tall cliffs, Turimetta Beach is well worth a call by. Be mindful of its strong rips, making it not always the best beach for a swim. Preferably, you can take a romantic walk along its fine sands, make a splash in the inviting rock pools and make friends with the fascinating marine life.
Bilgola Beach
If you head north-east of the Sydney central, you will find the delightfully isolated Bilgola Beach. Nestled between two gorgeous cliffs, this hidden cove is a dreamy destination for beachgoers who like the peace and quiet. Bilgola Beach is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. With it’s turquoise waters and white sands, it truly is a vision of natures beauty at its finest. Why not grab your beach towel and head down nice and early for an exquisite sight like you’ve never seen before.
Whale beach
Neighbouring the waters of Palm Beach, Whale Beach is a quieter alternative with a 600-metre stretch of blue ocean and silk sand. This hidden gem stands between gorgeous sandstone headlands and, much like its sisters, offers an alluring manmade rock pool. Whale beach is great for a relaxed family day out with its soothing environment, picnic areas, playground equipment and lonely nature.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Riana Horner is the creator of the blog Tea with Ri , which brings her love of journalism, the fashion industry and her creative flare all to one place. She intends to inspire people from all over the world no matter how old they are, how rich or poor, or what their profession is, to always follow their dreams and embrace their own success story.
