From the sparkly sand of Bondi to pretty Palm Beach and every stretch of sand in between, Sydney/Eora is home to some of the best beaches in the world.
Don't forget the sunscreen and to swim between the flags—whether you're a local looking for a dip or a tourist seeking sand between your toes, these are Urban List's picks for the best beaches in Sydney.
Manly Beach
Manly
Image credit: Destination NSW | Paul McMillan
Framed by towering Norfolk Island pine trees, Manly is one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches—it was even named the #7 beach in the entire world in TripAdvisor's 2024 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
It's a hotspot for Sydney beach culture, and all things swim, surf and snorkelling, and a family-friendly paradise, especially if you opt to paddle in the iconic Fairy Bower ocean pool (which is one of our favourite ocean pools in Sydney). After your swim, make plans for fish and chips or elevated beachy dining at one of Manly's best restaurants nearby.
Getting there: Manly Beach is an easy trip from the Sydney CBD via the ferry, which leaves from Circular Quay.
Coogee Beach
Coogee
Image credit: Destination NSW
Coogee Beach is a wide, sandy strip that's super family-friendly, with calm waves and an abundance of facilities to make your beach day a no-brainer.
Bring a picnic rug and spread out on the lawn, or head down to the ocean baths at the southern end of the beach. Mid-beach is where you’ll find the showers, so hit those up before heading up to Coogee Pavilion for an afternoon margarita.
Getting there: Parking can be stressful in Coogee; buses stop right at the beachfront.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Image credit: Destination NSW | Hamilton Lund
Another glamorous stretch of sand that deserves a spot on any list of Sydney's best beaches, Palm Beach is a shoreline with as many drawcards as there are Home and Away episodes (which made this beach famous).
As well as the stunning water, you’ll find a golf course, markets, kayaking, cruises, a lighthouse walk, and incredible restaurants nearby, so your beach day is guaranteed to be action-packed.
Getting there: If you're not driving, the 199 bus is your ticket to a beautiful beach day in Palm Beach.
Bondi Beach
Bondi
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Boud
The sparkly jewel of the Sydney beach scene, Bondi is one of the world's most famous beaches. All year you’ll find fun things to do in Bondi, from the ultra-popular coastal walk to Bronte to learn-to-surf classes, Sculpture by the Sea in spring, and a cheeky cocktail at the beautiful Bondi Icebergs—you might even catch them filming the next season of Bondi Rescue.
Check out our guides to the best restaurants in Bondi and the best bars in Bondi for post-beach treats with a sea breeze.
Getting there: To avoid the madness of the Bondi Beach carpark, the bus is the best way to make your way to Bondi. If you're travelling by train, transfer to a bus at Bondi Junction, or you're in for a 30-minute walk to the water.
Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf Beach)
Double Bay
Image credit: Destination NSW | andre&dominique
This ocean pool near the hub of Double Bay is one of Sydney Harbour’s largest beaches, and you can always find a spot to whip out your towel on the grass, the small strip of sand, or the wrap-around walkway.
The pool is enclosed so you won't have any run-ins with boats (or... other things), there are two floating pontoons to chill on or dive off, and the cafe turns out smoothies, snacks and coffees so you can stay all day.
Getting there: There is a car park with unlimited parking available on weekends, but it gets full at peak times. Buses stop frequently on New South Head Road.
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Camp Cove
Watsons Bay
Image credit: Destination NSW | Andrew Gregory
Camp Cove is perfect for families with calm waters and picture-perfect sunset views of Sydney Harbour and the city. Here you can picnic (on the sand or grass), snorkel, kayak, and treat yourself to a juice or coffee from the popular kiosk.
A rock shelter at the northern end of the beach features some undated shell midden deposits—evidence of the Gadigal people and their deep connection to the area.
Getting there: Its location on the Vaucluse peninsula makes it a little harder to access Camp Cove if you're not driving. Whether you take the bus or ferry to Watsons Bay, it's about a 10-minute walk.
South Cronulla Beach
Cronulla
Image credit: Destination NSW
With year-round lifeguards, beautiful rock pools, and a strand of phenomenal restaurants, Cronulla gives good vibes only—and is hands-down one of Sydney's best beaches.
After a swim, head to nearby restaurant Benny's for a dine-in meal or takeaway treat to enjoy back at the beach or overlooking beautiful Gunnamatta Bay, or step right off the sand into Bobby's.
Getting there: Cronulla is the only beach in Sydney that you can reach directly by train—meaning you don’t have to look for (and pay for) parking, and you can stay all day.
Wattamolla Beach
Royal National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Filippo Rivetti
Wattamolla Beach has something to suit everyone. The emerald-green lagoon is perfect for snorkelling and low-key lilo vibes, the beach is an ideal fishing spot, and the picturesque picnic and BBQ area is one of the best in Sydney.
Just trust us—don't think about jumping from the waterfall into the lagoon. Plenty of thrill-seekers have been injured this way.
Getting there: Follow driving directions to Royal National Park, heading along Wattamolla Road until you reach the picnic area. Prepare to wait for a park if you visit in peak times.
Freshwater Beach
Freshwater
Image credit: Destination NSW | Alexandra Adoncello
Just north of Manly in the Northern Beaches, Freshwater is a classic Sydney beach for reliable waves and good times. It's one of Sydney's favourite family beaches and it's less touristy than Manly with a long history of surfing and surf club culture (keep an eye out for swim events and surf boats).
The 50-metre ocean pool at the north end of the beach is the perfect spot to pump out some freestyle and live your best life. Hungry? Hit up the Harbord Hotel for a casual pub lunch post-swim.
Getting there: There's a car park at Freshwater, and the beach is accessible by bus.
Milk Beach
Vaucluse
Image credit: Destination NSW | Andrew Gregory
Score front seats to Sydney’s best harbour and sunset views and set yourself up on the small but stunning Milk Beach. It’s tucked into the base of Hermit Bay by the heritage-listed Strickland House, with easy access via the Hermitage Foreshore Walk and it’s the ultimate seaside nook for fishing, snorkelling and swimming.
Getting there: Parking is extremely limited in this area, so be prepared to scout out a spot in the narrow streets of Vaucluse. If you take the bus, get off on Vaucluse Road before wandering down through the grounds of Strickland House.
Gordons Bay
Coogee
Image credit: Destination NSW | Jem Cresswell
Gordons Bay might be considered to be one of Sydney's great secret beaches, but "secret" is a bit of a stretch, considering it is a firm favourite with locals looking to hang out on the rocks and snorkel the self-guided Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail on sunny weekends.
Wedged between Coogee and Clovelly Beach, it's a calm and spacious spot—but the actual sand part of this Sydney beach is fairly limited, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear to climb across the rocks for the perfect picnic spot.
Getting there: It's a bit of a walk down to Gordons Bay from the streets of Coogee, following a clifftop path—this one's not the best if you have a pram or limited accessibility.
Balmoral Beach
Mosman
Balmoral Beach is one of Sydney’s best and most popular harbour beaches, with a wide, curving stretch of sand with plenty of room for all beachgoers and a jetty for diving off. It’s also an epic spot to have a quick dip, soak up a warm Sydney afternoon, and then swing into one of the many nearby restaurants.
Getting there: There's plenty of parking around Balmoral, or you can take the 246 bus from Martin Place.
Bronte Beach
Bronte
Image credit: Destination NSW | Filippo Rivetti
The more low-key little sibling of Bondi—and a pleasant one-kilometre walk away—Bronte Beach has one of Sydney's best natural ocean pools that little ones (or those who don't want to brave the ocean) will love.
There's a wide stretch of white sand and heaps of picnic spaces in the grassy park behind the beach, making it a favourite spot for weekend beach BBQs.
Getting there: There is a car park at Bronte, but it's often full. Try your luck in the streets extending up to Waverley Cemetery, or jump on the bus.
Shelly Beach
Manly
One of Sydney’s most popular snorkelling and scuba diving beaches, Shelly Beach is definitely a gem you must tick off your list.
With a massive variety of marine life to see while snorkelling or diving, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas complete with showers, toilets, barbecues, and a cafe, it’s all ticks from us.
Getting there: Shelly Beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay. It's about a 20-minute walk from the Manly ferry wharf, and there is paid parking available nearby.
Newport Beach
Newport
This east-facing Sydney beach is known for talented local surfers who hang out around the south headland, known as The Peak, as well as the long stretch of calmer water smack bang in the middle of the beach which is perfect for swimming. There's a saltwater lap pool if you don't feel like braving the ocean, and once you’re done on the sand, there are a few drinks waiting for you at The Newport nearby.
Getting there: There's parking at the beach, or it's a two-minute walk from where the 190X bus pulls up.
For more summer fun, check out
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- Sydney's Best Ice Cream And Gelato
- Sydney's Best Waterfront Restaurants
Main image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
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