Beat the crowds this summer and hit up these Sydney/Eora beachscapes, some of which are so secret that even Google Maps has a hard time finding them. They’re tucked away and totally 'grammable, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else getting in your shot (unless they’re reading this article too).
Here's Urban List's local guide to the best Sydney secret beaches to visit this summer.
Castle Rock
Clontarf
Image credit: Destination NSW | Eugene Tan
Castle Rock really is the ultimate secret Sydney beach—you’ll get to this secluded sanctuary by driving to the end of Ogilvy Road, or hitting the Manly to Spit Bridge walk. Surrounded by rainforest, this super-secret beach is the perfect spot for a swim and picnic (there are no nearby shops or facilities so it’s up to you to BYO all of the snacks and water—you’ve been warned).
Little Bay Beach
Little Bay
This secret Sydney beach is like something from the very far North Coast of NSW. A popular one with anyone who lives around the area, Little Bay Beach is well protected from large coastal swells so she’s the perfect place for children and still-water swimming (you can literally do laps from headland to headland) and snorkelling.
This one can only be accessed by a timber staircase from Pine Avenue, which leads past a beachside chapel and down to the sand but, even though it's a pretty secluded spot, there's a cafe, toilets and parking nearby.
West Head Beach
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
Looking out to Pittwater, West Head Beach is a secluded but accessible secret beach in Sydney's north.
We recommend taking the Aboriginal Heritage Walk from West Head before doing the short walk to West Head Beach and cooling off with a swim in the calm, clear waters, with plenty of shady spots thanks to overhanging trees and rocks.
Milk Beach
Vaucluse
Image credit: Destination NSW | Andrew Gregory
Milk it for all it's worth—this secret Sydney beach boasts one of the best views of the CBD at sunset in town. Hit the Hermitage Foreshore Walk from Rose Bay or Watsons Bay to find this spot, or head in from the historic Strickland House's Vaucluse Road entrance.
Milk Beach's complete seclusion will make you believe there's still such thing as calm in the middle of Sydney. Clean and clear-watered, you won't regret a trip to the East for a swim at this pretty beach.
Store Beach
Manly
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
Head to Manly, rent a kayak and paddle your way to Store Beach—this secret Sydney beach is only accessible by water. Keep an eye out for the resident little penguins (yes, really) between May and February.
Kutti Beach
Vaucluse
Palm trees, sailboats, beachfront mansions and a secret pathway. Sound like your type of secret beach? It's ours too.
Kutti Beach is a totally hidden oasis tucked between Parsley Beach and Watsons Bay, with the only way in through a tiny set of steps to the side of the sailing club. Even better? This beach is dog friendly.
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Collins Flat Beach
Manly
If some serious wow factor is what you’re looking for, you need to hit up Collins Flat Beach. Not only is it secluded and boasts stunning harbour views, this little secret beach also has its own waterfall, creating a unique setting for a memorable picnic day or detour from the nearby Q Station.
Chinamans Beach
Mosman
Image credit: Destination NSW | Andrew Gregory
You know Balmoral Beach right? Well, this isn't it. Just a cheeky one-kilometre walk away is the flat, secluded secret stretch of beach, Chinamans Beach. Its flat conditions are ideal for water sports, whilst a large grass patch and playground make it great for families.
Lady Martins Beach
Point Piper
Point Piper is known for its majestic harbour views and palatial properties, but beneath it all lies Lady Martins beach.
Understated, hidden and easy to access, Lady Martins is a little secret beach offering uninterrupted vistas, privacy and a low-key afternoon in the sun, and dogs on leash are welcome too.
Queens Beach
Vaucluse
Image credit: Destination NSW | Paul McMillan
You’ll strike up one of the best vantage points in Sydney at this secret stretch of sand. Getting down to Queens Beach can be done either via its narrow walking track from the street or from the Hermitage Foreshore walk.
This harbour cove is one of the nicest spots to go for a fish and a dip, and you need to stay and watch the sunset over the city skyline from this west-facing secret beach.
Washaway Beach
Grotto Point
The name might be a dead giveaway, but this one is so secret that sometimes you can’t even see it. At times, this beach gets washed over by the tide making it disappear completely (so you’ll have to time your trip perfectly).
This little secret Sydney beach means you’ll have to jump off the Spit to Manly track, and trek through some bush. But the best part is, you’ll score a solitary swim.
Now, check out
Main image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
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