In September 2018 I relocated to Sydney, Australia and spent 6 incredible months living in this beautifully iconic city.  Whilst doing so I hunted down the Best Of Sydney’s Beaches

Sydney is one of my all time favourite cities. It has absolutely everything to offer all kinds of people, from its decadent brunch spots, to its wild nightlife, world famous landmarks and historical museums and galleries.

However, I wholly believe that without the abundance of beaches that surround Sydney, my experience would not have been so unforgettable.  Being the beach bum that I am, I was so grateful to have the opportunity to spend my weekends exploring the different world renown beaches that line the central south coast.  Whether I wanted quiet and secluded or instagram galore, Sydney’s beaches offer a huge variety of each extreme and everything in between.

Here I have listed the Best Of Sydney’s Beaches, with photos!

Starting this list off is Palm Beach. Birthplace of Aussie drama ‘Home and Away’, Palm Beach is Sydney’s most northern beach and arguably the most beautiful.  

Stop for food and drink at ‘The Boathouse’, and enjoy views of the crystal waters as you dine. 

Accessible from the beach, the Barren Joey Lighthouse walk shows off panoramic views of the beach strip and Ku Ring Gai National Park.  There are 2 trails, each taking 10-15 minutes to summit.   

Tip – If you’re driving, make sure you park up before reaching the beach or you could be paying up to $10 an hour!

Palm Beach

Next up is another Northern Beach: Mona Vale.

Despite stumbling across Mona Vale after accidentally walking through a golf course, this beach is very accessible from the city centre.  You can either take a public bus or drive and park in the large, free car park just round the corner from the beach front.

Mona Vale beach features an ocean pool for laps, a shallow kids pool, clean sand and consistently great waves.

There is a beautiful pine tree littered park with BBQs and areas to pitch a tent, just back from the beach.  Even if you’re not camping make sure to stick around for an incredible sunset.

Mona Vale Beach

Mention should also be made to Avalon beach. 

One of the quieter Northern beaches, and walking distance from Mona Vale beach, Avalon is no less beautiful.

Similar to many northern beaches, there is an ocean pool and great surf.  Avalon is particularly tucked away, however still has an accessible car park `and small cafe close to the beach.

Sunset from the Northern Beaches

As one of the world’s most famous beaches, Bondi Beach, had to make this list. 

Many people will dismiss Bondi as underwhelming, and too crowded.  Due to its popular name and location the beach does bring hordes of tourists ultimately ruining the idea of a relaxing day at the seaside. 

However, I would argue that Bondi still deserves the attention it acquires, you simply cannot deny its beauty!  

While the curve of golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, it’s clear, turquoise waters and consistently good waves are perfect for swimming and surfing. The unique shape of the beach means that the southern end receives larger waves perfect for the experienced surfer, whilst the northern end of the beach receives smaller waves perfect for beginners.

If you’re after a more peaceful beach experience, however, plan to arrive early. The experience of watching the sun rise over the ocean is simply magical, and you’ll only share it with locals surfing, running, and doing their early morning yoga.

Alternatively, pack some bread and cold cuts from a local Aussie deli and head to the beach for an undeniably picturesque spot for a picnic at sunset.

Bondi Beach is also the start/end point for the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which incorporates many beaches on this list and definitely worth fitting in on a visit to Sydney.

Bondi Beach at sunset 

Walking along Bondi Beach at Sunset

That brings me nicely onto Coogee beach. 

Coogee is a relaxed coastal suburb and the beach is long, sandy and appeals to both swimmers and surfers. 

There are laid-back pubs and bars on the beachfront, and cute alfresco cafes filling the streets surrounding the beach. My favourite eatery was Coogee Bay Pavilion, a beautifully rustic restaurant that serves a delicious catch of the day and a wide variety of wood fire pizzas. 

The Start of the Coogee to Bondi Coastal walk

Bronte Beach is one of the beaches on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. 

Much quieter than its more well-known counter parts, Bronte has a beautiful rocky exterior and features pools perfect for families.

View from Bronte Beach

Situated about an hour and a half from the CBD, Terrigal is actually one of the central coast beaches. 

However, a must see if you have the time. Terrigal, is much more than a beautiful beach; the idyllic beach town is worth exploring if you can get a spot in the car park! Tip – try and park up before reaching the beach, you might need to walk a bit but you’ll save time waiting for a space and then having to move the car an hour later.

There are lots of restaurants surrounding the beach front, including a traditional seaside eatery serving fish and chips and ‘The Burger bar’, my go to spot to indulge on a burger with excessive toppings!

Manly Beach is accessible by ferry from Sydney harbour.

A single journey costs $9 (aud) and well worth a trip even if it’s just to go and come back on the ferry due to the incredible round view of the Opera House. 

Manly is also lovely little suburb to explore after a relaxing day at the beach, with a brilliant night life and lots of cute Aussie cafe’s and restaurants.

Manly

Manly beach

What did you think of my post on The Best Of Sydney’s Beaches?

Do you have any other beaches in Sydney to add to this list? Let me know your favourites in the comments below?

Click here to read my Sydney travel guide!