Best Sydney Beaches

It is no secret that Sydney hugs a magnificent harbor. The city of Sydney is blessed with many glorious white or pink sand beaches, bays and inlets, so going to a beach is a must do activity for visitors. Spending time at the beach is a quintessential Sydney activity, particularly when temperatures soar, and with Sydney’s excellent transport system it is easy for visitors to join the throngs.

This article outlines some of the great Sydney beaches. Also included are some details on a cheap TravelPass option visitors can purchase.

Bondi Beach

A must see for tourists to Sydney is the famous BondiBeach. Locals hold BondiBeach in high esteem and it’s easy to see why. It’s a suburb favored by those on working holidays and there is plenty to enjoy at this popular swimming and surfing beach.

Bondi Beach pulsates with energy, especially in summer and people flock to the area to enjoy the vibe on this arc of white sand.

It’s a cosmopolitan area and cultural contrasts abound.

Across the road, great restaurants mix easily with casual takeaway food outlets and shops.

From the city take a train to Bondi Junction (approximately 15 minutes) and then, from the same station, take a short bus ride to the beach. The transfer area is very well signposted.

Manly Beach

Enjoy a ferry ride to Manly Beach and ogle the stunning Sydney Opera House and Bridge from the water as you cruise past.

On a nice day, this trip will leave you breathless and wanting more. As the boat leaves busy Circular Quay, the cityscape high rises recede, and the utterly compelling sights of – the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge - unfold.

These views are followed by peeks at numerous beaches on the half hour journey to Manly.

Manly is another great white sandy beach easily identified by the tall Norfolk pine trees standing straight and tall.

Once at the pier, follow the recently disgorged crowd as everyone, it seems, does straight to the beach. After taking a dip in the crystal clear water, enjoy a meal and a beer at one of the many cafés close to the beach. Surf boards are available for hire.

During one of my visits I was sitting at a cafe and I was amazed to see several whales on their annual migratory journey.  It was truly amazing.

The Manly ferry leaves Circular Quay (at the bottom of the city) every half hour during peak times.

More information after this....

Coogee

A wide, white crescent shaped beach, popular with locals and day trippers. This patrolled surf beach is also a favorite with families. Nearby rock pools provide an alternative for those who want calmer waters to cool off in. See the Maroubra photo for a rock swimming pool.

Conditions dependant, hopeful black sheathed surfers line up to wait, hoping for the perfect wave.

Like Bondi Beach, Coogee’s cafes and bars make this area a magnet, particularly (but certainly not exclusively) for the young.

Maroubra

Although Maroubra Beach sports some high rise apartments, the area feels considerably more isolated and less touristy that the other beaches mentioned in this article. It offers a wide sandy beach which is good for swimming and surfing.

One of the reasons this beach feels more isolated is because in one direction there is bush covered headland. Just over the hill from this headland there are a number of golf courses with some of the most spectacular views in Sydney.

Buses from the city will take you to Maroubra Beach.

Cronulla

Cronulla is a one hour train ride from Sydney and it is an excellent swimming and surfing beach.

From the train station, wander past the cafes and shops to the beach. Here you can walk one way along a white arc of sand on the beach, or in the other along a wide smooth path high above the water.

Swimming

Many of these beaches are surf beaches and are sometimes dangerous. Undertows or rips are common.

Surf lifesavers patrol beaches at particular times and swimming between the easily identifiable flags is strongly recommended.

Transport Pass

Public transport around Sydney is excellent and easy to use.

If staying for a week, consider purchasing a 7 day transport pass which is available from many convenience stores and at stations.

For transport planning information see www.131500.com.au. Or, if you would like more information, ask me a question. I've been visiting Sydney's best beaches for some time now. Also included is a link to Marisa Wright's excellent article on best places to stay in Sydney.

Time to see just one beach?

If you have time to visit one beach, consider going to high profile, Bondi Beach. However the ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach is also outstanding and the trip packs a lot of punch because of the many sights seen from the water.

Sydney is known the world over for the beauty of its harbor. The city and its views can be enjoyed from land or water and visitor’s fortunate enough to visit this city will find there is something to please everyone.

**This article and photos are copyright Travelespresso.  Respect my work and if you wish to use it, please ask me.**