One of our favourite things about living in Sydney, is having access to some of the best beaches in the world. From some of the lesser known harbour beaches, to well known surf spots, we have pulled together a list of our favourite beaches to visit.
Milk Beach
One of our favourite harbour beaches, Milk Beach in the Eastern Suburbs suburb of Vaucluse is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon in the sun. It's small, but as it's slightly off the beaten track it feels like a hidden gem! Accessible via the stunning Hermitage Foreshore walk, it's also a great spot for a quick dip after a morning walk.
Gordons Bay
Only accessible by foot, Gordons Bay is a locals secret between popular beaches Coogee and Clovelly. You can sit up on the rocks and enjoy the sunshine, and the water is generally calmer than its neighbouring beaches, making it a great snorkelling spot. You can snorkel straight off the rocks, or if you're feeling more adventurous there is the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail to explore!
Camp Cove
Another harbour beach we love is Camp Cove in Watson's Bay. It's the perfect spot to take the family with its shallow calm water, plus it has the most amazing harbour views! You'll find the locals kayaking and paddle boarding, and it's home to the famous Camp Cove kiosk where you can grab a delicious lemon sorbet after an afternoon in the sun!
Clovelly
There's something about Clovelly that always makes us feel like we could be on the coast of Italy. It might be the concrete platform that wraps around the beach where you can bask in the sun, and also jump off into pristine water ideal for snorkelling. At the end of a long beach day we recommend driving up the hill for a famous 'Out of The Blue' burger. Tip - try and call ahead to order if you can, it's a popular spot!
Balmoral
It's about 1km long so lots of space for everyone... if you can find a park! Our favourite spot to pop up an umbrella is all the way down the northern end where there is perfect little pool ideal for little people.
Chinamans
Ah, Chinamans. A little tricky to access by car, and best to arrive by 9am to secure a spot, but once you set yourself up this is a beautiful spot to soak up the morning easterly sun. If the beach isn’t for you, you’ll also find one of the most beautiful parks in Sydney tucked right in behind it. Tip - bring your umbrella as there is limited shade.
Castle Rock
Nestled in Middle Harbour below Balgowlah Heights is a popular not so secret spot discovered by those along the Spit to Manly walk, the ones lucky enough to travel by boat or the locals who don’t mind the never ending stairs you need to walk back up after your dip. “It’s so worth it” you’ll hear yourself say, albeit out of breath. Marked by its giant rock, and looking across the way to Chinamans and Balmoral, this is a good one to explore on low tide.
Freshwater
While it's just a short walk, Freshwater feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Manly. The beach is surrounded by low sand dunes and we love that it has an untouched feel to it, with just a small kiosk at the south end to get an ice cream after a swim!
Bilgola
A little further up in the Northern Beaches Bilgola is another one of our favourite surf beaches, with beautiful golden sand typical of the area. There's a great little cafe at the south end of the beach where you can grab a coffee on your way down to the beach.
Little Bay
Another locals favourite just south of Maroubra, Little Bay is a great spot for swimming and snorkelling. Access to the beach is via a steep timber staircase, but the secluded feel of the beach is worth it once you get down!