Bondi Beach
The icon
Australia's most famous beach. Swim between the flags, watch from Icebergs and start the coastal walk.
- Best for
- First-timers
- Where
- Eastern Suburbs
- Price guide
- Free
Sydney beaches
The best beaches in Sydney
Over 100 beaches, from world-famous surf breaks to sheltered harbour coves. Here are the best beaches in Sydney — and which one suits your kind of beach day.
The short answer
The best beaches in Sydney are Bondi for the icon, Bronte and Clovelly for ocean pools and snorkelling, Manly and Shelly Beach for a ferry day out, Balmoral for calm harbour swimming, and Palm Beach for a day trip.
| # | Pick | Why it's here | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bondi Beach | Surf, Icebergs and buzz | Eastern Suburbs |
| 02 | Bronte Beach | Best for families | Eastern Suburbs |
| 03 | Clovelly Beach | Best snorkelling | Eastern Suburbs |
| 04 | Manly Beach | Best day out | Northern Beaches |
| 05 | Shelly Beach | Best for kids | Manly |
| 06 | Balmoral Beach | Calmest swim | Mosman |
| 07 | Camp Cove | Hidden gem | Watsons Bay |
| 08 | Tamarama Beach | Best for people-watching | Eastern Suburbs |
| 09 | Palm Beach | Best day trip beach | Northern Beaches |
| 10 | Cronulla | Best of the south | Sutherland Shire |
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Bronte Beach
Ocean pool & parkland
A sandy cove with a beautiful ocean pool and a huge picnic park behind.
- Best for
- Families
- Where
- Eastern Suburbs
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Clovelly Beach
Snorkelling inlet
A long, calm concrete-edged inlet — perfect for snorkelling with blue gropers.
- Best for
- Snorkellers
- Where
- Eastern Suburbs
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Northern Beaches CouncilManly Beach
Ferry-ride beach
Long surf beach with a lively village, reached by the famous ferry.
- Best for
- Day trippers
- Where
- Northern Beaches
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Northern Beaches CouncilShelly Beach
Sheltered marine reserve
A calm cove in a marine reserve, a short walk from Manly. Ideal for little swimmers and snorkellers.
- Best for
- Kids, snorkellers
- Where
- Manly
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Mosman CouncilBalmoral Beach
Harbour beach
A gentle harbour beach with a netted swimming area and great cafés.
- Best for
- Calm swims
- Where
- Mosman
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Camp Cove
Tiny harbour cove
A small, sheltered harbour cove near Watsons Bay with city views.
- Best for
- Couples
- Where
- Watsons Bay
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Tamarama Beach
Small, glamorous, rough
Nicknamed 'Glamarama' — beautiful, but the surf can be dangerous. Swim only when patrolled.
- Best for
- Sunbathers
- Where
- Eastern Suburbs
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Northern Beaches CouncilPalm Beach
Northern tip of the peninsula
Walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for views over Pittwater and the ocean.
- Best for
- Day trips
- Where
- Northern Beaches
- Price guide
- Free
Cronulla
Southern surf beaches
Long surf beaches reachable by train, with a scenic esplanade walk.
- Best for
- Surfers
- Where
- Sutherland Shire
- Price guide
- Free
Beach safety in Sydney
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, check conditions on Beachsafe before you go, and never swim alone at unpatrolled beaches. Ocean pools at Bronte, Bondi Icebergs and Clovelly are great alternatives on rough days.
Frequently asked questionsThings you might ask
What is the best beach in Sydney?
Bondi is the most famous, but many locals prefer Bronte, Manly or Balmoral. The best beach depends on whether you want surf, calm water or snorkelling.
What is the best beach in Sydney for families?
Shelly Beach in Manly, Balmoral Beach and Bronte (with its ocean pool and park) are the best family beaches.
What is the best beach for snorkelling in Sydney?
Clovelly, Shelly Beach and Gordons Bay are Sydney's top snorkelling spots.
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