These gorgeous sydney beaches are hidden gems found in national parks, and iconic surfing spots all over Sydney.
The epitome of an Australian summer involves spending the whole day lazing around at the beach with friends and family.
Soaking up the sun, reading a book, jumping over waves, and having a laugh are all ways to create the perfect day out.
Visit these gorgeous Sydney beaches to dodge the crowds, and find your new favourite beach and make this summer one to remember.
Yarra Bay
Located near Botany Bay, Yarra bay is a quieter option, perfect for families and swimmers.
It is located a half hour’s drive away from the Sydney CBD.
Its unique south westerly orientation boasts a fantastic view of the sunset over Sydney, guaranteeing a great insta opportunity for the whole group.
As it isn’t patrolled by lifeguards, Yarra Bay is a great spot for those looking to relax on the sand and splash in the shallows.
Little Bay Beach
This secluded beach is known to be a bit of a secret spot in Sydney’s south.
Popular with locals, it is well-loved as it doesn’t attract large tourist crowds.
Located in Little Bay, it is just under half an hour from the Sydney CBD.
Little Beach is ideal for snorkelling and swimming with the whole family since the bay is protected from big swells – stay cautious, however, as the beach is not lifeguard patrolled.
A nearby café is open from 8am-3pm every day for a delicious lunch or some takeaway snacks.
Avalon
Known to be a great surfing beach on Sydney’s far northern beaches, Avalon is a favourite with local surfers of all skill levels.
Avalon beach boasts a park, picnic and barbeque area, skate park, rock pool and several boutiques and op shops to check out.
Don’t forget to bring boogie boards and an umbrella for a day full of fun in the sun.
Perfect for families, Avalon beach is absolutely worth the hour drive out from the Sydney CBD.
Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach is a small beach in a narrow bay and is super popular with snorkelers and families as it is only a twenty-minute drive south of the CBD.
This beach has concrete promenades on either side which make for great sunbaking spots and also lead to a saltwater pool.
There is a gorgeous café on the beachfront, perfect for a refreshing drink.
Definitely bring a snorkel to this beach and try to spot ‘Bluey’ the local large blue groper.
Curl Curl
This local’s favourite in Sydney’s North is one of the best surfing beaches.
Nearby to popular beaches including Dee Why and Freshwater, it is a great quiet spot for families.
Located in Sydney’s northern beaches and recently out of lockdown, Curl Curl is about a 35-minute drive from the CBD, with lots of free parking at either end of the beach.
Take young kids to the lagoon at the northern end but make sure to swim between the flags at the southern end to avoid any rips.
Balmoral
This luxurious beach is truly one of the jewels of Sydney’s beach scene, surrounded by beautiful houses, expensive yachts and the Sydney Harbour National Park.
Set in Sydney’s lower North Shore, Balmoral is a short 25 minutes from the CBD.
It’s an ideal place for a picnic in the park, and a swim before fine dining in the heritage listed Bather’s Pavilion.
Its harbourside position means the beach is sheltered from big wind and waves, so definitely bring a snorkel to this beach.
Milk Beach
This secret beach is situated in Hermit Bay, offering a breathtaking view of the Sydney Harbour a mere 20 minute drive from the CBD.
If you feel like an adventure, follow the Hermitage Foreshore Track from either Rose Bay or Watsons Bay so you can discover this well-kept secret yourself.
If you prefer to go directly to the beach and the heritage listed Strickland House, parking is available in the suburban streets of Vaucluse nearby.
Bilgola Beach
Bilgola Beach is another hidden gem in Sydney’s northern beaches, with golden sands and stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Doubling as a great surfing and swimming beach, make sure to swim between the flags to avoid the rips.
This small beach is an hour trip from the city, but easy to spend the whole day it. Try ending the day with dinner and drinks at The Newport, a nearby iconic northern beaches pub.
Camp Cove
Located in Watson’s Bay, Camp Cove boasts some of the best views of Sydney Harbour anyone could ask for.
The beach itself is perfect for a relaxing day with a group of friends or family, since the tranquil waters make it ideal for snorkelling and swimming.
There are heaps of nearby restaurants, including a café right next door and the famous Watson’s Bay Boutique.
The walk up South Head trail up to Hornby Lighthouse is highly recommended.
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