169
7 minutes readContents
1. Bondi
Where to stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney
Bond is one of Sydney’s most famous beaches, and it deserves at least one afternoon on your itinerary. It’s just 4 miles from the business district, making it easy to reach by public transport, rideshare app, or hired car. While this is one of the most popular beaches for tourists, it also encapsulates the outdoor lifestyle of Australia’s eastern coastal communities.
Bond is one of Sydney’s most famous beaches.
Photo by Matthew James Ferguson on Shutterstock
You’ll find tourists and locals alike at this beach during all hours of the day, whether they’re catching the first waves at sunrise or taking a romantic walk on the beach. If you want to swim with a stunning view of the horizon, make sure to take a dip in the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool.
2. Coogee
Where to stay: Coogee Sands Hotel and Apartments
If you’ve visited Sydney before or want to avoid the tourist crowds at Bondi, consider going just a few miles up the road to Coogee Beach in the city’s eastern suburbs. This Coogee area is primarily made up of oceanside pools, making it a great option for families, including the McIver’s Ladies Baths, which is exclusively for women and children. More advanced swimmers can go to Wylie’s Sea Baths, while you’ll find Giles Baths, a natural rock pool, at the northern side of the beach.
This Coogee area is primarily made up of oceanside pools.
Photo by Nial Fulton on Shutterstock
After your day relaxing on the sand at Coogee, go to Coogee Pavilion for dining options that work for all ages, ocean views, and even a rooftop bar for a relaxing cocktail. It’s easy to get to Coogee Beach with several bus stops right by the beach, and you can get there in less than half an hour from Surry Hills or Central Station.
3. Bronte
Where to stay: QT Bondi
Most of the main beaches are within walking distance of each other, creating one of the main hiking routes along the Sydney coast. Bronte Beach is a 40-minute scenic walk from Bondi in the east suburbs, making it ideal for doing on the same day if you have a shorter itinerary to work with.
Beach is a 40-minute scenic walk from Bondi in the east suburbs.
Photo by Jonathon Giles on Shutterstock
You can expect to see most of the tourist crowds on the south side of the beach, where you’ll find the rock pool. Although there are cafes and restaurants close to the waterfront, you can also use the public barbecue and picnic area.
4. Shelly Beach
Where to stay: Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection
One of our favorite hidden gems in Sydney is Shelly Beach, located half a mile from Manly. This sheltered cove is ideal for those who prefer a more casual beach day and is a family-friendly spot with lots of nearby dining options.
One of our favorite hidden gems in Sydney is Shelly Beach/
Photo by Nial Fulton on Shutterstock
It’s also popular with scuba divers and snorkelers as it has a maximum depth of 12 meters, while the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve gives tourists the chance to spot local marine life.
5. Milk Beach, Vaucluse
Where to stay: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
If you’re a fan of national parks, you’ll want to stop by Milk Beach, located within Sydney Harbour National Park. This isolated beach is adjacent to the famous Strickland House and is considered a hidden gem. While it’s difficult to access Milk Beach, it’s a great option for returning tourists to Sydney and those who are feeling more adventurous.
If you’re a fan of national parks, you’ll want to stop by Milk Beach.
Photo by photoK-jp on Shutterstock
6. Little Bay Beach
Where to stay: Southend Hotel
Sydney attracts almost 15 million tourists annually, many of them brought to the Australian coast for its snorkeling. If you’re hiring a car for your vacation, consider taking the journey out to Little Bay beach. This place feels more like an island resort with a child-friendly rockpool and calm waters for beginner-friendly swimming. Little Bay is worth the 20 minute drive from Sydney city center.
Little Bay is worth the 20 minute drive from Sydney city center.
Photo by mvdesign on Shutterstock
7. Manly
Where to stay: Peppers Manly Beach
Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay and head to Manly, where you’ll find one of the most famous beaches in Sydney. Stretched across over 1 mile of sand, this family-safe beach is considered the birthplace of the local surfing scene and is a great option if you’re planning to take surfing lessons during your vacation.
Manly is a great option if you’re planning to take surfing lessons during your vacation.
Photo by Pic Media Aus on Shutterstock
If you enjoy the great outdoors, swap the golden sand and calm waves for a hiking route and head from Manly to North Head National Park to get some of the best views of the Sydney skyline.
8. Palm Beach
Where to stay: NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort
Fans of the popular soap opera Home and Away will recognize the area around Palm Beach. This family-appropriate beach caters to everyone, with the calmest waters being in the Pittwater area, while you’ll find the best surfing opportunities on the opposite side of the coastline. If you’re looking to get your steps in, take the half-mile trail to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, which dates back to 1881.
This family-appropriate beach caters to everyone.
Photo by Hjchir0 on Shutterstock
9. Avalon Beach
Where to stay: Narrabeen Sands Hotel by Nightcap Plus
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Australia’s surfer culture, there’s no better beach to head to than Avalon. What we love about this beach is that you’ll find surfers of all skill levels, from advanced competitors to total beginners getting on a board for the first time.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Australia’s surfer culture, there’s no better beach to head to than Avalon.
Photo by Merrillie Redden on Shutterstock
You’ll find the best surfing conditions on the north side of the coastline, but there’s also plenty to do out of the water. There are boutiques, surf shops, stores, and seafood restaurants located within easy walking distance.
10. Balmoral
Where to stay: The Albert Hotel Mosman
Before visiting Sydney, you’ll want to do your research on how to stay safe from sharks when swimming. While there are practical steps you can take, there are also several beaches throughout Sydney with a shark-netted area, including Balmoral. It’s close to Sydney Harbour with plenty of restaurants, bars, and fishing opportunities nearby.
Balmoral is close to Sydney Harbour with plenty of restaurants, bars, and fishing opportunities nearby.
Photo by pashleyimages on Shutterstock
Discover the beauty of Bondi Beach with ZenHotels
At ZenHotels, you’re just a few clicks away from your dream vacation to Australia. We offer accommodation options to suit every customer and budget, whether you’re a family looking for a beach-front apartment, honeymooners in search of a luxury 5-star hotel, or a backpacker in need of budget-friendly accommodation in the suburbs. Looking for other options for your next vacation? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
