Whether you are after a bustling city beach, an authentic Australian surf beach or some calmer shores for a swim, this list of Sydney’s top beaches will appeal to you.
Balmoral Beach
Possibly one of the world’s most picturesque city beaches, this crescent shaped beach is a hot spot for many Sydneysiders. Since established in 1914, members of the Balmoral Beach Swimming club can be seen swimming laps of the beach every morning. Located directly opposite Sydney Harbour’s entrance, Balmoral Beach is a great place to swim for visitors as it has a large netted pool, so you can be assured you can swim without colliding with unwanted sea life. Further down the beach, bending 100 metres into the bay is a tidal pool and lying behind this part of the beach is Balmoral Park containing Aboriginal middens as well as caves allowing visitors to delve into the past of these shores.
If you are looking for a nice seaside restaurant, The Bathers Pavilion (4 The Esplanade, Mosman) is a great choice. This historic bathing pavilion was constructed in 1928 and is a great place to experience modern European cuisine.
Bondi Beach. Balmoral is also known for it’s urban café life so if it is coffee and a quick dip you are after, look no further than this beautiful historic beach.
Bondi Beach
One of the most visited Australian Beaches every year, Bondi Beach is also famous for it’s urban culture and exuding natural beauty. International crowds come here to be immersed by views of protruding headlands, boisterous surf and swells and the option of a fabulous 10k coastal walk. As seen on the television show ‘Bondi Rescue’, swimming at Bondi Beach can be a bit dangerous as there are many rips so for a calmer experience, head to the south headland for a dip in the famous Bondi iceberg pools. But if you want to brave the swell, there will always be lifeguards looking out for you!
Manly Beach
Another Sydney gem is Manly Beach, renowned for being Australia’s first world surfing reserve in 2012, many visitors have come here for over 160 years to soak up the sun and surf. The name ‘Manly’ derived from European residents observing the characteristics of the Aboriginal people that used to live on this land in 1788. Publicized as a seaside resort in the 1880s, it continues to be an escape from the bustling city. Just catch the Manly Ferry from Wharf 3 at Sydney’s Circular Quay to visit the vibrant beach and see where the taste for surfing in Australia began.
Nielsen Park
If a picnic in a shaded area with Sydney Harbour views is what you are after, visit Nielsen Park. This harbour-side beach and parkland surrounded by Moreton Bay Figs is close to the CBD and Bondi Beach and an ideal place for a peaceful picnic or sunbathe. Nielsen Park consists of 200 metres of sandy beach bookended by sandstone headlands as well as sloping lawns with the national Park bordering the beach. Come and experience the serene outlook that Nielsen Park has to offer.