The 10 most scenic beaches near Sydney CBD to visit this summer
Pining to dip your toes in the ocean during a hot summer again? Here are ten of the best beaches to visit in Sydney.
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Summer has rolled in action and the sun has finally returned after a long hiatus during our prolonged wet season.
Many of us are pining to feel the sand behind our feet and dip our toes in the ocean again.
Here are ten of the best beaches to visit in Greater Sydney this summer.
1. Bondi Beach, Bondi
World-renown Bondi Beach is a true Australian icon that sits in the top tier – if not, the top spot – of Sydney’s beach scene.
It’s only a 15 to 20 minute drive from the city with plenty of picnic-friendly green space fringing the sand. Take a quick stroll to the beach’s south end and you’ll also find the famous Bondi Icebergs Club.
2. Camp Cove Beach, Watsons Bay
Tucked away in the harbourside of Sydney’s east, this picturesque cove is a tranquil treat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and was once named in the top 20 beaches in Australia.
It’s a great little spot to enjoy a peaceful getaway with its shallow waters making it an ideal location for families with young kids.
3. Bronte Beach and The Bogey Hole, Bronte
For smaller crowds but quality swell, check out Bronte Beach – Bondi’s low-key sister to the south.
This beach is a popular destination all year round with swimmers and surfers alike. On the south end, you can visit The Bogey Hole rock pool or the famed Bronte Baths.
4. Manly Beach, Manly
Stretching more than a kilometre over North Sydney’s turquoise coastline is the popular Manly Beach, and its quieter neighbour Shelly Beach.
Cruise across the harbour past the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge on a 20-to-30-minute ferry ride to reach this iconic summer spot. The main promenade is lined with bars and pubs for a good feed.
5. Coogee Beach and Gordons Bay, Coogee
Coogee Beach is a great strip of sand offering family-friendly fun at the nearby Ross Jones Rockpool, Giles Bath and Goldstein Reserve.
The Wedding Cake Island protects the shoreline from harsh swell, making it an idyllic location for a relaxing ocean dip.
6. Frenchmans Beach and Yarra Bay Beach, Botany Bay
For another calm summer dip, try Frenchmans Beach or Yarra Bay Beach located next to each other in Botany Bay.
There is also plenty of space to park your car, which is a bonus.
7. Palm Beach, Northern Beaches
At the tip of the Northern Beaches is the long and spacious Palm Beach near the Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
This area is about 40km from the city and is a regular oasis for many Sydneysiders and visitors from the Central Coast.
8. Whale Beach, Northern Beaches
Just south of Palm Beach is Whale Beach – another popular strip of sand in Sydney’s north which is a top contender for producing some of the best swell in the region.
Even if you’re not a keen surfer, there’s a 25m ocean pool on the south end as well as a playground for the kiddies and picnic area.
9. Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park
Arguably one of the most intriguing spots for a cool summer swim is Wattamolla Beach.
Located in the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south, this unique beach is attached to a low-key, teal coloured lagoon fit for snorkelling and floating around.
10. Athol Bay, Mosman
Athol Bay is one of the city’s best kept secrets.
Accessible only by foot or boat, this little beach is hidden along the coastline of Bradleys Head. It offers a stunning view of the city’s skyline and is a sweet escape for many Sydneysiders in summer.
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