Sydney summer holiday guide: The city’s best hidden beaches to beat the big crowds
FEELING the heat but sick of battling crowds at the basic beaches? Then take a trip to one of these secret spots to cool off from the summer sun.
City East
Don't miss out on the headlines from City East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IT’S summer time and in Sydney there is no better way to cool off than a trip to the beach.
But if you are sick of dealing with massive crowds at the more popular beaches (ahem, Bondi), there are plenty of options to keep the family happy these school holidays.
From Watsons Bay to Mosman, here are the best secret beaches Sydney has to offer:
REDLEAF, Double Bay
Redleaf is a harbourside tidal enclosure more obviously suited to the Mediterranean than Sydney Harbour.
The 90m by 60m enclosure, accessible via the Woollahra Council building, now goes by the official moniker of Murray Rose Pool.
It can be crowded on weekends in summer but there is plenty of swimming area for everyone, pontoons to hoist yourself up on, and of course, jump off.
Grab a coffee at the kiosk, which provides shaded seating and a spectacular outlook across Double Bay.
LADY MARTINS BEACH, Point Piper
A very well kept secret of Sydney’s most exclusive is the pristine and well-sheltered Lady Martins Beach.
The entry is hard enough to find (psssst ... it is via a lane off Wolseley Rd that runs alongside the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club).
Named for Lady Isabella Martin, she was the daughter of wealthy wine and spirit merchant William Long who once owned Tusculum in Potts Point.
Lady Martin lived in the long-demolished mansion Woollahra House, which fronted this exclusive strip of sand.
It was once hers but now its ours, so we might as well all enjoy it.
SIRIUS COVE, Mosman
Sirius Cove is a protected beach on the harbour’s northside with plenty of shade. Ideal really, for the fairer types.
Walk a little further along the foreshore and reach Curlew Camp. This is where famous Australian artists, including Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Sidney Long, used to come in the late 1800s to sketch.
The best way to get here is to take the Taronga Zoo ferry and on arrival, take the path to the left.
BALMORAL BEACH, Mosman
Balmoral is an enduringly popular swimming spot that boasts views across Middle Harbour to North Head, Manly and Clontarf.
While you may battle the crowds — let’s face it you will battle the crowds — it is 100 per cent worth the visit.
There’s an almost back to the future feel here, helped along by the landmark promenade, esplanade and bather’s pavilion which date back to the 1930s.
If you have the spare change, invest in a long lunch at the bather’s pavilion.
MILK BEACH, Vaucluse
Steps lead you down, past the historic Strickland House, and into picturesque Hermit Bay.
Vaucluse, the enclave of Sydney’s rich and famous, boasts stunning views from the shore at Milk Beach.
There’s enough to keep the family occupied — let the kids chuck on the snorkel, dad can cast a line and try his luck reeling in a big one, while Mum may just appreciate the peace, quiet and top-grade, people watching.
CAMP COVE, Watsons Bay
Governor Phillip and the First Fleet rested for a night in Camp Cove before landing at Sydney Cove in 1788.
It’s not hard to imagine why.
These days the water laps gently at the frontages of multi-million dollar harbourfront homes, but 200-plus years ago this sheltered cove would have been close as close to paradise as convicts had ever seen.
Never rough, this strip of sand is family-friendly and not too far from an ice cold paddle pop, available from the cove’s historic kiosk booth.
Bring the snorkel.
PARSLEY BAY, Vaucluse
Set aside for public recreation in 1907, Parsley Bay Reserve is a park customised for families.
Visit for the enclosed swimming area, picnic facilities and children’s playground, as well as a short bushland circuit (15-20 minutes return).
The walk takes the family to a waterfall at the head of the gully via a suspended bridge.
Throughout summer eastern water dragons can be seen sunning along the watercourse.
There are two popular versions of the origin of the name ‘Parsley Bay’
Local folklore attributes the bay’s name to one of two great anecdotes. The first, is that a hermit called ‘Parsley’ lived in one of the caves at the head of the bay. The other refers to an edible plant growing here, closely resembling parsley, which was used to combat the disease scurvey on starved First Fleeters.
ATHOL BAY, Mosman
One for the boaties is the protected cove of Athol Bay, just off Bradleys Head, below the excellently-placed Taronga Zoo.
The secret is clearly out, judging by the amount of vessels anchored here, not to mention floating bar The Island moored nearby.
Take a dip, swim to shore, or just bob around and relax.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a quiet moment, keep an ear out for the sounds of the wild emanating from the zoo.
NIELSEN PARK, Vaucluse
Nielsen Park, with its netted swimming pool and pavilions is a delightful throwback to another era.
The huge leafy grass sections are perfect for kids parties, family picnics or special occasions and the atmosphere is always positive.
While yes, there will be crowds (arrive early to snatch a car park in the surrounding streets), don’t be put off. A whole day’s entertainment can be sustained here.
Stroll along the scenic foreshore walking track or explore the area by kayak.
When winds of change blew through Vienna
Mozart and Beethoven host a delightful night in Vienna for Musica Viva enthusiasts.
$355m loss: NSW worst pokie hotspots
This is where NSW pokie players have lost more than $355 million in four months. Search and check our interactive table to see if it’s where you live and how your suburb compares.