12 Best Beaches in Sydney to Visit
Sydney's coastline offers something for everyone, from iconic swimming spots to quieter coves perfect for a peaceful day by the water. Whether you're after a bustling beach scene or a hidden gem, here are some of the best beaches worth visiting across the city.
- 1Beaches Sydney CBD
1. Freshwater Beach
This CBD location offers reliable swimming conditions and easy access from the city.
View venue4.7(1,713)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Beaches Sydney CBD2. Brighton-Le-Sands Beach
Known for its calm, sheltered waters and family-friendly atmosphere in the CBD area.
View venue4.4(2,840)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Beaches Manly3. Shelly Beach
Located in Manly, this beach is ideal for snorkelling and observing marine life in clear, protected waters.
View venue4.7(3,012)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Beaches Sydney CBD4. Balmoral Beach
A quieter CBD beach tucked away on the North Shore, perfect for those seeking a less crowded escape.
View venue4.7(3,431)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Beaches Surry Hills5. Coogee Beach
A vibrant beach in the inner south offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of nearby cafes and facilities.
View venue4.7(2,978)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Beaches Sydney CBD6. Bondi Beach
Sydney's most iconic beach in the CBD, famous for its golden sand and energetic beach culture.
View venue4.6(5,534)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Beaches Sydney CBD7. Shark Beach
A protected beach in the CBD that offers safe swimming conditions and scenic harbour views.
View venue4.4(472)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Beaches Cronulla8. Cronulla Beach
Located in the southern suburbs, Cronulla Beach is a sprawling beach with excellent facilities and a local community vibe.
View venue4.7(798)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Beaches Cronulla9. North Cronulla Beach
Just north of Cronulla, this beach provides a quieter alternative while remaining accessible and well-maintained.
View venue4.7(477)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Beaches Sydney CBD10. Collins Beach
A hidden CBD beach that appeals to those looking for a quieter, more intimate beach experience.
View venue4.7(419)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Beaches Manly11. Freshwater Beach
This CBD location offers reliable swimming conditions and easy access from the city.
View venue4.7(325)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Beaches Surry Hills12. Camp Cove Beach
A sheltered cove in Surry Hills ideal for families and those preferring calm, protected waters.
View venue4.7(315)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Beach | 68/100 | 4.7(1,713) | — | Sydney CBD | — |
| Brighton-Le-Sands Beach | 64/100 | 4.4(2,840) | — | Sydney CBD | — |
| Shelly Beach | 63/100 | 4.7(3,012) | — | Manly | — |
| Balmoral Beach | 63/100 | 4.7(3,431) | — | Sydney CBD | — |
| Coogee Beach | 63/100 | 4.7(2,978) | — | Surry Hills | — |
| Bondi Beach | 62/100 | 4.6(5,534) | — | Sydney CBD | — |
| Shark Beach | 60/100 | 4.4(472) | — | Sydney CBD | — |
| Cronulla Beach | 60/100 | 4.7(798) | — | Cronulla | — |
| North Cronulla Beach | 59/100 | 4.7(477) | — | Cronulla | — |
| Collins Beach | 59/100 | 4.7(419) | — | Sydney CBD | — |
| Freshwater Beach | 58/100 | 4.7(325) | — | Manly | — |
| Camp Cove Beach | 58/100 | 4.7(315) | — | Surry Hills | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Sydney beaches are best for families?+
Brighton-Le-Sands, Balmoral Beach, and Camp Cove are known for their calm, sheltered waters, making them safer options for children. Cronulla Beach also has good facilities suited to families.
Are there quieter beaches away from crowds?+
Yes. Balmoral Beach, Collins Beach, and Camp Cove are less crowded alternatives to popular spots like Bondi. North Cronulla Beach also tends to be quieter than its southern counterpart.
Which beach is best for snorkelling?+
Shelly Beach in Manly is renowned for snorkelling, with clear waters and abundant marine life visible from the shore.
What's the difference between the two Freshwater Beaches listed?+
One Freshwater Beach is located in the CBD, while the other is in Manly. Both are popular swimming spots but serve different areas of Sydney.
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