Sydney may well be famous for many things such as the iconic Opera house, but the vibrant city is of course world famous for beach culture, too. But do you know which Sydney beach is best for your type of holiday? Unsure where to see and be seen? We take a look through some of Sydney’s best beaches.
Best Sydney Beach for activities
Back in the 1830’s beach swimming in Australia really took off despite the fact that the activity had been band between the hours of 9am and 8pm.
During those days, Bondi Beach became a favourite location for families and days out. Located just 8 kilometres from Sydney city centre, Bondi is now one of the world’s most famous beaches.
The first tramline to reach the beach was in 1884 and Waverly Council built the first surfing bathing sheds in the early 1900s. By 1929 an average of 60,000 people were visiting the beach on a summer weekend day. Soon labeled as the “playground of the Pacific” the beach hosted the volleyball competition at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
The party beach holds the largest running event in the world each August. Attracting over 63,000 entrants completing a 14 km run – you do not want to be caught up in that unplanned!
The beach also hosts Australia’s international short film festival in January; a World Environment Day in June; as well as Sculpture By The Sea in November.
There are many fun activities for beach goers to do. From visiting the Bondi Beach Markets, which are open every Sunday, to chilling on the golden sands, to water sports and partying hard, there’s something for everyone at one of the Southern Hemisphere’s best known beaches.
Best Sydney beach for families
Manly is situated on the coast, 7 miles north east of Sydney. Manly is at the end of the Sydney Harbor and has been known to be one of Sydney’s longest and most beautiful ocean beaches. Even the locals love it and its also considered a great ‘city escape for visitors who enjoy the beach. Named by Captain Arthur Philips after his encounter with the confident and manly Aboriginal people who lived there in 1788, Manly is one of Sydney’s most popular beach districts.
You can travel there via sea or road. Within walking distance there are shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars in the town of Manly.
It’s a safe and beautiful place for families as lifeguards operate a year round service at South Steyne and from October to April at North Steyne and Queenscliff.
Manly beach is 3 kilometers long and is ideal for swimming, sailing, surfing and windsurfing.
Ferries and Jet powered catamarans operate from Sydney Circular Quay, taking an estimated 40 minutes to reach.
Manly town itself is flat and easy to walk around so if you have little ones they won’t struggle on hilly walks.
If you want a bit more of a secluded beach, Tamarama Beach in the Eastern suburbs is a small and family friendly beach.
Best party beaches in Sydney
Bondi comes up trumps again and has been hailed as one of the world’s best party beaches. Once the sun and surfers are down, the party begins. The beach is often host to world famous DJ club nights and bars. David Guetta and Armand Van Helden held the 2010 New Year’s Eves party.
Coogee Beach is just 45 minutes away from Circular Quay and is filled with plenty of cafe bars, hotels and backpackers. It is a cheaper alternative to the popular Bondi beach but there is a large nightlife scene here. With smaller crowds but still retaining the party atmosphere, Coogee beach is ideal for the best of both worlds and not to far from Bondi beach if you want a quieter after party.
Secluded beaches in Sydney
Less than an hour’s drive from the city and you could find yourself in secluded Palm Beach. Situated in the northernmost suburb of Sydney and against a backdrop of evergreen bushland and clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, it’s an idyllic spot for any beach lover.
Palm beach is also said to have excellent surfing conditions. Palm Beach does have some facilities such as a number of cafés and restaurants, as well as bed and breakfasts and is a short distance away from the stunning and secluded Rose bay.
Bungan Beach is a very secluded and quiet beach, whether you’re looking for somewhere to completely unwind or for a romantic stroll. Bungan Beach, is just 60m long and runs between Bungan and Mona Vale Heads. Its only 45 minutes from Sydney and often free from tourists, depending on the season. Its hidden from the main road and isolated by a steep hillside. Its only accessible by foot and there is no public parking, making it less crowded than other Sydney beaches.
