✨ Introduction: Best Beaches in Sydney Australia 2025
Sydney is world-renowned for its sun-kissed coastline, and in 2025, exploring the best beaches in Sydney Australia is more exciting than ever. From iconic surf spots to hidden coastal gems, Sydney offers something for every beach lover. Whether you're planning a laid-back day under the sun, an adventurous surf session, or a family picnic by the sea, the best beaches in Sydney Australia deliver unforgettable experiences.
This year, discover new coastal favorites, enjoy upgraded facilities, and soak in the scenic beauty that makes these beaches world-class. In this 2025 guide, we’ll take you through the best beaches in Sydney Australia, highlighting what makes each unique—from Bondi’s vibrant energy to the serene charm of Lady Martins. Get ready to dive into a coastal journey that defines Australian beach culture at its finest. Let’s explore the best beaches in Sydney Australia you simply can't miss this year!
1. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in all of Australia, let alone Sydney. It’s featured in many TV shows and movies, so you’ve probably heard of Bondi Beach at some point in your life.
Sydney’s Bondi Beach is a reliable source of great waves for surfers, and of course, you’ll get the stereotypical Australian surfer vibe at this beach.
The perfect combination of bright, sandy beaches and bright blue waters is like a dream and you’ll be eager to return to Bondi Beach whenever you get the chance.
It’s one of the best things about Sydney, no doubt about it.
The beach is surrounded by many top-notch spots, including trendy cafes and coffeehouses. If you’re looking for a new favorite, you should eat at one of the many burger joints near the beach. The “Bondi Burger” is very popular – it’s delicious!
In fact, the area around Bondi Beach is so beautiful that when we visit the beach during our Sydney group tours, we leave some time for you to explore the suburbs.
2. Manly Beach
Manly Beach is one of Sydney’s most famous surfing beaches, having hosted many championships in recent decades. Every February the Australian Open of Surfing is held here, where people from all over the continent flock to watch the master surfers take on the huge waves.
Manly Beach is absolutely huge, so it’s quite a big beach! It stretches from South Stein to North Stein and Queenscliff. Queenscliff has a submerged reef that is responsible for all the great waves that Manly Beach offers pro surfers.
But you don’t have to be a championship winner to surf at Manly Beach, you’ll find many surf schools operating near the shore and even complete beginners can take some lessons.
On the North Stein section of the beach, there is a sectioned area for visitors who wish to participate in sand sports such as volleyball and, like any good beach, equipment is available for hire.
3. Coogee Beach
Coogee Beach is a beach suitable for families and new surfers. The waves are usually very calm which allows for more relaxed water activities. Children and less experienced swimmers can benefit from visiting Coogee Beach so they can gain more confidence in the water.
Coogee Beach is a very beautiful place that is spread over a very large area, so even though it is a very popular beach, you don't feel too crowded on the golden sands. This is why we love Sydney's beaches - they are all huge!
A pedestrian walkway takes you along the entire length of the beach and gives easy access to the many fish and chip shops that attract customers after a relaxing day. For the Brits reading this, you will feel right at home here!
But speaking of beaches, Coogee Beach is amazing and if Sydney didn’t have some of the most amazing beaches, it would definitely be at the top of any other destination list.
4. Bronte Beach
Bronte Beach is located east of the Sydney CBD and is located on Nelson Bay, surrounded by a lovely park. Set against a backdrop of rocky cliffs, Bronte Beach is a favorite with locals and isn’t as well-known as some of the other beaches on this list. It’s a great beach where tourists and locals mix.
And if there’s one thing we learned from our group tour, it’s that Australians are beautiful people!
Multi-million dollar homes line the coastline, with beautiful arrangements of trees and grasslands perfectly set above the Bronte Park Valley.
Bronte Beach has a large area of golden sand but when you get into the water, you’ll need to be prepared to explore some rocky areas and pools. But don’t worry, there’s also a swimming pool if you want to take a proper swim.
This beach has a great range of facilities suitable for the whole family. There’s a children’s playground, barbecues and picnic pavilions with shelter from the scorching sun. All in all, it’s a great day out.
5. Tamarama Beach
Tamarama is another popular beach for surfers but bodyboarders have also made it their favourite. Although Tamarama Beach is quite small, it offers the perfect environment for bodyboarding due to the currents and undertows.
Although the beach is small in size, it can be quite dangerous, with more calls to the rescue services from Tamarama than any other beach in Sydney. Don’t be fooled by its pretty surroundings – you’ll need to keep your head in the game to surf or bodyboard at Tamarama.
But it’s really beautiful, the contrast between the natural beauty in the background and the man-made beauty is amazing.
6. Maroubra Beach
Maroubra Beach is a popular beach because it is easily accessible and has plenty of sand. It is patrolled by council lifeguards during the day, giving some reassurance to those wanting to swim or surf in the rough seas. This is another great aspect of Sydney beaches, most of them have lifeguards which means you are completely safe.
There is plenty to do at Maroubra Beach, including hitting the outdoor gym for a workout, it is not quite Muscle Beach, but it is still good. The skate park is a great place for boarders to get on the ramp and there is also a large children's playground.
Many visitors like to take advantage of the free barbecue facilities, unfortunately, you have to bring your own food 😢. Maroubra Beach also has showers and changing facilities and the kiosk located in the centre of the beach is very good for providing essential food and snacks.
7. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is affectionately known as ‘Palmy’ by locals and is located at the end of a long peninsula. The beautiful sand and clear waters have encouraged many wealthy locals to invest in large mansions near the beach.
Palm Beach is very popular with tourists due to the fact that it has been the home of the TV series ‘Home and Away’ for many years and has been a filming location since its inception.
Palm Beach is rated as a good surfing spot, especially at the northern end where there are always strong waves. The sea is at its best when the wind blows from the northeast. If you prefer to swim, head to the southern end of the beach where the waves are more sheltered and there is a 35-meter high sea pool.
But it is this area that makes Palm Beach so amazing - it is beautiful in every direction. With panoramic views day after day, it is a beach that defines the word “paradise”.
The only downside is that if you want to visit Palm Beach, you’ll need to be prepared for a bit of a road trip as it’s a beach located 41km from Sydney. But for Australia, is it that far??
8. Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is particularly popular with divers and snorkelers because of the huge variety of marine life that can be found quite close to the surface. The beach is a protected marine reserve meaning life is thriving near the shore, and if you know how to snorkel or dive then it’s not to be missed.
The beach is listed as one of the best for a picnic with family or friends and the water is crystal clear and calm.
Shelly Beach has showers, toilets, barbecues and a cafe making it a great place to spend the day. The Boathouse Cafe has some great reviews and is the perfect place to sit down and eat after a day at the beach.
But the main attraction at Shelly Beach is the snorkelling - it's arguably some of the best in Australia, apart from the Great Barrier Reef of course.
9. Cronulla Beach
Cronulla Beach is unique in that it's the only beach in Sydney that can be reached by train, which helps you save on parking costs - a great bonus if you're visiting on a budget or working holiday visa.
You can rest assured that professional lifeguards from the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club are stationed near the sand all year round. There's also a cafe and restaurant nearby. There's a large grassy area at the back of the beach with plenty of shade to take a break from the heat, and like most of these beaches, there's also a playground.
Cronulla Beach is well known for its large number of rock pools, which are great for both children and adults to explore the marine life that lives among the rocks.
Cronulla Beach stands out from the rest as it is wheelchair accessible, has on-site disabled facilities, a beach wheelchair available and a Mobi Mat service.
And while beautiful sunrises and sunsets can be seen all over Australia, Cronulla Beach is our personal favourite. When the sun is shining with an orange haze, the beach looks beautiful.
10. Freshwater Beach
Freshwater Beach is a small family beach located between two coasts. Swimming at the beach has been a popular activity for over a hundred years where the waves are predictable.
Surfing can be done all along the shore, but there are some sections that are more suitable for how good you are at surfing. The breaks towards the northern part of the coast are ideal for less experienced surfers.
Freshwater Beach does not have very big waves, so the most advanced surfers may not get what they are looking for compared to other beaches along the Sydney coastline, but the waves still promise a good surfing session. See the picture below...
And at the northern end of the beach, there is a 50m long saltwater pool with eight designated swimming lanes, which is a good place for those who like to swim regularly for some exercise. And as is the case with all these beaches, there are several cafes and a restaurant overlooking Freshwater Beach in Sydney, Australia.
11. De Why Beach
De Why Beach is the ideal place for a weekday as it is usually very quiet, but its large 1.2 km² area allows everyone to stretch out their own space even during the busiest times.
There is a common theme across all the best beaches in Sydney, Australia and that is the opportunity to surf here.
De Why is classified as another surfing beach, where many competitions take place. It is also used for the fireworks display on Australia Day and New Year's Eve. If you are in Sydney for these two events, you should try to visit De Why Beach.
The beach is mainly used by swimmers and surfers with the patrolled areas blocked off from the open sea as shown below. There is a special section for children with gentle waves that helps students gain more confidence in sea swimming.
12. Narrabeen Beach
Narrabine Beach is 3 km long and absolutely huge. Its golden sand stretches out, seemingly forever.
You might have guessed by now, but Narrabeen Beach is best known for the North Narrabeen Break, which has produced some of the world’s most famous surfers, including world champions.
North Narrabeen is a popular spot for anglers looking for a variety of environments to fish and other marine life. Fishing at Narrabeen Beach is possible from the inlets, rocks and beaches.
But like any good beach, there are also plenty of places to relax and soak up the sun.
13. Long Reef Beach
Long Reef is the ideal beach you can imagine in your head, with its incredible expanse of white, perfect sand and crystal clear waters.
The biggest attraction at Long Reef Beach is the collection of shipwrecks along the Long Reef Marine Reserve. Many of these shipwrecks were intentional; ships were sunk to create artificial reefs to promote biodiversity. But that doesn’t make it any less cool!
Diving in this area is extremely exciting and an unforgettable experience, where else in the world can you get the experience of diving in a shipwreck?!
This is one of the most unique beaches in Australia in Sydney, no doubt about it.
14. Callroy Beach
Callroy Beach is very close to Long Reef Beach and you can walk between them using the coastal path. It is a popular beach with all ages and groups, including visitors with reduced mobility.
The beach is fully accessible, with ramps, disabled toilets and accessible picnic tables. It is particularly popular with families with children with disabilities as the playground is fully adapted for wheelchair users. It is great to see somewhere so accessibility-friendly.
Callroy Beach itself is a fairly ordinary beach in terms of appearance. There is no unique landscape or anything, but it is still a really beautiful beach. One of the best beaches in Sydney, that's for sure.
It is also quite common to see pelicans here, which is pretty cool!
15. Balmoral Beach
Last but not least among the best beaches in Australia, Sydney is Balmoral Beach.
Balmoral Beach is the perfect place for any water sports enthusiast. The waves are so calm that they can be compared to swimming pools! Balmoral Beach is great for many sports that would not be possible at other places on the coastline.
Many visitors enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking at Balmoral Beach, as well as bodyboarding. You can learn to sail with the Balmoral Sailing School or go on a scuba diving tour to try something new.
Anything you can think of to do in the sea, you can do at Balmoral Beach.
Similarly, many visitors enjoy simply relaxing on the shore and working on their skin.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the seafront at Balmoral Beach, each with a different price range and cuisine. You are guaranteed a good meal after a day at sea.
16.🏖️ Collaroy Beach
Collaroy Beach is a relaxed and family-friendly destination that deserves a spot among the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Located on the Northern Beaches, it offers a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers. With calm waves on one end and surf breaks on the other, it's ideal for all skill levels. The beach connects seamlessly with Narrabeen, creating one of the longest coastal stretches in Sydney. Facilities include picnic areas, cafes, and a rock pool, making it one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia for a full-day outing.
Whether you’re enjoying sunrise yoga, a beachfront walk, or a summer BBQ, this coastal gem stands out. Loved by locals and tourists alike, Collaroy Beach continues to earn its reputation as one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia. If you're crafting your itinerary, don’t miss this must-visit among the best beaches in Sydney Australia.
17.🏖️ Avalon Beach
Avalon Beach blends surf culture, natural beauty, and trendy coastal charm, making it one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Located in the Northern Beaches, Avalon attracts surfers with its reliable waves and creatives with its laid-back vibe. The wide golden beach, dramatic cliffs, and ocean pool make it a top choice for beachgoers. With nearby organic cafes, boutique shops, and scenic headland walks, it's no wonder many consider it among the best beaches in Sydney Australia.
Whether you’re learning to surf or sipping coffee with ocean views, Avalon offers an unforgettable experience. It’s perfect for a stylish day out or a relaxed escape from the city. Consistently rated as one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia, Avalon Beach welcomes locals and visitors seeking a unique seaside destination. For scenic beauty and chill vibes, Avalon Beach is firmly among the best beaches in Sydney Australia.
18.🏖️ Little Bay Beach
Little Bay Beach is a secluded coastal hideaway that ranks among the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Nestled between dramatic cliffs, this small crescent-shaped beach features clear turquoise waters and soft sand, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Its calm, protected waters make it ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful day by the sea. The natural setting and fewer crowds set it apart from busier beaches, securing its place among the best beaches in Sydney Australia. With picnic areas and walking trails nearby, it’s a tranquil escape without leaving the city. Its stunning natural charm draws photographers, couples, and locals looking for serenity.
Whether it’s your first visit or a hidden favorite, Little Bay Beach is easily one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Quiet, clean, and incredibly scenic, it deserves a top spot in any list of the best beaches in Sydney Australia.
19.🏖️ Nielsen Park (Shark Beach)
Nielsen Park’s Shark Beach is a historic and sheltered harbor beach that stands out among the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Located in Vaucluse, it offers calm, netted waters perfect for safe swimming, especially for families with young children. Surrounded by lush greenery and sandstone cliffs, it delivers both natural beauty and serenity. The park provides shaded picnic spots, walking trails, and views of Sydney Harbour, securing its spot as one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Its proximity to the city and ease of access make it a top choice for locals and visitors. From sunbathing to harbor kayaking, it caters to all beachgoers.
As part of Sydney Harbour National Park, it reflects the harmony between nature and urban life. For a peaceful day by the water, Nielsen Park is undeniably one of the best beaches in Sydney Australia, combining charm, comfort, and convenience like few other best beaches in Sydney Australia.
20.🏖️ Lady Martins Beach
Lady Martins Beach is one of the most exclusive and hidden gems among the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Tucked away behind the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club in Point Piper, this narrow stretch of sand offers privacy, calm waters, and stunning harbor views. Its peaceful ambiance and limited public access make it ideal for a quiet escape. This elegant beach attracts those seeking solitude away from the crowds, reinforcing its spot among the best beaches in Sydney Australia. With gentle waves and scenic surroundings, it’s perfect for a relaxed swim or sunbathing session.
While small in size, it ranks high in charm and exclusivity, often overlooked by tourists. For those in the know, it’s a secret favorite on the list of the best beaches in Sydney Australia. Whether for a romantic retreat or quiet reflection, Lady Martins Beach shines among the best beaches in Sydney Australia.
📍 Pro Tips for Visiting Sydney Beaches in 2025:
🕒 Best Time to Visit: November to March (Australian summer)
🚆 Public Transport: Ferries and buses make many beaches accessible
🧴 Beach Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, reusable water bottle, and swimwear
🐠 Safety Tip: Always swim between the red and yellow flags
📝 Conclusion: Day Trips from Sydney Australia
From golden beaches to lush mountains and charming coastal towns, day trips from Sydney Australia offer the perfect escape beyond the city skyline. Whether you're surfing at Palm Beach, hiking in the Blue Mountains, or sipping wine in the Hunter Valley, these adventures provide a deeper look into New South Wales' incredible diversity. With convenient transport and unforgettable scenery, each destination adds a new layer to your Sydney experience. As you plan your 2025 itinerary, don’t miss the chance to explore beyond the Harbour — the best memories often begin just a short drive away. So pack your day bag and discover the magic waiting just outside the city with these unforgettable day trips from Sydney Australia.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which beach is best for surfing in Sydney?
A: Bondi, Manly, and Maroubra are top surf beaches.
Q: Are there shark nets at Sydney beaches?
A: Many popular beaches like Bondi and Coogee have shark nets for safety.
Q: Is it safe to swim at Sydney beaches?
A: Yes, but swim between the flags and check surf conditions.
📣 Ready to Discover Sydney’s Beaches in 2025?
Whether you're chasing waves or chasing sunsets, Sydney’s beaches offer a perfect escape for every kind of traveler. Pack your towel, grab your sunnies, and dive into the vibrant beach culture of Australia’s most iconic city.