So you’ve landed in Sydney, and you’ve explored the gorgeous harbour, great restaurants, climbed the iconic ‘coat-hanger’ bridge. But with sunglasses, swimmers, and hat in hand, you’re itching to get to those legendary beaches! Me too. Here’s a guide to some of the best Sydney sand you could hope to get between your toes.
Possibly the most famous Sydney beach would have to be Bondi. It’s one of the most internationally well known strips of sand in all of Australia. Apart from the great surf and rolling waves, you’ll find the popular and friendly Bondi Lifesavers (who even have their own television show), as well as a very hip beachside suburb with funky cafes, shops and street musicians.
There’s an entirely unique pulse to Bondi. Its incredibly popular with backpackers from right around the world, so a great spot to meet like-minded travellers of every nationality. The one thing everyone has in common is a love of the true-blue Aussie beach culture.
And if you’re not prepared to compete in a world-class surf competition, fear not. Bondi has one of the best surfing schools in the country. Alternately you can sit beside the Icebergs rock pool and watch the world go by.
The Optimist by artist Stephen Marr is seen as part of the Sculpture by the Sea outdoor exhibition along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Go for a wander along the beautiful Bondi to Bronte walk, a comfortable pathway around the sandstone cliffs which leads first to the neighbouring beach of Tamarama, then onto Bronte. In late October each year, the path becomes a rather spectacular outdoor art gallery, home to the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition.
North of the harbour, jump on a ferry or Jetcat to Manly Beach. It’s a favourite for locals and can get quite busy on weekends. A great family spot, Manly’s beautiful sand is lined with equally beautiful restaurants and some great shops.
Go for a stroll through the bush lined path that leads to the Spit Bridge, cool off with a gentle swim in the harbour, and explore some rock pools.
There’s loads of buses from Manly that can take you up to the farther northern beaches, each with its own laid-back character and natural beauty.
Check out Curl Curl, Dee Why, Narabeen, Mona Vale, Newport and Avalon and see what Sydney’s beach lifestyle and culture is all about. Farthest north is Palm Beach, a stunning length of beach framed by natural bushland, sand dunes and even a very unique golf course.
The beach and the harbour are connected by small, leafy suburbs. One of the most popular is Balmoral. It’s main road entrance is lined with trendy restaurants and up market shops, and the park like beach of Balmoral is perfect for a tranquil afternoon.
Sydney is a city that loves and embraces its beach culture. Children feel the sand between their toes and the salt water on their skin from a very young age. It’s a lifestyle, and when the suits comes off on the weekends the swimmers come out, as the city takes to the water.
Believe me, this lifestyle is very contagious and you’ll find it difficult to leave. You can definitely expect to arrive home with some sand in your luggage. But it’s worth it.
Grab yourself some flights to Sydney here and head to the beach!
