Sydney’s beaches

Australia’s most iconic ocean beach

Bondi. Australia’s most iconic ocean beach

Bondi beach is one of the greatest beaches in the pacific ocean. It’s close proximity to the city centre -only 8km away makes it the ideal destination for a short day trip or even a weekend getaway. 

Bondi’s broad sandy beaches along with the icebergs pool and the child-friendly salt water baths makes the ultimate ocean place for surfers, swimmers, families and couples.The surfing school I tried was the ‘Lets Go Surfing’ was one of the surfing schools I tried and I found their prices pretty reasonable among the competition. Just be aware with the water’s temperature which easily goes down to 21 you’ll might need to get the full swimsuit option they provide. 

Visit the Icebergs pool and then go for a sunset dinner to the Iceberg Dinning Room. Just make sure you’ll reserve a few days in advance and also think twice before you’ll show up with just your swimsuit – there is a very strict door policy. There is also an elegant cocktail bar at the end of the restaurant where you can start or end your dinner with a refreshing cocktail.

The real Bondi’s gem though lies overwater and this is the path that leads to Coogee beach along the Coogee’s dramatic clifftops and pass thought Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly beaches. It will take you up to 2 hours to go trekking across the end of the seashore path but the interweaving panoramic views towards the Pacific ocean will probably make you want to do it once more. 

Manly beach

On your third day in Sydney you might end up visiting Manly beach more than once not only because of it’s cool vibes but also because the unpredictable weather conditions. Aim to depart early in the afternoon and check online the forecast of that day to make sure this will be a sunny day. Remember that even in the heart of the summer Sydney has a distinct weather with unexpected tropical rains. Don’t be caught unprepared.

Another place you might need to consider if you aim to spend some good time on a secluded beach is the Shelly beach, which is Sydney’s best snorkelling spot. Despite most of the travel guides I checked recommend to get a Manly bike tour, I found it almost impossible to find any bikes around the port area. It took me some time to find out online that given the majority of bike providers tend to rent bikes not later that 5pm, made the whole concept of renting a bike a rather unsuccessful project. However, in case you’ll arrive early enough and you’re up to a bike tour you’ll find plenty of bikes available across the ferry wharf. 

Once I paid a visit to the Zoo, I went straight away to Manly to have lunch. My initial plan was to have lunch at the highly recommended Fish Cafe, but on my way there I accidentally happened to even the best for budget travellers Australian restaurant.  The best part of this service, is not only th super fresh, super cheap sea-food but the fact that you’ll find out that at the back of the shop  you have the option to be grilled and served to you in no more than 15 to 20 minutes. Coming from Europe that was a great surprise for me given I’ve never seen such thing in any of the Mediterranean European countries I’e visited so far. Fresh sea food cooked in a sea food shop is one of the cheapest but also tastiest lunches I had. Apparently this seemed to be a very common concept in Australia. T

Watsons Bay 

Spending a day or two at Watsons Bay is an absolute must when visiting Sydney’s beaches especially if you need aa getaway from the crowded beaches of Bondi or Coogee. To get there you’ll need to get the ferry from Sydney’s Circular Quay and will take you no more than than half an hour to reach Watsons Bay’s small port. Watsons Bay used to be a fishing village and it took only a few decades to become one of the most popular places for Australians to swim and sunbath mainly thanks to its Lady Bay beach, one of the best beach for nudists. On your way there make a stop at The Gap, a dramatic lookout surrounded by stunning cliffs that gives a panoramic view of the bay. We took the pathway that is heading down to Lady Bay before we made a stop at Hornby Lighthouse and the Lightkeeper’s Cottages

Doyles on the beach is the absolute seafood Sydney’s experience. It ’s located right on the Watsons Bay little port and this restaurant worth a visit no only because of its notorious fresh oysters but also thanks to its long history dated back to 1885 when it started running for the first time.

Nielsen Park 

When arriving at Nielsen Park, you will be able to visit a secluded sandy beach, a stunning harbourside park and a 206 hectare Gothic house estate. The beach down the park’s hill is called the Shark Beach and besides its scary name there is nothing serious to be afraid of. The whole area is super protected with a huge net and continuously monitored. Be sure to visit on a weekend rather than a weekday when is getting super crowded.

In case you are having more than just a few days to visit Sydney here is a few extra beaches you can visit which are considered among the 6/7 best around the city. These are:

• • • Murray Rose Pool
    • Whale Beach 
    • Closely Beach
    • Mahon Pool

Watsons Bay

Spending a day or two at Watsons Bay is an absolute must when visiting Sydney’s beaches especially if you need aa getaway from the crowded beaches of Bondi or Coogee. To get there you’ll need to get the ferry from Sydney’s Circular Quay and will take you no more than than half an hour to reach Watsons Bay’s small port. Watsons Bay used to be a fishing village and it took only a few decades to become one of the most popular places for Australians to swim and sunbath mainly thanks to its Lady Bay beach, one of the best beach for nudists. On your way there make a stop at The Gap, a dramatic lookout surrounded by stunning cliffs that gives a panoramic view of the bay. We took the pathway that is heading down to Lady Bay before we made a stop at Hornby Lighthouse and the Lightkeeper’s Cottages

Doyles on the beach is the absolute seafood Sydney’s experience. It ’s located right on the Watsons Bay little port and this restaurant worth a visit no only because of its notorious fresh oysters but also thanks to its long history dated back to 1885 when it started running for the first time.

Nielsen Park

When arriving at Nielsen Park, you will be able to visit a secluded sandy beach, a stunning harbourside park and a 206 hectare Gothic house estate. The beach down the park’s hill is called the Shark Beach and besides its scary name there is nothing serious to be afraid of. The whole area is super protected with a huge net and continuously monitored. Be sure to visit on a weekend rather than a weekday when is getting super crowded.

In case you are having more than just a few days to visit Sydney here is a few extra beaches you can visit which are considered among the 6/7 best around the city. These are:

• • • Murray Rose Pool
    • Whale Beach
    • Closely Beach
    • Mahon Pool