The Best Secret Beaches in Sydney, Australia

11.1 million tourists visit Sydney each year to experience a piece of life down under. Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Bondi Beach. Having lived in London my whole life the attraction of life in Sydney was the mix of city life while having an array of beaches on my doorstep. You really can have your cake and eat it here, or lamington should I say.

Almost every guidebook under the sun will tell you to head to Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama or Manly. Yes, these are great locations and there is no disputing that they are a must to tick off the list while here in Sydney. So once you have taken your Instagram shot of Bondi Icebergs and gone for a dip in Bronte pool is it time to stretch your legs and really see some of Sydney’s best beaches.

Lady Bay Beach

One main thing that you must know before venturing off to Lady Bay Beach is that it is a nudist beach. Nudity is completely optional so once you are okay with a few others around you in their birthday suit it is a real gem of a spot and you feel as though you are a million miles away from the city. It is a small cove with relatively shallow water and because it faces into the harbour generally there are very few waves and a view of dense green trees on the other side of the Harbour. There is no water or food here so bring your own or pick something up from the Camp Cove Kiosk on your way. If the nudy beach is not for you then not a problem as Camp Cove beach is the bay just before and caters more to families.

Palm Beach

This is as far north as you can go in Sydney so it can be a little tricky to get to but trust me when I say it’s worth the journey. Palm Beach is home to the popular Aussie show ‘Home & Away’ that might interest some tourists but for me, it is the walk up to the lighthouse and the views you can get over Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park that makes this beach like nothing else in Sydney. The thin strip of land connecting the lighthouse to the mainland gives you the option of the rougher open water on one side or the still almost ‘lake’ feel to the beach on the harbourside. There are plenty of restaurant options around this area however they are all a little pricey so potentially pack your own food. Palm Beach is best reached by car or it is a two-bus trip from the CBD.

Planning a trip to Sydney? Check Bondi’s best restaurants and cheap eats!

Washaway Beach

On the Spit to Manly walk there are many options of small tucked-away beaches that magically transport you to a different country the second your feet touch the sand. One of my favourites is Washaway Beach as this tiny piece of land makes me feel like I’m in the Mediterranean. The water is clear and calm for swimming and you are surrounded by rocks and shrubbery above the walking track. There is no parking nearby which I feel makes it a lovely quiet spot as not many people make the 25-minute walk so you may even be lucky and get the place to yourself. Just keep in mind with great peace and quiet also means no water, food or toilets but a little slice of heaven.

Gordons Bay

Not completely a beach but a popular spot with locals that quickly became one of my favourites. The little bit of sand that you walk on is nothing special and is mainly used to store boats but walk up onto the rocks and you will feel like you are in Dubrovnik. When the sun hits the clear water it turns a shimmering turquoise and is deep enough to dive straight off the rocks. This is the best area to escape the busy crowds of Coogee for a swim and it’s only a 10-15 min walk away from the high street.

Parsley Bay

On the Bondi to Watsons Bay walk, the trail will take you across a bridge that runs over the Parsley Bay reserve. Although it is tempting to keep walking on to your final destination a dip here is well worth the break. You can either head down to the sandy beach area or continue over the bridge and to the left (if coming from the direction of Bondi) a path you down to a rocky area with steps into the water. A relatively shallow and calm area to swim the water is crystal clear and highly refreshing on a hot summer’s day.

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