Find Your Own Paradise at these Hidden Beaches in Sydney

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Sydney's Hidden Beaches
2. Beaches in Northern Sydney
3. Beaches in Eastern Sydney
4. Beaches in Southern Sydney
5. Beaches with Unique Features
6. Beaches in National Parks and Reserves
7. Practical Tips and Access Information
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

Introduction

What could be more enticing than a stunning beach with soft, silky sand along one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coast? How about a stunning beach where you’re one of the only ones there to enjoy it? The beaches in Sydney are some of the finest in the southern hemisphere, and you don’t have to venture too far out of the city to beat the crowds and find some hidden treasures. Have a look at some of the options below.

Beaches in Northern Sydney

Tranquil Chinamans Beach in Mosman is a 250-metre stretch of golden sand, renowned among the many beaches in Sydney for being relatively wave-free, as it’s located within the protection of the harbour. With crystal clear waters and plenty of eateries nearby, this is the perfect spot for taking the kids for a paddle and picnic and is only a 1km walk from popular Balmoral Beach, and is easy to get to by hopping on a ferry at Circular Quay.

Store Beach, Manly, is a great place to start if you’re looking for truly hidden beaches in Sydney. Accessible exclusively by a 20-minute trip by boat or kayak, available from Manly Kayak Station, this is about as secluded as it gets. This beach was originally the place where ships would drop off provisions for Sydney’s old Quarantine Station. The heritage building has been beautifully restored and is now boutique accommodation. As a bonus, you may even spot some little penguins.

Just north of the city and boasting beautiful views of the harbour, Collins Flat Beach, Manly, is a fantastic option for a romantic day away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. The waters here are wonderfully calm, which is ideal for swimming. Just a short drive from the Quarantine Station, which is ideal if you want to spend a night or two at the boutique hotel.

Beaches in Eastern Sydney

If your four-legged friend is coming along for the day, then Kutti Beach, Vaucluse, is the place for you. This dog-friendly slice of paradise is off the beaten track, but well worth it, with breathtaking views, silky soft sand and perfect swimming conditions. To get there, head to the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club, then look for the narrow staircase that takes you down to a row of beachfront mansions, boathouses and the beach itself. It really is one of the prettiest hidden beaches in Sydney.

Parsley Bay, Vaucluse, is perfect for families. Tucked away in the harbour, the waves here are wonderfully gentle and there’s an enclosed swimming area, a playground for kids, plenty of shade from the trees, a picnic area and a handy kiosk. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a unique footbridge straddling the bay taking bushwalkers on a 20-minute return circuit.

You can get to the beach via a small carpark on Horler Avenue which is open until 8 pm, though visitors tend to walk there from The Crescent, Hopetoun Avenue, and Horler Avenue.

Gordons Bay, Clovelly, is nestled between the Beaches of Clovelly and Coogee, and is only accessible by foot from the adjoining streets or the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This is a fabulous spot for diving and snorkelling, as the tranquil waters of the bay are protected by an offshore reef which hides a unique underwater nature trail.

Beaches in Southern Sydney

Just 15km from the heart of Sydney, stunning Congwong Beach, in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, is a beautiful, protected bay, which is surrounded by bushland. This family-friendly beach is great for fishing, paddling, swimming, and snorkelling. Congwong is also close to cafes and walks, and is the perfect spot to bring a picnic. Swimming at Congwong Beach is best avoided for 24 hours after heavy rainfall. The beach is accessed via a 100m path at the end of Cann Park and has a number of steps.

Beautiful Jibbon Beach, backed by the Royal National Park and accessed from Bundeena, is one of the loveliest hidden beaches in Sydney. The stunning beach is crescent-shaped, around 800 metres long and faces north towards the entrance to Port Hacking River. It’s also the starting point for a number of trails which take walkers through the breathtaking cliffs and fascinating Aboriginal rock engravings.

Beaches with Unique Features

Quarantine Beach, North Head, or Q Station, established to quarantine arrivals from Europe during a cholera epidemic, is one of Australia’s most haunted buildings. Anyone with a taste for the supernatural can enjoy an after-dark ghost tour– not for the faint-hearted! Adding to the atmosphere are engravings left by many of the poor souls who were quarantined here over the years.

Surrounded by the heritage-listed Strickland House, the tiny, secluded Milk Beach, nestled within Sydney Harbour National Park, has a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour Bridge and is one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

With its gentle waves, this is a great destination for a family day out, with plenty to do, including fishing, snorkelling and splashing about in the rock pools. Located in Vaucluse, you can drive or catch a bus from Circular Quay or Edgecliff Station.

Beaches in National Parks and Reserves

Resolute Beach, in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, boasts beautiful golden sands, gorgeous, crystalline waters and is one of the most secluded beaches in Sydney.  Access to this hidden oasis is by boat or on foot via the 2km Resolute Track, which has a great picnic area, perfect for outdoor barbeques and fascinating Aboriginal rock art along the way.

The aboriginal meaning of its name, Wattamolla, in the Royal National Park is ‘place near running water,’ and this is certainly apt, as this area is blessed with a cove, lagoon, beach and even a waterfall. The calm waters of the lagoon are safe for kids to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or kayaking.  The beach has a popular picnic area with tables and BBQ facilities, but can get busier in the summer months. Access is down a 400m track from the carpark, which can be tricky with a pushchair, but is definitely worth the effort. A family fave!

Just an hour’s drive south of central Sydney, beautiful Marley Beach is one of the largest within the Royal National Park, and boasts incredible, rolling sand dunes, plus a lagoon which is perfect for splashing around in with the kids. Access to the beach is along a 400m bushwalk from the Bundeena carpark. Care should be taken - waters can be more treacherous at certain times of the year.

Conclusion

With so many breathtakingly beautiful, secluded beaches in Sydney to enjoy within easy driving distance of the city, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you want to go solo and commune with nature far off the beaten track, take the kids for an incredible family day out or head off for a romantic sojourn away from the crowds, when you stay at an Oaks Hotel in Sydney, you’re never far away from the beach!

Sydney Beaches FAQs

What are the best beaches for snorkelling in Sydney?

The crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater wildlife are a snorkeller’s dream, and with many of the beaches protected by the harbour, there are some incredible options for the whole family, like Clovelly, Oak Park and Gordon's Bay.

Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Sydney?

There’s no need for your dog to miss out on fun at the hidden beaches in Sydney, with a range of canine-friendly options for you all to enjoy, many of which allow dogs to roam to their heart’s content at all times.

Are beaches in Sydney free?

All of the beaches in Sydney are free, which is great news for all budgets.

Which beach is least crowded in Sydney?

All the beaches on our list are secluded gems, though of course during peak seasons like school holidays and weekends, even the quietest of beaches may get busier. As a rule of thumb, the harder it is to reach, the less crowded it will be - in theory!

Why is Bondi Beach so famous?

Bondi Beach is well known for its beauty.  Plus, it’s only 7 miles from Sydney, is incredible for surfing, sunbathing, fab events and attractions and has loads of celebrity residents - Bondi is part of what makes Sydney so iconic.

Where not to swim in Sydney?

It's important to check water quality advisories before swimming. Local authorities provide updates on safe swimming conditions.