The 16 Best Beaches Close to Sydney

Manly Beach combines surfing with space to spend time on the sand, with shaded spots for a break from the sun. A short walk connects the ferry station to the beach, making it an option for a day trip that includes both a ferry ride and time by the water.

Balmoral Beach has calm water and easy swimming access, with ocean views to take in from the shore. Its proximity to Sydney's CBD makes it an option for a beach outing close to the city, while nearby dining gives families somewhere to eat during a day of swimming and sunbathing.

Palm Beach has a spacious stretch of sand for families to spread out, with picnic areas for a break between time on the beach. Lifeguards are on duty, and visitors may also catch a glimpse of Home and Away filming nearby, adding another point of interest to a day by the water.

Long Reef Beach brings together surfing, bodyboarding and a shallow lagoon that flows into the ocean. On the Northern Beaches of New South Wales, it gives families a choice between time around the lagoon and activities in the surf, with beach walks and red clay sediment adding interest along the shore.

Parsley Bay Beach combines calm water and a netted swimming area with a playground, cafe and shady places to settle down. Families with young children can mix time in the water with a picnic or play, while the footbridge offers a walk above the bay and views across it.

Rose Bay Beach welcomes dogs and has calm water, giving visitors a place to combine a beach outing with time alongside their pets. The small stretch of shore also offers views over Rose Bay and sunsets, suiting those looking for a generally quiet place to spend time by the water.

Brighton-Le-Sands Beach has soft sand, shore walks and views of planes taking off, giving a beach visit an extra point of interest. Play areas and picnic spots provide options for families, while cafes, restaurants and shops nearby make it possible to include a meal in an outing along The Grand Parade.

Edwards Beach pairs fine sand with calm water for a day spent swimming or sitting by the shore. Beach kiosks and restaurants nearby offer places to get something to eat, making it an option for families or friends who want to combine time on the beach with a meal.

Lady Robinsons Beach offers room for swimming and beach activities alongside walking and jogging paths and areas suited to bikes. Restaurants and cafes nearby give visitors somewhere to stop for food, whether the outing centres on exercise along the shore or spending time on the sand with family.

Seven Shillings Beach has gentle waves, calm water and swimming enclosures, with views across the harbour towards Sydney Harbour Bridge. A shaded cafe provides a place to pause during a visit, suiting those who want to spend time swimming or sitting by the water in a quiet setting.

Bellamy Beach offers paddleboarding and kayak hire alongside a sandy stretch with room to lay out towels. Shade beneath the trees provides another place to settle, making the beach an option for families with children of different ages who want to combine time ashore with activities on the water.

Corner Beach brings together a pet-friendly stretch of shore and a children's playground, giving dog owners with children two reasons to visit. The beach is small and can be busy, so it suits an outing where spending time with pets and having somewhere for children to play are priorities.