There are more than 100 beautiful beaches in Sydney. Whether you are after the calm, tranquil bays and secret coves or busy surf beaches and world-famous tourist destinations. Sydney got it all. To make things easier I have put together the top best sydney beaches for families which can be fun for solo travellers and couples too. Let me take you on virtual Sydney beach tours.
I have been living here for the last decade so, this information comes with the personal experience. Most of these beautiful beaches are easily accessible from Sydney’s city centre. While some are surrounded by prestige mansions, others have cafes, restaurants or pubs nearby. You can easily do a range of aquatic activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and surfing. There is something for everyone and with that in mind, let’s start!
10 Best Sydney beaches for families
1. Bondi Beach
Bondi is the most popular Australian beach which is on every visitor’s list of places to see in Sydney. It was also the first beach I went with my then family in Sydney and was impressed with the view! Especially the sunsets are great from North Bondi (you just walk up all the way to the north end of the beach) Bondi Beach is not only famous for its breathtaking view, rock pool, hot eye candies showing off their surfing skills and picture-perfect BBQ scene but interesting events happen here too. And that makes it even better!
If you are in the right month of the year you can also visit the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. (usually around November) along the coastal walking track to the Coogee Beach. Another fun event that happens here is, the Festival of wind where you can fly any types of kites on the beach! It is a must-see sight in Bondi Beach and a perfect activity at one of the best sydney beaches for families.
2. Tamarama Beach
If Bondi is too crowded for you, head further south along the coastal path to little Tamarama Beach. As you can see in the picture, I found it all to myself one afternoon! The best thing about Tamarama beach is, it is small, calm and cute as a button beach.
The small size of the beach gives the feeling of being on a private beach too! Plus, if you arrived late it is easy to spot your friend in a small area or have that ocean pool all to your family!
3. Clovelly Beach
Clovelly is one of the local’s favourite beach in Sydney that comes with a pool! Although it can get overcrowded on the weekends or public holidays, I recommend visiting during the weekdays for snorkelling and chilled vibes.
Bondi is great, but it’s fun to change it up once in a while and hang out at a neighbouring beach. Just walk south along the coastal path from Bondi and you can see the above mentioned small Tamarama, and chic Clovelly beach– all within walking distance.
4. Coogee Beach
Coogee Beach is usually packed with locals and backpackers but during the early mornings and weekdays, most likely you will have it all to your family. Kitesurfing, windsurfing and sun baking are the popular activities here. Not too far from the city and Bondi. You can also take your kids to wander further along the south end of the beach and dip in the rock pool when there is low tide and take it all in!
5. Chinaman’s Beach
Chinaman’s Beach is ideal for chilled-out picnics and wave-less swims. It’s the better-known neighbour, Balmoral Beach, is less than a mile south with its stone bridge and pavilion. But this is a quiet one and most of the people chilling would be locals. There are also fantastic new amenities including bathroom and showers available.
6. Camp Cove
Another best sydney beaches for families is Camp Cove. It is a little bit of paradise at the end of Cliff Street in Watson’s Bay. Beautiful harbour view and calm enough water to swim, snorkel, picnic and paddling options. The Cafe at the end of the beach sells icecreams, coffee, and various other items. It is so beautiful just somewhere you wouldn’t expect to be in the city. A must-visit beach in Sydney!
7. Wattamolla Beach
You can find the golden sand Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park. The best thing about this beach is, it sits with the wonderful waterfall and calm lagoon which makes it perfect for you to dive, swim and snorkel. It can get crowded during public holidays otherwise, chances are you’ll have this beautiful spot all to yourselves. Pack a picnic, relax on the beach and enjoy the view like there’s no tomorrow.
8. Manly Beach
The best thing about Manly beach is the chilled vibes in and around the beach. Not only it boasts a good looking beach but also the buzzing Manly markets on the weekends, local live bands on the pub, good restaurants, hikes and walks around the beach. Plus, the local ferry ride from the Circular Quay to Manly is fun, scenic and something kids enjoy. Just don’t forget to get the Gelato once you get off the ferry to set you in the mood! Get there early to claim your spot and enjoy it all day!
9. Palm Beach
When I first saw Palm Beach on Instagram, the place that came to my mind was Thailand! So, we had to go out there and see it for yourselves. Happy to report that it IS as beautiful as beaches in Thailand but also more peaceful.
Get in the late morning, enjoy the beach and also don’t forget to head up to the lighthouse for a bird’s eye view of the area. You can also stop at some rocks along the way and enjoy the stunning sunsets from here. 100 % kids friendly beach.
10. Collins Flat Beach
Collins Flat Beach is a great spot to enjoy the hidden beach with no crowds. You can also hire a kayak or canoe from Manly Wharf to get here. It is one of my personal hidden favourites to have a picnic, and take in the peaceful surroundings moments away from civilisation.
There’s even a little waterfall that your kids might enjoy! So set up early, enjoy a lazy afternoon on the sand and enjoy this secluded beach for all its worth!
I hope these 10 best Sydney beaches for families helps you.
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Didn’t know Sydney had a lot of beaches…my favourite one would have to be the Camp Cove! 🙂
These beaches look incredible! Can’t wait to revisit Australia and see more of its natural beauty.
Added to my bucket list as one of the places I want to visit.
It would be difficult to choose which one would be my favorite. All of the beaches look so fabulous!
I want to go to all of these beaches! Bondi is of course the most popular, but it’s good to read about the others there, and a bit of back story too.
Bondi is great but there are a whole lot more beautiful beaches in Sydney! This post nails it on the head! Thanks for the insight!
This is a great guide for when I finally meet my second family in Australia!
Australia has long white sand beaches and I hope to take my family soon 🙂 Your shots are awesome