Beaches · Sydney · Australia
The best beaches in and near Sydney
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Bondi Beach (About 7 km east of the CBD). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in December–April.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 7
- Swimming season
- December–April
- Warmest sea
- 24°C (75°F)
The beaches
About 7 km east of the CBD · First visits and surf lessons
1.Bondi Beach
Sydney's most famous surf beach, with the Icebergs ocean pool, a long promenade and the start of the coastal walk to Coogee.
About 30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay · Families and surf lessons
2.Manly Beach
A long surf beach backed by Norfolk Island pines at the end of the ferry ride from Circular Quay, with calm Shelly Beach a short walk away.
About 8 km east of the CBD · Families and ocean-pool swimming
3.Bronte Beach
A small beach with a grassy park, free barbecues and the Bronte Baths ocean pool at its southern end.
About 9 km south-east of the CBD · Relaxed swims and picnics
4.Coogee Beach
A sheltered bay with a grassy foreshore at the end of the coastal walk, with the historic Wylie's Baths and McIver's Ladies Baths ocean pools nearby.
About 15 minutes' walk from Manly Wharf · Snorkelling and young children
5.Shelly Beach
A calm cove in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, where snorkellers often see large blue gropers close to shore.
About 10 km north-east of the CBD · Calm-water swimming with children
6.Balmoral Beach
A calm harbour beach in Mosman with a shark-netted swimming area, a promenade and cafés under fig trees.
About 40 km north of the CBD · Day trips and the lighthouse walk
7.Palm Beach
A long ocean beach at the northern tip of the Northern Beaches, with Barrenjoey Lighthouse on the headland above.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C (73°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| February | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| March | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| August | 17°C (63°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| October | 19°C (66°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| December | 22°C (72°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, couples, solo travellers and nightlife
Bondi Beach
Staying at Bondi means waking up to the surf, the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool and the start of the coastal walk to Coogee. Campbell Parade and Hall Street are lined with cafés, juice bars and casual restaurants. The trade-off is distance: the CBD is about 30–40 minutes away by bus, or by bus to Bondi Junction and then train.
- Good
- Beach and coastal walk on the doorstep; Lively café and bar scene; Good choice of apartments and hostels
- Watch out
- No train station at the beach; Crowded on summer weekends; Rooms book out early for December and January
- Nearby
- Bondi Icebergs, Tamarama, Bronte, Bondi Junction
Getting to the beaches
- Train — Sydney Trains run from Central and Town Hall to the suburbs, the airport and the Blue Mountains, with intercity services north to Newcastle and south to Wollongong and Kiama.
- Metro — The driverless Sydney Metro runs every few minutes through the CBD, stopping at Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal and Central between the North Shore and Sydenham, with a branch to the north-west suburbs.
- Ferry — Ferries fan out from Circular Quay to Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Cockatoo Island and up the Parramatta River, using the same Opal fares as other public transport.
- Tram — Light rail runs along a car-free George Street from Circular Quay to Central and on to Randwick and Kingsford, while another line links Central with Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and the inner west.
- Bus — Buses fill the gaps, especially to the eastern beaches: frequent services run from the CBD and from Bondi Junction station to Bondi, Bronte and Coogee.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in November–February. The busiest of those is January, so book early.
Beach safety
Sydney is generally safe for visitors; the main hazards are natural. Rip currents are common, so swim only between the red-and-yellow flags at patrolled beaches, and protect yourself from strong UV with sunscreen, a hat and shade. Watch your belongings in crowded places such as Circular Quay and Central. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Sydney have beaches?
Yes: Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach, Shelly Beach, Balmoral Beach and Palm Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Sydney?
Usually December–April, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Sydney?
Bondi Beach: Sydney's most famous surf beach, with the Icebergs ocean pool, a long promenade and the start of the coastal walk to Coogee.