The Best of Sydney Beaches - All That Wander

It is no secret that Sydney has some of the best beaches. Spread a towel and lie back, go for a swim between the yellow and red flag, or learn to surf. Here are some of my favourite beaches that you can’t miss on your visit to Sydney.

Manly

One of Sydney’s more famous beaches and a personal favourite of mine, there are many ways to get to Manly beach. You can either go by bus, ferry, or walking.

Ferry

Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to the seaside suburb of Manly. With unbeatable views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the ride takes about 30 minutes. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes from Circular Quay, a return adult ticket costing around $15.

Once in Manly, enjoy a stroll along the Corso. This is a pedestrian only strip with an expansive walkway filled with shops, bars, cafes, supermarket, surf shops and gift stores hosting indigenous art. Next you can head to the beach, which is probably the main reason you’re there as there is no shortage of coastline. Either throw out a towel and relax or go surfing. Manly has consistent swells which make it perfect conditions to catch a wave.

Spit to Manly Walk

Alternatively, instead of taking the Ferry, you can take the local bus from Circular Quay Wharf. Get off at Spit Bridge and start walking. Keep following signs to Manly. It’s an 10km walk that takes anywhere from 3-5 hours with plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll enjoy spectacular harbour, bush and ocean views as you walk through sub-tropical, coastal heathland and beach habitats.

Palm Beach

14km north of Sydney’s CBD, you’ll find Palm Beach, one of the region’s northern beaches. This is another great beach to visit, if you’re looking to spend a day away from the hustle of the city. Palm beach is called the “jewel” of the Northern Beaches. It’s also the filmed location for the Australia soap opera Home and Away. I’ve actually never heard of the show until I moved to Australia, but it’s very popular among Aussies and Brits. You can either spend the day relaxing, swimming or surfing on the beach or take a walk up and enjoy the spectacular views from Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

Bondi to Coogee Walk

This is hands down one of my favourite things to do in Sydney. It’s a photogenic 6km walk that takes you along the Pacific Coast, passing Sydney’s Eastern beaches starting at the world-famous Bondi Beach, then passing Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and ending at Coogee. Start early and you can stop in at every beach and take a dip! Remember to bring water and lots of sunscreen! Seriously, that Australia sun is no joke.

If you’re traveling in October, you can enjoy the 3 week open-air exhibition known as Sculpture by the Sea. Here, you can view over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world and it’s free to the public.