Popular & Famous Beaches to visit in Sydney

Sydney is known all over the world for its beautiful beaches. With its long coastline, the city has dozens of amazing spots where you can swim, surf, relax, or just enjoy the sunshine. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Sydney’s beaches are perfect for weekend hangouts, family outings, or a quiet day by the sea. We have put together a list with some of the most popular and famous beaches in Sydney and what makes each one special.

List of popular beaches to visit in Sydney

  1.  Bondi beach
  2. Manly beach
  3. Coogee beach
  4. Bronte beach
  5. Palm beach
  6. Maroubra beach

Image Credit: Pixabay

1. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is probably the most famous beach in Australia, and maybe even the world. It’s known for its golden sand, great surfing waves, and cool vibe. A lot of tourists go there, but locals love it too. There are always people sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or enjoying the water.

Bondi is also famous for the Bondi Icebergs Pool, a saltwater swimming pool right next to the ocean. Another great thing is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which has some of the best ocean views in the city. 

Best for: Surfing, swimming, walking, and people-watching.

Location: Eastern Suburbs, about 8 km from Sydney CBD

2. Manly Beach

Manly Beach is another super famous beach in Sydney. Getting there is half the fun—you take a ferry from the city, and the ride gives you amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Manly has a more laid-back vibe than Bondi. There are great places to eat, a long promenade for walking or skating, and awesome waves for beginner and pro surfers. If you walk a bit further, you’ll reach Shelly Beach, a smaller, quieter spot that’s perfect for snorkeling.

Best for: Families, ferry rides, beginner surfers, and snorkelers.

Location: Northern Beaches, 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay

3. Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach is a great beach for people who want a more relaxed experience. The waves are usually calmer than at Bondi or Manly, so it’s safer for kids and casual swimmers. The beach has picnic spots, a park, and even a playground.

There are also ocean pools nearby like the Wylie’s Baths and Giles Baths, which are awesome places to swim without worrying about big waves. Coogee is also the end point of the famous Bondi to Coogee walk.

Best for: Families, swimming, and coastal walks.

Location: South of Bondi, Eastern Suburbs

4. Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach is smaller than Bondi and Coogee but just as beautiful. It’s a favourite among locals because it feels a bit quieter and less crowded. There’s a rock pool at the southern end that’s great for safe swimming, and a big grassy area with BBQ spots—perfect for weekend hangouts.

Bronte is also on the coastal walk route, so it’s a nice place to stop, take a break, and enjoy the ocean view.

Best for: Relaxing, BBQs, rock pool swimming.

Location: Between Bondi and Coogee

5. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is where the famous TV show Home and Away is filmed, so it’s pretty popular with fans. It’s a beautiful beach with soft sand, clear water, and great surfing. On the other side of the beach is Pittwater, which is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

There’s also a walking trail to the top of the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, where you can see amazing views of the ocean and coastline.

Best for: Day trips, hiking, surfing, and TV fans.

Location: Northern tip of Sydney, about 1.5 hours from the city

6. Maroubra Beach

Maroubra is a bit less touristy than Bondi or Manly, which makes it perfect if you want more space and fewer crowds. It’s one of the best beaches in Sydney for serious surfing, with powerful waves and plenty of local surfers.

The beach also has a skate park, picnic areas, and some rock pools nearby. It’s a great place for a fun day out with friends.

Best for: Surfers, skating, and less-crowded beach days.

Location: Eastern Suburbs, south of Coogee