Ssshhh!! Sydney❜s Secret Beaches
- Kids
Family
By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist
If you’re dreading the crowds and chaos at the likes of Coogee and Bondi this Summer, then you should make these secret beaches a priority to visit. Some you may never have heard of, some are really difficult to find, and some are more kid-friendly than others, but all will provide you with a bit of relief from the December-February crowds and give you a bit of seclusion. Enjoy! Note: some of these are un-patrolled, so always keep an eye on your little ones!
1. Resolute Beach, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase
One of the most secluded beaches in Sydney, and possibly one you’ve never even heard of! Once you’re inside the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, head to the Resolute Picnic Ground. From here, begin the Resolute Loop Trail to Resolute Beach, where there are virtually no tourists and likely almost no other swimmers. You’ll have views over Pittwater and the Barrenjoey Headland, and enjoy a stunning 60m stretch of sandy beach, with very calm waters and small reaches of rocks on either side, so you are practically in your own secret beach cocoon. Note: You will need to pay entry to the National Park.
2. Congwong Beach, La Perouse
Here’s a tip: if you walk around to nearby Little Congwong beach, clothing is optional, so be mindful if you’re taking little kids! Make your way down a sloping stead of sand to this pretty secluded beach in the Botany Bay National Park, where you can look out to Bare Island. There water is pretty much completely flat, so it’s perfect for inexperienced swimmers, mums wanting a truly relaxing swim- and snorkellers! If you’re lucky, you might catch the ice cream boat- literally a little boat you can buy ice creams from that travels between Congwong and Little Congwong beach.
A view from a beach #fridaynight #travelisthenewclub #sea? #goodlife
A photo posted by Afua (@curlyafdabs) on
3. Jibbon Beach, Bundeena
Found nestled in the Royal National Park is Jibbon Beach in Sydney’s south. The water is quite flat for a fair distance, but there is a sudden drop, so be careful with little swimmers! It is an extremely long 700m stretch of sand, so you’re destined to pick your own quiet place to sun bake far removed from others. From here you can also access a trail walk to check out the sites of well preserved Aboriginal engravings- an amazing experience.
4. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse
This one’s probably the hardest to find- if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you simply won’t find it. But trust us, it’s possibly the best secret beach on our list. It can be found between Parsley Bay and Watson’s Bay, in a completely residential area. At the end of Wharf Road in front of the Vaucluse Sailing Club, you have not hit a dead end. Look carefully and you’ll see a wood staircase painted white behind a white picket fence, that is basically as narrow as a person’s shoulder width. Head down the steep stairs, and here you’ll find what seems to be a private beach for the mansions that enclose it. In case you’re not convinced that this is paradise: dogs are welcome there too, if on a leash.
?☀️️? paradise #kuttibeach #sydneylife #sydneybeaches #summervibes #mysydneydiary
A photo posted by Barbora H. (@barborhrda) on
5. Store Beach, Manly
If you don’t mind having a bit of an adventure in order to get there, then Store Beach is for you! This one is only accessible by boat- we recommended hiring a kayak from Manly Wharf and paddling around to this 200m long stretch of isolated beach. It’s been done with children before, so don’t be put off by the idea of slugging away with oars. With all the thick vegetation surrounding you, you’ll feel miles away from the city and those pesky summer crowds. Pack a picnic to take with you or eat before you go- there’s no easy way off this secret beach once you arrive!
double kayaking is so fun when you dont have to do the rowing ??
A photo posted by t a y l o r b e e . ❁ (@taybaelor) on
6. Gordon’s Bay, Between Coogee & Clovelly
Whilst this is no longer a secret for locals, if you’re ever visiting the eastern suburbs, check out Gordon’s Bay rather than the much, much busier Clovelly and Coogee beaches either side of it. It’s a delightful, picture perfect little curve of water with fishing boats stacked on either side, plenty of rocks to climb and explore (or sun bake on, as the locals do it), and trust us, if there were ever going to be a real mermaid sighting, it’d be here. Stop off as you enjoy the coastal walk which is one one Sydney’s best, no doubt.
7. Manly Dam
You probably never thought to swim here! While it’s not quite a beach, it’s undoubtedly a well kept secret body of water. Although parking costs more on weekends if you’re not a northern beaches resident, this is the perfect old-school swimming spot. It’s a hot spot for water skiers, mountain bike riders, picnickers, bushwalkers, and swimmers, of course. It has an abundance of flora and fauna life, and the swimming area is huge, great for toddlers to paddle in the shallows and stronger swimmers to venture further out.
Manly Dam: Suns out, buns out today at Manly Dam. Beautiful location for a picnic with my two boys, have a swim in the designated area, bush walk, feed the ducks/swans/fish/birds, play on the equipment – and of course, it’s all FREE. More information on the Dam itself later. #sydneyssecretplaces #ilovesydney #sydneylocal #manlydam #manly #dam #swimming #swimminghole #bushwalk #picnic #picnicspot #amumslife #amumandherboys #water #kidfriendly #neverstoplearning #neverstopexploring #adventureday #explore #getoutside #nature #naturelover #sydney
A photo posted by Sydney’s Secret Places (@sydneyssecretplaces) on
7. Chinaman’s Beach, Mosman
This is a 250m stretch of unpatrolled beach which gets forgotten because the super kid-friendly Balmoral Beach is close by. A wave is a very hard thing to come by here- perfect for toddlers and a relaxing swim, in a residential area with homes you’re bound to turn green with envy over. It’s properly secluded without a kiosk in sight, so bring your own snacks and enjoy the tranquility overlooking the boats as they bob around in the clear water. Note: There’s not much parking, so best to catch public transport!
8. Lady Martin’s Beach, Point Piper
Although there is free entry, its hidden location keeps the crowds at bay- you might even have it to yourself. Seriously, searching this secret beach on Instagram, there is a very limited number of photos taken, which means if you want to avoid the summer crowds this should be your go-to. Beside the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, head down a narrow lane (off Wolseley Road) and you’ll find this narrow stretch of pristine beach, surrounded by mansions that are the stuff of dreams. You’ll have views of the city skyline as you take a dip.
Source: ARCADIA
9. Bungan Beach, Pittwater
Gorgeous white sand, with 40-50m tall sandstone cliffs on either side- the perfect nook for a secluded beach experience. It’s a long 600m stretch with a few surfers but never crowds, and can only be accessed by walking down a very steep, private driveway- Myolda road.
10. Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park
The perfect adventure spot- walking tracks, snorkelling, swimming, fishing, picnic-ing, exploring, or just hiding away from the hustle and bustle. The lagoon is perfect for little swimmers. The beach can get a little busier on weekends, so for the most secluded experience, get there during the week! Note: you will need t pay entry to the National Park.
Willing to share your secret beach? We want to know! Comment below.
Reviews
