Sydney❜s Top Beaches for Toddlers & Preschoolers

We can taste summer in the air and the weather report is flashing suns all around! As the temperature rises, it’s time to head to the beach to cool off. So pack a quick sambo and some tasty snacks, jump in the car, train or bus and head on over to our top pick of Sydney beaches for kids, renowned for their safe surfs, shady corners and great amenities.

Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/u9IO7

Shhh… Parsley Bay Reserve is one of Sydney’s best kept secret beaches for the little ones. We rank it as the most idyllic park-playground-beach combos in the East. It’s a park, a beach, a bushland walk, and a great kids’ playground all in one. Being a bit off the beaten track and with limited parking at the reserve itself, keeps this glorious space clear of the masses.

It’s such an excellent spot for avoiding the crowds, enjoying some peace and quiet, yet safe for baby and toddler swimming and finding shade on a hot day. There are public toilets with showers and a kiosk for drinks, coffee, sandwiches and snacks.

Source: Zvezdana O./ yelp

Balmoral Beach, Mosman

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/4UVPn

We absolutely love beautiful Balmoral Beach for its calm and protected harbour beaches, shady picnic areas and the fabulous Balmoral Baths.

Balmoral is divided into three main beach areas and on sunny days, these sandy beaches are full of families enjoying the relatively sheltered conditions of this harbour side location. There are cafes and restaurants, enclosed harbour baths, BBQs and wonderful picnic spots. It’s also easily accessible, both by public transport and car-aside from off-street parking, there’s a dedicated paid parking area at the southern end of the beach.

Be aware that while this is a very kid friendly beach, it is not patrolled by surf lifesavers.

Source: Merbabu
 

Bundeena Beach

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/5FmEs

A gorgeous family-friendly spot, just over an hour from Sydney CBD, that is definitely worth a day trip. Bundeena Beach is accessible by ferry from Cronulla or via the Royal National Park by car. We love that the beach is a cosy little village with a playground and quaint cafes littered along the strip.

The best spot for the littlies to splash and play is along Bundeena Creek, south of the ferry wharf. With lots of shade covering the gentle flowing creek, you can definitely enjoy a peaceful lie on the sand while the kids have a play close to you.

Source: frankeeg.com

Clontarf Beach

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/wxQOo

We rate Clontarf Beach and Reserve as one of Sydney’s best spots for a family day out with its fabulous location on the foreshore of Middle Harbour with BBQs, toilets, cafe and netted swimming area in the harbour.

There is also a well equipped and shaded unfenced playground with activities for both toddlers and older children and a toddler bike path around the sandy play area. Parking is available on site and there’s a good little kiosk on the beach as well as a restaurant.

Source: The Beaches Holiday Rentals

Collaroy Beach

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/A00Ot

Collaroy Beach is a long stretch of sand that combines with Narrabeen Beach for about 3.4km. Usually known for its surf, the main area suitable for parents with little ones is at the southern headland between Beach Road and Florence Avenue. Here there is a fantastic fenced playground, a car park, an adult ocean pool, a shallow toddler pool and rock pools.

While it’s not a terrific swimming spot, the rock pools are a favourite for your tiny explorer with a little bit of guidance. Help them explore and spot a few sea creatures and sea life living amidst the rock formations and you’ll have a distracted afternoon cooling off.

Source: The Beaches Holiday Rentals

Little Manly Cove

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/ZHpJq

A peaceful little spot away from the bustle of Manly, Little Manly Cove is a compact beach with a swimming enclosure perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Overlooking this quiet cove beach is Little Manly Point with a gorgeous playground suited to the littles ones on a shaded, grassed reserve. With a cafe on site, you won’t need to go far to enjoy a cuppa after your kids cool off.

Source: Manly Australia

Greenwich Baths

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/gV1wk

If you’re after a fabulous hideaway with spectacular city harbour views in a calm, relaxing beach suitable for your splashing toddler, you won’t go wrong with Greenwich Baths.

Other than being a bit of a challenge to get to with a pram, Greenwich Baths has a netted swimming enclosure that makes the waters safe and calm, plus a shaded beach with plenty of room for bub and toddler to paddle, splash and roam.

Bear in mind that the Baths are run by Lane Cove Council with lifeguards, so there’s an entry fee to this gorgeous spot. NOTE: They are currently undergoing renovations, but will re-open soon!

Source: Greenwich Baths

Bronte Beach

Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/Ywwtu

Bronte Beach can get some killer surf, but head for the Bogey Hole – a shallow enclosed natural pool on the South side of the beach. It’s really excellent for the kids with its smooth sloping sand, gentle lapping waves and plenty of rock pools nearby to poke about in.

The seawater swimming pool is also this end, although more for adult swimming, you’ll also find free showers, toilets and changing facilities. Beware there is no shade on the beach, early mornings and late afternoons are best, or bring a sun tent.

For snacks you’ll find the kiosk on the North end of the beach and plentiful cafés for sit in and take away, they can get jam packed at weekends, so can be difficult with a stroller, not all have high chairs, so ask.

Source: The Travelleur

Some More To Try

We’ve scoured the coastline of Sydney and found the most kid-friendly beaches in South Sydney, the Northern Beaches, the Eastern Suburbs, and the North Shore. For toddlers, however, you just can’t go past the protected, calm waters of Harbour Beaches- and they sure are a sight for sore eyes! For an adventure, why not try and find one of Sydney’s best secret hidden beaches- you’ll be sure to escape the crowds and experience a little piece of Sydney you’ve never even heard of. For families with children who want a bit of action in the form of surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing & activities to get your blood pumping- check out one of Sydney’s best action beaches.