Sydney isn’t just famous for being the home of landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House – it’s also known for its beaches. There are more than 30 beaches in the Sydney area, most of which are within 30 minutes’ drive of the city’s Central Business Business. Here are details of just five of them:
1. Bondi Beach
Probably the most famous of Sydney’s beaches, Bondi Beach is best known for attracting surfers from around the world. The beach has been open to the public since 1882 and was placed on Australia’s National Heritage List in 2008.
If you want to swim or surf at Bondi Beach, avoid the far northern end of the beach, as it’s known for its strong rip current. Instead, head to the southern end of the beach and, if you want to swim, look out for the red and yellow safety flags as you can swim between these safely. You can hire surf boards and boogie boards from a rental shop on the beach, and sufing lessons are also available.
If swimming and surfing don’t appeal, you can still enjoy a stroll along the promenade or adjacent parkland. There are also shops, cafes and restaurants on Campbell Parade.
Image: Kitson
2. Manly Beach
The Sydney suburb of Manly is one of Australia’s most popular seaside resorts. It’s situated about 7 miles north-east of Sydney’s Central Business District, and attracts both tourists and residents of Sydney. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to Manly from Sydney by either road or ferry.
Manly is situated on a peninsula, so there are many beaches nearby. The main stretch of surfing beach is made up of three beaches: South Steyne Beach, North Steyne Beach and Queenscliff Beach.
You can sunbathe, swim, surf or take part in a range of other watersports, take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, or enjoy one of the longer walks which begin in Manly (such as the Cabbage Tree Bay Coastal Walk). There are also a number of other attractions within Manly, including the Oceanworld Manly aquarium, and the Manly Art Gallery and Museum.
3. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is slightly further away from central Sydney than Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, and it will take you about an hour to get there by car. It’s a surfing beach and is most famous for being used to represent Summer Bay in the Australian soap opera “Home and Away”. It’s also known for being a haunt of the rich and famous, and there are some beautiful homes in the Palm Beach area.
4. Coogee Beach
Situated about 5 miles to the east of Sydney’s Central Business District, Coogee Beach is the perfect place to go to for a day-trip if you want to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, and is often referred to as “Sydney’s Seaside Village”. If you stand on the beach and look out to sea, you’ll see a rocky outcrop known as Wedding Cake Island and, if you’re up early enough, it’s worth heading to the beach to watch the sun rise whilst the surf crashes over the island. You can swim, surf, kayak and snorkel in the waters off of Coogee Beach, or simply relax and sunbathe.
A number of annual events are held at Coogee Beach, including the Island Challenge (in November), a 2km swimming race in which participants swim from the beach to Wedding Cake Island and back in order to raise money for the Coogee Surf Club.
5. Bronte Beach 
Bronte Beach is only about a mile away from Bondi Beach, but it’s far less touristy. It’s extremely popular with locals, however, as it’s family friendly and a good place to surf. It has a great picnic area, complete with electric barbecues and shaded huts. Head to the tidal pool to swim, fish at the north end of the beach, or enjoy one of the coastal walks in the area.
Many different airlines operate return flights to Sydney and there are a wide range of hotels within the city. You can travel to most of the beaches by car or by public transport.
Tags: Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach, Manly Beach, Palm Beach, Sydney, Sydney beaches, Wedding Cake Island
