Best Beaches in Sydney for Swimming and Sun-Soaked Days

Looking for the best beaches in Sydney for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the summer sun? These coastal favourites are local icons for a reason — with clear water, stunning views, and that easy, slow-day energy that feels like a mini escape from the city.

Whether you’re into sunrise dips, café-hopping, scenic coastal walks, or finding the perfect rock to dry off on, this list has something for every kind of beach-goer.

All of these beaches are located within an hour of Sydney’s CBD and are perfect for solo swims, lazy weekends, or showing off Sydney to visiting friends.

Tip 1: Check the live beach cams before you leave to see current surf, weather, and crowd conditions — it’s the easiest way to time your visit. Randwick Beaches , Bondi

Tip 2: Look up water quality reports, especially after rain. Runoff can affect swimming conditions at some beaches, even if the weather looks perfect. Beachwatch

Best for: Sunrise dips, people-watching, and classic beach culture

Bondi might be Sydney’s most famous beach — and it lives up to the hype. With golden sand, reliable surf, and a headland walk that links to Bronte and Coogee, it’s the kind of place where you can swim in the morning and stay for sunset drinks.

There’s plenty of space to lay out a towel, plus beachside cafés, bars, and boutiques just steps from the sand. Despite the crowds, there’s always a quiet patch to be found early in the morning or on a weekday.

Getting there: 30 minutes from the CBD by train and bus
Tip: Visit early if you want to avoid the busiest hours

Best for: Families, shaded picnic spots, and laid-back beach days

Coogee has a calmer, more local feel compared to Bondi, but just as much charm. The wide, sandy shoreline is perfect for swimming, and the water here is generally calm enough for all ages.

Lining the back of the beach is a large grassy area with plenty of shade beneath the tall Norfolk pines — perfect for a picnic, a nap, or cooling off between swims. And if you’re staying for lunch or drinks, the Coogee Pavilion is an iconic spot right on the beachfront, with everything from takeaway snacks to rooftop views.

It’s also the southern starting point for the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, making it easy to turn your beach day into a longer coastal adventure.

Getting there: 45 minutes from the CBD by bus
Tip: Grab a shady patch under the pines and settle in for the afternoon

Best for: Family picnics, brunch, and easygoing beach days

Bronte Beach has a relaxed, local feel and is a favourite for families. There’s a wide grassy reserve just behind the beach with plenty of space to spread out, plus picnic huts, BBQ facilities, and a ride-on kids’ train that runs on weekends and school holidays.

Just across the road from the beach, you’ll find a mix of casual cafés perfect for a post-swim breakfast or coffee — making Bronte one of the best spots in Sydney if you’re planning to pair your beach morning with brunch.

Bronte is also a natural stop along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, so it’s worth timing your visit with a longer seaside stroll.

Getting there: 40 minutes from the CBD by train and bus
Tip: Great for groups — arrive early if you want to grab one of the picnic huts

Best for: Surfers, sunbathers, and dramatic coastal views

Often called “Glamarama” by locals, Tamarama is one of Sydney’s most visually striking beaches. Set between steep cliffs with powerful waves and a compact stretch of sand, it’s popular with surfers and less crowded than its neighbours.

There’s a grassy area for sunbathing or lunch, but it’s not ideal for swimming unless you’re confident in the surf. The Bondi to Coogee walk runs right behind it, so it’s easy to include in a longer coastal day.

Getting there: 35 minutes from the CBD by train and bus
Tip: Bring a snack and watch the surfers from the headland

Best for: Calm water, snorkelling, and relaxing swims

On the northern side of Sydney, Shelly Beach is a peaceful cove just a short walk from Manly Beach. The water here is almost always calm and clear — perfect for gentle swims, snorkelling, or just floating with the sun on your face.

It’s part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Marine Reserve, so you might spot fish, rays, or even the occasional sea turtle. There’s also a beachfront café for coffee or lunch between dips.

Getting there: 30-minute ferry from Circular Quay, then a 10-minute walk
Tip: Bring goggles or a snorkel — the reef here is worth exploring

Best for: Secluded swims and reef snorkelling

Hidden between Coogee and Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay feels like a secret beach tucked away from the city. Accessible only by foot via the coastal walk, this narrow inlet is lined with rocks, reef, and calm turquoise water.

It’s not your typical sandy beach — you’ll be laying your towel on a rock — but it’s one of the best snorkelling spots in Sydney. There’s even an underwater nature trail marked out on the ocean floor.

Getting there: 50 minutes from the CBD by bus, then a 10-minute walk
Tip: Avoid peak weekend hours if you want a quiet swim

Want a calmer, kid-friendly swim?
Check out our guide to Sydney’s best harbour beaches — perfect for families, gentle water, and laid-back days by the shore.