5 secluded beaches you haven’t been to in Sydney
Don’t fancy fighting the crowds at Bondi or the big waves at Manly? Then these are the beaches for you.
1. Nielsen Park
This charming harbour beach is tucked away behind the leafy suburb of Vaucluse in Sydney’s east. The beach is officially known as Shark Beach, but don’t let that worry you – there’s a fully netted swimming area. The water is consistently flat and calm, and there are plenty of places to sit along the sand or on the grass in the shade of a huge fig tree. Grab a coffee or a snack at the beautifully restored Kiosk, dating back to the early 1900s.
2. Sirius Cove
This quiet little beach is surrounded by bushland in the suburb of Mosman on the lower north shore. There’s a large, shaded grassy area and barbecues, so you can make a proper day of it. Sirius Cove is also one of Sydney’s few off-leash dog beaches, so you can bring your pup frolic all day during the week and before 9am or after 4pm on weekends.
3. Malabar
People who grew up in Sydney may remember Malabar’s reputation as one of the city’s dirtiest beaches, thanks to a nearby sewage outfall. That’s all changed and it is now one of the nicest swimming spots in the eastern suburbs. The water in the small, curved bay stays shallow until quite far out and there are rarely any substantial waves. There’s also a large ocean pool at the south end of the beach with gorgeous views out over Long Bay.
4. Lady Martin’s Beach
Get a sneak peek at how the other half live with a dip at this hidden gem. Lady Martin’s sits right in front of Point Piper, Sydney’s most exclusive suburb that’s home to plenty of millionaires and their multi-million dollar mansions. It can be a little hard to find – just a narrow strip of sand accessed by a path leading down beside the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club. It’s secluded location means it never gets crowded and there are stellar views out over the harbour.
5. Wattamolla Beach
Part of the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, Wattamolla is a world away from the city. The ocean is great for swimming, snorkelling and fishing or you can choose take a dip in the adjoining freshwater lagoon. There’s lots of shade courtesy of the many cabbage palms and a number of walking tracks lead out from the beach if you want to stretch your legs.
Have you ever tried these beaches?