Sydney is known for a myriad of things that have influenced the flocking of tourists to the region. Perhaps one of the most popular one out of these attractions is the numerous beaches within the city’s reaches. There are so many beaches in this city that if you were to visit one each day, it would take you more than three months to complete. Whether you’re a surfer, snorkeler, or just enjoy sunbathing at the beach, this paradise promises to tickle your fancy in every way. However, with the sheer amount of beaches in the city, it might be hard to pick out the most favorable one to visit at a given time.
Moreover, the different beaches are all great for a number of different activities. You wouldn’t want to go sunbathing on a rocky beach or swimming in one that’s infested with sharks, would you? Therefore, having some information about these beaches goes a long way in enabling you to pick the perfect one to visit. Fly into Sydney with Cathay Pacific to enjoy its world-class comfort and style.
In addition, there are certain rules that govern these beaches and may be different depending on the one you visit. Since you wouldn’t want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law, it would be of great help to know some of the basic ones. Thus, here are some of the most visited beaches in Sydney and some useful information concerning each one.
Manly Beach
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This is a beach that beckons surfing enthusiasts everywhere. These shores were the first ones to ever host the world surfing championships back in 1964. The beach has to this day remained an opportune surfing location. Due to this, it has become a famous spot where you’re most likely to find scores of people enjoying their afternoon. Getting to this historic beach involves a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to the shores of Manly.
The area surrounding the beach is quite vibrant with a host of retail and dining establishments. Apart from surfing and swimming, you can enjoy some other beach activities such as paddle boarding and beach volleyball. One unique aspect of Manly beach is that it is reminiscent of the perfect summer holiday we thought of as children. Thus, get ready for some nostalgia when you take a trip to the shores of Manly.
Shelly Beach
If you enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, then Shelly Beach is ideal for you. It’s located 20 minutes from The Corso, Manly’s all pedestrian-only shopping mall and is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay aquatic reserve. The beach is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of about 12 meters. This makes the beach perfect for watching aquatic life which flourishes in the no-take aquatic reserve. You’ll be able to see various aquatic species here such as wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, sea dragons, and blue gropers darting between the kelp and seaweeds.
The beach also has numerous amenities such as picnic benches, drinking water fountains, and showers. Shelly Beach is the only west-facing one in Sydney making it the best place to catch a picturesque Australian sunset. The Boathouse Shelly Beach is an excellent restaurant that overlooks the ocean which offers sumptuous meals in case you get hungry. Just remember to wait 20 minutes before going back into the water after you eat.
Bondi Beach
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This is hands down one of the best beaches in the whole of Australia. Although it might get crowded at times, there is no denying the beauty of these unique shores. It’s a splendid place for sunbathing and its clear turquoise water is ideal for swimming. The iconic crescent shape of this beach also allows for some of the best surfing action in the whole of Sydney. Big waves are rampant on the southern parts, which provide optimum conditions for experienced surfers to take on the water. For the more novice ones, the northern side of the shores provide moderate waves which are perfect for sharpening skills.
Swimmers here are advised to be aware of Backpacker’s Rip, a dangerous riptide found at the southern ends of the beach. Bondi beach is also popular for its proximity to the CBD. It only takes a 15-minute drive or commute by bus from the city center to these breathtaking shores. In addition, the ocean pools at Icebergs are available for people who enjoy doing some laps.
Palm Beach
Located about an hour away from Sydney, this beach offers some of the best water quality in the whole city. It is the most northerly stretch of sand and is far less crowded than Bondi Beach. Palm Beach provides a host of activities for all ages making it ideal for the whole family. Surfers can catch a swell at the northern parts of the beach while swimmers can enjoy the calmer waters of the southern end. You can also enjoy some laps at the massive Olympic size ocean pool available.
For those who enjoy more relaxing pastime activities, Palm Beach Wharf provides a great platform for fishing. The beach is also home to the long-running Aussie television series Home and Away as well as a litany of celebrities, making it a great place to sunbathe whilst people watching. Lastly, a trip to this beach won’t be complete without a walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse where you can take in beautiful vistas of the beach.
Camp Cove
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This beach is like a treasure to some Sydneysiders. Camp Cove is a stunning beach that is rarely seething with people. The west-facing shores provide some of the best views of the sunset behind the city’s skyline. This is the best beach for people who love to detach themselves from society for some uninterrupted alone time. Camp Cove is also a great location to bring a loved one for a beach date. You won’t find any shade here so it would be wise to carry a beach umbrella if you plan on staying the whole afternoon. The calm waters also provide great swimming and snorkeling conditions. Moreover, the beach has several kiosks where you can get some snacks and cold drinks.
The beaches in Sydney are absolutely gorgeous and definitely need more than one visit to fully appreciate their magnificence. Make sure to keep your belongings safe and pack enough sunscreen. Above all, swim safely between the red and yellow flags and always listen to local authorities.
