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With long sandy beaches, pristine rock pools, rugged coves and scenic coastal pathways, Sydney is an easy place to fall in love with. Nestled between the Blue Mountains in the West and the vast Pacific Ocean in the East, a lifetime would not be enough to embrace all that Australia’s largest city has to offer. From the tip of Palm Beach in the North to the Royal National Park in the South, the Harbour City offers more than 100 beaches to discover along its 88 kilometre-long coastline. Here is our ultimate guide for the best beaches in Sydney to visit when renting a boat.
When is the best time to rent a boat in Sydney?
Owing to Sydney’s humid subtropical climate, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures in the winter and hot weather in the summer. Although it is possible to sail all-year round, we highly recommend you to rent a boat in the warmer months (from October to March). During this period, temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C. The city also becomes more alive during sailing season with multiple outdoor festivals, concerts, bustling street fairs and vibrant markets.
If you are interested in marine life, we recommend chartering a boat between September and November. During these months, it is peak whale watching season in the harbour. Thousands of these majestic mammals migrate along the New South Wales coastline, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. Check out this article for more information.
What are the best beaches in Sydney?
If you ask every Sydneysider what their favourite beach is, there are high chances that no one would have the same answer. Visitors can easily feel intimidated by the infinite amount of places to visit, but you can rest assured. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best beaches in Sydney best in order from North to South, with something for everyone.
The prettiest beach: Palm Beach
If you have seen the iconic Australian soap opera, Home & Away, there are chances that the stunning Palm Beach will ring a bell. The natural beauty which surrounds this beach in the northernmost-point of Sydney will help you to understand why.
The most seclusive beach: Freshwater
Further down the coast from Palm Beach is the seclusive Freshwater Beach. Located in one of the city’s most affluent suburbs, this is one of the best beaches in Sydney for escaping the crowds. This beach is also one of the best places to enjoy the sunrise in the morning. The sound of the crashing waves will leave a mesmerising moment to start the day.
Tip: this beach is known for its notorious rips. We recommend for our least-experienced swimmers to be accompanied when exploring.
The best beach for surfing: Manly
Sydney is unsurprisingly one of the world’s capitals for surfing, and Manly Beach is one of the reason’s why. Close to the Central Business District, Manly is one of the best spots for experiencing Australia’s most famous export. Whether you are a beginner or have a more advanced level, the waves at this surfing beach are for everyone.
However, surfing isn’t the only thing which draws crowds to this beach. If you wish to see whales, we recommend heading to the nearby North Head Lookout.
The best beach for snorkelling and scuba diving: Shelly
Nestled between Manly and the North Head peninsula, Shelly Beach is the most desirable location for snorkelling and scuba diving. The pristine water which surrounds this beach makes visitors forget that they are in Oceania’s largest city. A wide variety of fauna and flora, mostly being native only to Australia, can be discovered underneath the surface.
The most family-friendly beach: Balmoral
Family-friendly Balmoral is one of the best beaches in Sydney, and if you make the trip here, you will easily understand why. Tucked in a small inlet off the coast, this beach provides a great outing for those who wish to bathe in the calm waters and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. The neighbouring suburb of Mosman, which is only a 10-minute walk from the beach, offers a wide range of cute boutiques and hip brunch spots for families who wish to delve into the laid back beach culture.
The most famous beach: Bondi
Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia, and rightfully so. There are countless reasons why this beach has become one of the country’s most iconic international symbols. Whether you wish to surf in the ocean, people-watch on Campbell Parade, dip in the famous Icebergs swimming pool or embark on the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, this beach has something for everyone.
These are our favourite beaches to visit, but Sydney also offers so much more. If you fancy spotting A-list celebrities at Tamarama Beach (nicknamed “Glamarama”), indulging in fish and chips at Bronte or swimming in rock pools at Coogee, you will always find places to visit in the Harbour City.
Visitors who are needing a break from the sea can also enjoy the abundance of other attractions, such as the world-famous Sydney Harbour; home to the breathtaking Harbour Bridge and Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as its massive arts scene, the city also boasts a variety of multicultural neighbourhoods to visit, including Australia’s largest Chinatown. Sydney is, after all, the gateway to the Australian subcontinent – and definitely a must for your next boat holiday.
Useful information to know:
- You can reach Sydney by air at the Kingsford Smith International Airport, located 8 kilometres from the Central Business District. The city is also well-connected with road and rail services to other destinations in the country.
- There are plenty of places to moor your boat rental in the Greater Sydney area. Please check for availability before proceeding.
