Sydney's coastal lifestyle is beloved by families. From calm bays to ocean pools and more adventurous swells, there's the perfect beach for kids of every age.
- 4 min read
Bondi Beach
Arguably Australia’s most famous strip of sand, there’s something for everyone at Bondi. The ocean pools at the northern end are great for younger kids or there’s the famous Icebergs pool at the southern end (though there is an entry fee). Older ones can tackle the waves – where lifeguards are on duty year-round – or even sign up for a surf lesson.
Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach
Camp Cove
Set at the far end of South Head on Sydney Harbour, Camp Cove has million-dollar views and sparkling waters. The sheltered bay is always calm, so it’s popular with families and even still enough for snorkelling. The colourful kiosk on the sand serves takeaway snacks, drinks and ice creams. Camp Cove is also a stellar spot to watch the sun set over the city skyline.
Camp Cove, Watsons Bay
Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach looks out over Middle Head and the Sydney Harbour National Park. The waters are protected and you’ll rarely see a wave, so it’s perfect for little ones as well as stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling. There’s plenty of places to feed the brood, from casual dining at The Boathouse to the elegant Bathers’ Pavilion, or tuck into fish and chips on the grass.
Balmoral Baths, Balmoral
Parsley Bay
At Parsley Bay, tucked into a secluded corner of Vaucluse, a grassy park leads to a small but lovely beach with shallow water and an enclosed swimming area. A 100-year-old footbridge is slung overhead, part of a bushwalker along the coast between Watsons Bay and Rose Bay. You’ll also find a kiosk, playground, walking track and public toilets in this pretty harbour pocket.
Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse
Clontarf Beach
Clontarf Reserve is a Middle Harbour oasis for parents and kids with jewel-like, serene waters and plenty of shoreline for sandcastle-building. There’s a netted area for added safety, looking out over boats bobbing at anchor. A shaded playground gives water-logged kids a chance to dry out and they’ll be delighted with a cone when the ice cream boat pulls into shore.
Clontarf Reserve, Clontarf - Credit: Northern Beaches Council
Wanda Beach
Just north of busy Cronulla, Wanda Beach is a quieter and more relaxed option that’s popular with families. If your family includes a four-legged member, dogs are welcome off leash at Greenhills Beach, which joins Wanda at the north end. Across the road is the excellent Don Lucas Reserve, with an adventure playground, sports courts and exercise equipment.
Wanda Beach, Cronulla - Credit: Wanda Beach
Chinamans Beach
Close to the Spit Bridge, Chinamans Beach is a chilled spot with less crowds than its more famous neighbours. Kids can splash in the shallows, look for shells amongst the rocks and build sandcastle along the beach. It backs onto the grassy, picnic-friendly Rosherville Reserve, which has a great playground.
Chinaman's Beach, Mosman
Mona Vale Beach
Stretching for a kilometre and split in the middle by a rocky peninsula, Mona Vale Beach is effectively two beaches in one. There are gentle waves for kids and a good surf break for teens, as well as a 25-metre ocean pool and a shallow kids pool. At low tide, little rock pools will form along the shelf – perfect for spotting tiny marine creatures.
Mona Vale Rockpool, Mona Vale
Shelly Beach
Tucked away at the southern end of Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is one of Sydney’s top snorkelling spots. It’s also a favourite with families, thanks to its gentle waves and shallow waters. If you have keen little snorkellers, this is the ideal place to get them started. The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is teeming with marine life, from sea dragons and cuttlefish to harmless grey nurse sharks.
Shelly Beach, Manly
Wattamolla Beach
Hidden inside the Royal National Park just south of Sydney, Wattamolla Beach is one of the city’s best kept secrets. The ocean meets the river here, creating a perfectly calm lagoon on one side and a beach on the other. Bring an inflatable lilo to float gently on the water while the kids splash about.
Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney
Gunamatta Bay Tidal Baths
Set on the Port Hacking River close to Cronulla, the Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths were first opened in 1915. For more than a century they’ve remained one of Sydney best spots for a dip. The water tends to be warmer than the ocean and there are never waves or the danger of a rip. The large park next door has lots of shady trees and a playground – bliss.
Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths, Cronulla - Credit: Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths
Milk Beach
Set inside the grounds of the historic Strickland House in Vaucluse, Milk Beach is a tiny arc of sand that looks out onto Sydney Harbour and Shark Island. The water is calm, clear and shallow, and the surrounding rocks are perfect for finding crabs and shells. The beach is on the Hermitage Foreshore Track and makes for an ideal spot to cool off along the way.
Hermitage Foreshore Track, Vaucluse
Little Bay Beach
Walk down the steep wooden staircase that leads to Little Bay and you will think you’re on the Amalfi Coast rather than Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Golden sand, turquoise water and only the gentlest of swells make for an ideal family swim. There’s also a pretty rock pool at the southern end.
Little Bay Beach, Little Bay - Credit: Randwick City Council
Clovelly Beach
If you don’t like getting sand in your swimmers, then Clovelly could be the beach for you. Both sides of this long, narrow bay are concreted, making for plenty of space to spread out your towels. Older kids will love jumping off the edge into the calm water. There’s also a sandy section at the end for those all important castles.
Clovelly beach and ocean pool, Clovelly - Credit: Andrew Gregory
Shark Beach
Don’t let the name scare you – there are no sharks at Shark Beach. Often referred to simply as Nielsen Park (which the beach backs onto), this calm harbour beach reopened in late 2024 after a three-year renovation to replace the century-old seawall. It is once again a firm family favourite, with space to sit on the sand or the new concrete bleachers.
Nielsen Park Shark Beach, Vaucluse
Enjoy Sydney's beaches by following these safety tips
Always swim between the red and yellow flags; surf lifesavers have identified this area as the safest spot to swim in the water. It's also a good idea to always swim with a friend.
Pay attention to the advice of the lifesavers and safety signs. Visit SharkSmart to understand any potential risks in the area you are swimming. You are always welcome to ask lifeguards for more safety advice. If you find yourself needing help in the water, stay calm and attract attention. Check conditions before you go. You can also find patrolled beaches by visiting beachsafe.org.au.
