Secret beaches in Sydney are often closely held local knowledge...until now. Discover idyllic swimming spots that fly under the radar so you can skip the crowds when the sun’s shining.
Secret beaches at a glance
Secret beaches at a glance
Milk Beach
Why visit: Tucked away along the Hermitage Foreshore Track and within the Sydney Harbour National Park, Milk Beach is a gorgeous spot to bring a book or watch the sun set. Just 50-metres long, this secluded little cove boasts turquoise waters and unbeatable views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and the historic Strickland Estate overlooking the beach.
Location: Vaucluse
How to get there: Take the 325 bus from Town Hall then walk along the Heritage Foreshore walk to reach Milk Beach. Limited street parking is available along Vaucluse Road.
Good to know: Nearby, the Heritage listed Strickland Estate is open for tours, but anyone is welcome to settle on the lawn with a picnic.
Milk Beach, Vaucluse
Castle Rock Beach
Why visit: Just 30 metres long and five metres wide, Castle Rock Beach enjoys extra secluded status because it’s only accessible by foot from the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. This little patch of sand has a large freestanding boulder on its shore and is protected by bushland-covered sandstone slopes, so it’s a picture-perfect place to swim.
Location: Clontarf
How to get there: You can access this beach along the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk or via Cutler Road, where you can find limited parking also. To get down to the beach itself, there are a few sets of worn stone steps, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy walking shoes.
Good to know: The freestanding boulder on the beach is a great spot to watch the sunset.
Castle Rock Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park
Jewfish Bay Baths
Why visit: Jewfish Bay Baths (otherwise known as Oatley Baths) is a prime location that lets you swim in the estuarine waters of the Georges River. The supersized netted swimming enclosure features a pontoon in the middle and is fringed by trees that are home to native birdlife. Swim a few long laps of the enclosure or simply laze on the pontoon and watch the cockatoos fly overhead.
Location: Oatley
How to get there: Driving is recommended as you can use the carpark at Oatley Park and take the nine-minute walk past Oatley Park Castle to arrive at the baths or find the parking spots just a minute from the water.
Good to know: Oatley Park is home to more than 100 bird species and 300 plant species, so you’ll be able to immerse yourself in rich natural beauty here.
Jewfish Bay Baths, Oatley
Salmon Haul Beach
Why visit: This sandy strip overlooking Port Hacking River is a great place to go if you’re looking to swim or fish. With picnic facilities and newly upgraded playground equipment, Salmon Haul Beach is also ideal for families and the views across to Bundeena and the Royal National Park are simply stunning.
Location: Cronulla
How to get there: From Cronulla station, walk south along the scenic Esplanade towards Bass and Flinders and you’ll reach it in about 30 minutes.
Good to know: If the popular Oak Park is full, Salmon Haul Beach makes for a great alternative for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Salmon Haul Reserve, Cronulla
Congwong Beach
Why visit: Surrounded by lush vegetation, Congwong Beach feels miles away from the city. Find a patch on the sand as your launch pad for swimming and snorkelling or simply sit and take in the stunning views of Bare Island and Botany Bay. You’ll also find Little Congwong Beach if you keep walking along the shore but, be aware that it’s clothing optional.
Location: La Perouse
How to get there: Just near the entrance of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Congwong Beach is accessible via a 100-metre path from the Cann Park carpark.
Good to know: The rocky outcrops at either end of the beach are ideal for casting out a line if you have a NSW fishing licence.
Congwong Beach, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Gunnamatta Park
Why visit: While Cronulla’s famous beach is a hotspot on a sunny day, you’ll find this calm estuary beach on the Port Hacking River side of the Cronulla peninsula. Gunnamatta Park offers plenty of shade with the only waves gracing its shores made from boats sailing past. Swim in the bay or the netted Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths.
Location: Cronulla
How to get there: You can take the nine-minute walk to Gunnamatta Park from Cronulla train station or park in the on-site car park.
Good to know: Keep your eyes peeled for stingrays in the shallows.
Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths, Cronulla
Darook Park
Why visit: Drive a couple of minutes further south from Gunnamatta Park and you’ll find an even more secluded beach at Darook Park. This sandy bay strip has a pretty backdrop and offers a sheltered swimming spot away from ocean waves.
Location: Cronulla
How to get there: Darook is roughly a 30-minute walk from Cronulla train station or about a 20-minute walk from Gunnamatta Park if you want to hit both secluded spots in one day. Opt for the latter if you’ve driven in as there’s a car park at Gunnamatta Park.
Good to know: Stingrays can be found in the shallows, so give your feet a shuffle as you wade out to be safe.
Darook Park, Cronulla
Forty Baskets Beach
Why visit: Forty Baskets Beach is an ideal cool-off spot when you’re on the home stretch of the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. With an enclosed tidal pool, harbour views as well as picnic and barbecue facilities, it’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours on a sunny day.
Location: Manly Cove
How to get there: You can access this beach from Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights, where street parking is available. You can walk along this beach as part of the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, so pack your swimmers if you’re hiking in summer.
Good to know: When the tide is very high, the Forty Baskets Beach section of the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk is impassable, so you’ll need to take the ‘alternate route’.
Spit to Manly Walk, Sydney North
Collins Flat Beach
Why visit: Walk a 200-metre fern-lined track to emerge at a small slice of sand with views of the harbour. Whether you’re lured by the secluded setting, the calm waters or the waterfall that trickles behind you as you wade along the shore, Collins Flat Beach is a special destination worth seeking out.
Location: Sydney Harbour National Park
How to get there: Make your way to North Head from Manly. You’ll find three car parks near the beach, but you’ll need to walk 200 metres along a dirt track with some steps to get there.
Good to know: There are some shady areas for you to settle into thanks to the tree cover along the two sides of this beach but, if you’re setting up for the day, you might want to bring your umbrella.
Collins Flat Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park - Credit: Natasha Webb/DCCEEW
Quarantine Beach
Why visit: A protected cove in the harbour, this family-friendly beach is a go-to destination for history buffs. Sitting on the 30-hectare Q Station property, the wharf and beach have a past life in welcoming those requiring maritime quarantine. Today, the beach is an under-the-radar gem for soaking up the summer.
Location: Manly
How to get there: You can catch a bus or drive to Q Station and find parking there. You can then either walk down to the beach or hop on one of the free shuttle buses down the hill, taking in the sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and CBD on the way.
Good to know: You don’t need to stay at Q Station to spend a day at Quarantine Beach. You’re free to stand-up paddleboard, kayak or snorkel here and, if you forget your gear, you can hire some from reception. You’re also able to buy coffees, food and drinks from the Wharf Cafe and Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar.
Q Station, Manly
Clontarf Reserve
Why visit: Swim in the netted ocean pool, splash in the shallows or SUP along the perimeter of this beautiful beach. With a grassy park, kiosk and playground area, Clontarf Reserve and Beach is made for family days in the sunshine.
Location: Clontarf
How to get there: If you’re travelling from the city, you’ll turn off for Clontarf Reserve just after you’ve crossed the Spit Bridge. Here, you’ll find parking. If you’re catching the bus, you will have a 15-minute walk before you get to the beach.
Good to know: Listen out for the bell of the boat selling ice-creams on those hot summer days.
Clontarf Reserve, Clontarf - Credit: Northern Beaches Council
Clareville Beach
Why visit: It’s hard to visit Clareville Beach and not imagine what life would be like in one of the absolute beachfront properties that line its shores. Beautiful calm waters, a towering eucalypt with a rope swing and plenty of room to relax on the grass or sand, Clareville Beach is an ultra-dreamy outpost in Sydney’s north.
Location: Clareville
How to get there: Driving to Clareville Beach is your best bet as there’s a car park.
Good to know: Clareville Beach has electric barbecues or, if you’re keen for something upmarket you can visit The Clareville for refined bites. It’s open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and lunch from Friday to Sunday.
Clareville Beach, Clareville
Sirius Cove
Why visit: Sirius Cove is a lovely place to stop, whether you’re walking through to Taronga Zoo Sydney or wading on the shore. Here you can watch the boats gently bobbing in the harbour from the shade of the grassy area behind the beach, enjoy the shaded bushland walk to the zoo or let the little ones burn off some energy on the play equipment.
Location: Mosman
How to get there: You can catch a ferry from Circular Quay to South Mosman Wharf and walk for 15 minutes to reach this beach. You can also access this spot from Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head via walking tracks. There’s designated parking available as well as street parking if you’re driving.
Good to know: If you’re after a dog-friendly beach, you’ll want to add Sirius Cove to the list as this beach welcomes pooches, with off-leash access on weekdays.
Sirius Cove, Mosman
Burning Palms Beach
Why visit: Beautiful Burning Palms Beach is your reward after tackling a hike in the Royal National Park. This spectacular setting offers rugged beauty, turquoise-blue water and the allure of possible solitude on a quiet day as these sandy shores are only accessible by foot. Keep an eye out for the historic shacks at the northern end of the beach that were built between the 1930s and 1950s.
Location: Royal National Park
How to get there: Tackle the steep Burgh Ridge Track, a 30-minute walk from Garawarra Farm car park.
Good to know: Before you set out for Burning Palms Beach, it’s worth checking the National Parks website for closures and alerts – especially if you plan to surf.
Burning Palms, Royal National Park - Credit: Nick Cubbin | DCCEEW
Resolute Beach
Why visit: Picture this: calm, clear waters, densely forested fringes and views out to Barrenjoey Headland and lighthouse. This is Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a dazzling gem of a swimming spot that is well worth the 3.3-kilometre hike to get there. On sunny days, the water sparkles emerald green and the steep stairway descent to the beach itself will make you feel like you’ve stumbled across your own protected cove.
Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
How to get there: You can start the hike to this beach from two locations based on your desired activity levels. The fastest route is the one-kilometre track from West Head Lookout but, if you want a longer amble, get started from the Resolute Picnic Area and do the grade 4, 3.3-kilometre Resolute Track, which will take approximately 90 minutes one way.
Good to know: The Resolute Track to the beach will take you past a culturally significant Aboriginal engraving site and you may spot a swamp wallaby too.
Parsley Bay
Why visit: With the dazzling sparkle of its clear waters and the cable-suspension bridge that appears to float above, Parsley Bay is a slice of paradise in Sydney’s east. Swim the 150-metre stretch of ocean from the sandy shore out to the net that keeps very big fish on the harbour side. You can find a rock to perch on, lie on the jetty at one end or relax on the sand or grassy reserve, with kids enjoying the playground nearby.
Location: Vaucluse
How to get there: You can catch a bus right to Fitzwilliam Road at Parsley Road and walk four minutes to arrive at Parsley Bay. If you’re driving, be aware that on-street parking can be in hot demand.
Good to know: The summer sun means that you might be sharing a rock with some of the resident eastern water dragons.
Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse
Athol Beach
Why visit: While there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in Sydney, venture slightly off the beaten path for crowd-free harbour views at Athol Beach. A secluded, west-facing harbour beach and a small slice of heaven, park yourself here for privacy and vistas looking out over the stunning city skyline.
Location: Mosman
How to get there: You can access the beach along the Bradleys Head Walking Trail or from Athol Hall.
Good to know: Visit Athol Hall Cafe between Friday and Sunday for lush scenery, a coffee and tasty food options including pies and pastries.
Athol Beach, Mosman
Some of these beaches are unpatrolled, so it’s worth checking the conditions via SLS Beachsafe before you go.
