My Top 5 Beaches in Sydney - The Sydney Beaches I'm Most Obsessed With

Bondi beach, Manly Beach, Gordons Bay, arguably some of Sydney's most famous beaches. What other beaches are there?

I've put together my top 5 beaches, the beaches that I visit the most in the Summer.

1. Castle Rock Beach

Taking out the top spot of my favourite beaches in Sydney, Castle Rock Beach. This beach is quite small, and very popular, and although these are characteristics I don't usually like in a beach, Castle Rock Beach is so otherworldly beautiful, it has to take my top spot.

The water here is so crystal clear, so incredibly blue. The bush that surrounds this area is dense and lush. The smooth rocks bordering the golden sands. Castle Rock Beach is absolutely stunning and you need to check this one out.

Castle Rock Beach is good for:

• Picturesque

• Easy Access

• No waves

  Read more about Castle Rock Beach here

2. Washaway Beach

Washaway Beach is actually just around the corner from Castle Rock Beach. There must be something in the water around here. My top 2 beaches are neighbours, however Washaway Beach is a completely different vibe to Castle Rock Beach.

With a view out to sea, occasionally seeing the Manly Ferry sail past. There's just a catch to this beach, actually a couple. You have to rock climb to access this beach for starters, and you may also notice nobody on this beach is wearing swimmers. Washaway Beach is a nudist beach, if you're comfortable with that, then this beach is absolutely stunning. It is so spacious, with a light swell giving the perfect sound of waves crashing. The beach is enclosed by massive rock walls, as well as being surrounded by bush.

Washaway Beach is good for:

• Lots of space

• Explorers

• Nudists

Read more about Washaway Beach Here

3. Any of the Beaches on Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Is it cheating to put all of the beaches along Hermitage Foreshore Walk on the list as one? I'm doing it anyway! My personal favourite Beach along this walk is Queens Beach, although they are all stunning along here. This full walk is super easy, and mostly flat. With access to so many beaches and coves, this walk is in my top list for favourite Sydney Beaches, as well as my favourite Sydney walks.

Many of these beaches have spectacular views of Sydney's skyline, and the water around these beaches are so clear and blue.

The Beaches here are good for:

• Views of Sydney Harbour

• Not busy

• Options, multiple beaches to choose from

Read more about Hermitage Foreshore Walk here

4. Whiting Beach

Whiting Beach is my lazy beach. This is the beach I visit when I can't be bothered with tricky parking. There is so much parking around this beach, and then only a very short walk to the actual beach. This is another beach with amazing views of Sydney. The water and sand here isn't my favourite, but this beach is surrounded by a jungle feel. Thick shrubs enclose this beach, and if there's been rain there's even a small waterfall. This beach can get slightly busy, but never enough you don't have your own space on the sand.

Whiting Beach is good for:

• Easy Parking

• Easy Public Transport Access

• Views of Sydney

You can read more about Whiting Beach here

5. Flat Rock Beach

Flat Rock Beach is the introverts dream beach. Not the most glamorous beach, but chances of getting this beach entirely to yourself are extremely high. I don't even think many people know about this beach, this one is truly locals knowledge. This beach is surrounded by large Australian pines, as well as your classic Eucalyptus trees. On a hot day it is so nice to be able to set up in the shade, and when it's time to sunbake, just move into the sun. This beach is a little bit of a walk down, nothing extreme but on hot days the walk back up can take a little longer than getting down.

Flat Rock Beach is good for:

• Having the beach to yourself

• Shade

• Easy Parking

  
  

Read more about Flat Rock Beach here

Know Before You Go

• All of these beaches are unpatrolled Beaches, there are no lifeguards at any of the beaches on this list.

• These beaches don't have toilets or showers

• Most of these beaches don't have availability to food or drinks, make sure to pack your own lunches or snacks.

• Australia's UV levels are extreme, make sure you pack and wear plenty of sunscreen

I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of this land and pay my respects to the Elders both past and present.

I would like to acknowledge the Guringai People, the traditional custodians of this land and pay my respects to the Elders both past and present.