The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
Content
A visit to Sydney is not complete without visiting the city's most beautiful beaches. Just like all other Aussies, because beach life is obviously their second nature. With over 100 beaches in Sydney, there is always a beach to suit you! The advantage in Sydney is that they are quite easy to get to. Since there are so many to choose from, it can be quite difficult to pick the best ones. That's why we like to share with you the finest and most beautiful beaches in Sydney! That way you know exactly where to go during your trip to Sydney in Australia.
1. Coogee Beach
One of the nicest beaches in Sydney is Coogee Beach! Coogee is less touristy than Bondi, for example. Because of this, you will run into more locals that you might see at the end of the day at the Coogee Bay Hotel whether it Coogee Pavillion. These are the two most popular hot spots in Coogee to have a drink. Of course, it is also possible to have some food here. This is a bit pricier compared to the rest of the restaurants and cafes on Coogee Bay Road, though.
Unlike other beaches, the sea in Coogee is not open to surfers. This is due to the strong currents and waves that can dangerously overturn. Bodysurfing is therefore often discouraged by lifeguards.
However, there are side pools at each beach. These side-pools do have salt water, but no waves (and sharks).
Coogee to Bondi Walk
Highly recommended is the ''Coogee to Bondi Walk''. The walk totaling 6 km remains beautiful every time, no matter how many times we take this route. The walk offers beautiful views of parks, cliffs, bays, rocks and beaches. During the walk you pass 6 beautiful beaches: Coogee Beach, Gordon's Bay, Clovelly Beach, Bronte Beach, Tamarama and Bondi Beach.
2. Manly Beach
Our second favorite is Manly Beach. This beach is definitely among the most beautiful beaches in Sydney. The ferry ride alone is worth it, as you sail right through the beautiful Sydney Harbour. The ferry leaves from Circular Quay and half an hour later you are in Manly Harbour. The nice thing about Manly is that there is always a relaxed vacation atmosphere. Relaxed surfers stroll back and forth barefoot and everyone is enjoying themselves. Enjoying the beach, restaurants/cafes or shopping at the markets.
Feel more like walking? Then take the bus to Spit Bridge and walk to Manly from there. The walk takes 3 to 4 hours, but with Manly beach as your reward, it's well worth it.
3. Shelly Beach
A short distance from Manly Beach is the fine Shelly Beach. Since our first visit in Manly, we have loved this beach. The beach is a lot smaller and therefore there are fewer people. We also spotted beautiful fish here while snorkeling.
There is one restaurant on the beach, as well as toilets and showers. So everything you need can be found here!
4. Bondi Beach
Sydney's most famous beach is also definitely high on our list of favorites. No matter what day it is, Bondi Beach is always crowded. For us personally, there are certain places in Sydney where we always get very happy and think, ''wow, how cool that we get to be here''. Bondi Beach is definitely one of them.
Yes, it is very crowded, incredibly large and you are never the only one on the beach. But this is not without reason. Bondi Beach, like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, is an icon of the city. This makes it have something magical about it. Therefore, you will never get bored here and if you do, look around because there is plenty to see! Swimming and having a bite to eat at the side-pool Bondi Icebergs Club is also highly recommended. The views of the beautiful blue pool water and the sea next to it don't get boring anytime soon. We were able to tick that off our bucket list again!
5. Milk Beach
Want the Sydney skyline as your view while lying on the beach? Then Milk Beach is the right place. Hidden among the forests, you will find this beautiful beach. When you walk the ''Hermitage Foreshore Walk,'' you will pass by this beach. A good reason for a break. Stay here until the sun goes down and enjoy a beautifully lit Sydney skyline.
6. Watson's Bay
Watson's Bay is perhaps the most beautiful place to see a sunset in Sydney. And therefore definitely one of our favorites. Because sunsets (and rises) in Australia are truly magical. Watson's Bay is easily accessible by ferry from Circular Quay.
What also comes highly recommended is to spend the day in Manly on Sunday and from there take the ferry to Watson's Bay for sunset.
7. Camp Cove
Around the corner from Watson's Bay is Camp Cove. This is also definitely a nice place to visit. It is not crowded with tourists and often underrated by locals. Still in for something active? Then be sure not to skip the South Head Walk. The view from the lighthouse is worth it.
8. Bronte Beach
Bronte Beach can be reached via the previously mentioned Coogee to Bondi Walk. Again, this beach with the side-pool next to it makes for great views!
There are plenty of public barbecues available to make your own meal. The advantage to this beach is that it is somewhat less crowded than the neighboring Bondi and Coogee beaches. The beach is halfway along the Coogee to Bondi Walk, making it the ideal base for a break. Near the beach are some fine restaurants and cafes. The smoothies here are delicious!
9. Maroubra Beach
Maroubra Beach can be reached via the "Coogee to Maroubra Walk" and is perfect for a stroll along the shoreline.
This is another popular spot among surfers, but never too crowded which makes it very relaxed and laid back. In fact, Maroubra Beach is more popular among locals than tourists. Furthermore, there are plenty of places nearby to get something to eat or drink. So for a lovely summer day, it is ideal!
10. Palm Beach
To visit Palm Beach, you have to travel about 1.5 hours by public transportation from downtown. Nevertheless, it was definitely not to be missed on our list.
Palm Beach is located in northeastern Sydney. The beach gets its name from the fact that the area is shaped like a palm.
A must do is the climb to the Barrenjoey Ligthouse. It makes for beautiful views! It's a short hike, which is also nice for once compared to the often long hikes in Sydney. After the climb, you can have a delicious lunch at the cozy joint The Boathouse. That way you can rest on the beach with a full stomach.
Sydney's most beautiful beaches
Which of these beaches is your favorite? At least the beach life in Sydney will never get boring, there is something for everyone!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
