When most people thing of Sydney beaches, it’s Bondi, Coogee and Manly that come to mind. But if you’re not a die-hard surfer or are keen to dodge the waves, there’s plenty of beaches along the harbour that are well worth a visit.
With crystal-clear water, barely a swell and, often, easier parking, these are ones you’ll want to add to your summer rotation this year.
Where to swim in Sydney Harbour
Parsley Bay
Where is it? South of the bridge in Vaucluse, about 10kms from the CBD.
How to get there: Take the 325 bus from the CBD to the corner of Parsley Road and Fitzwilliam Road and walk a few minutes to the beach.
Facilities: Toilets, a playground and a kiosk
Calm, shallow and practically made for family picnics, Parsley Bay offers a swimming alcove within the harbour crossed by a picturesque footbridge. You can choose between sitting on the sand or on the grass, all with a playground nearby to entertain young ones when they’re tired of the water.
In terms of facilities nearby, there isn’t too much around aside from a kiosk serving up the basics. But, that is the beauty of this bay. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
Balmoral
Where is it? North of the bridge, about 9.5kms from the CBD.
How to get there: Take a bus from the CBD to Military Road and walk down the hill, or switch to a second bus to go straight to the beach.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, a playground and multiple eateries
Exactly what we imagine the definition for seaside suburb would be, Balmoral offers a quaint-but-not-too-quiet beach. The sand stretches for almost a kilometre and is lined with an accessible footpath that’s perfect for prams, wheelchairs or just dog walking.
Across the street from the beach there’s a few cafes and eateries so you’ll never go hungry here. If you’re looking for something a bit more picturesque, there’s also a few places to eat right on the water, including the iconic Balmoral Bather’s Pavillion.
Shark Beach/Nielsen Park
Where is it? South of the bridge in Vaucluse, about 10kms from the CBD.
How to get there: Take the 325 bus from the CBD Vaucluse Road and Greycliffe Avenue and then walk a few minute to the beach.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, a playground and a kiosk
Finally re-opened to the public after a few years’ closure due to damage to the sea wall after a storm, one of Sydney’s most picturesque beaches was well worth the wait for a return to this scenic stretch of sand.
Marrinawi Cove
Where is it? Barangaroo Reserve
How to get there? Walk from Barangaroo Metro Station or take the 311 bus from it. It also stops on Kent Street near Wynyard Station
Facilities: Toilets and an open-air shower
While technically not a beach, this swimming spot in the heart of the city is perfect for after work dips. It gets loads of sun well into the afternoon, too. (This was taken at about 6pm on a Thursday in January)
We do recommend going when the tide is higher, unless you don’t mind your toes being tickled by seaweed.
Milk Beach
Where is it? Vaucluse
How to get there: Take the 324, 325 or 386 bus to New South Head Road at Towns Road and walk down Bayview Hill Road. At the end of this street, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk begins.
Facilities: None
Sydney’s worst-kept secret, Milk Beach is one of the best places to take a dip while watching the sun set over the harbour. It’s along the picturesque Hermitage Foreshore Walk, which is one of our favourite coastal walks in the city. While it’s often been included in “secret beach” lists, the word has gotten out and it is small, so be prepared to share it with others.
Tip: If Milk Beach is busy, there’s a few other similar ones along the walk including Little Bay (not to be confused for the snorkel spot) and Hermit Beach.
Watsons Bay Beach
Where is it? Watsons Bay, South Head
How to get there: Take a ferry from Circular Quay or Manly. Or, take the 324, 325 or 380 bus to Military Road opposite Robertson Park.
Facilities: Toilets, a playground and restaurants.
While this one isn’t a favourite of ours for swimming (but you can!), it’s got an incredible atmosphere. Whether you’re picnicking in the park with a box of piping hot fish and chips from Doyle’s or watching the sunset with a sundowner on the Watsons Bay Hotel’s deck, this is a spot that is pure Sydney magic.
You can, of course, swim here if you want, but there are other nearby spots that are probably more popular to do so.
About Sydney’s Harbour Beaches
Are Sydney Harbour beaches safe for swimming?
While not all are, many of them are perfectly suitable for swimming — including all the ones mentioned on this page.
We always check the NSW Government’s Beachwatch website before heading out, and recommend you do to. It notes the current state of the water at beaches all over the state, including most of Sydney’s. There will be a water quality rating (out of four stars) and whether or not there’s likely to be any pollution.
Unfortunately pollution is common at many beaches near the city, whether on the Harbour or on the ocean, due to run-off. So for the cleanest swim, try to avoid going right after rain.
How many beaches are on Sydney Harbour?
There are 19 named beaches in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), but plenty more bits of sand that come and go that don’t officially have names.
