Although I’m a city girl through and through, I love the beach. It is my absolute happy place, which is why, among other reasons, I chose to relocate to Sydney. Vibrant city life sits shoulder to shoulder with a plethora of beaches, many of which are one simple bus ride from home or work. If you’re thinking of heading over to Australia’s should-be capital (sorry Canberra - I’m biased) after all this Coronavirus madness is over, make sure the below are on your hitlist.
Bondi
Let’s start with the one synonymous with Sydney: Bondi Beach. Sitting on a curved coastal edge, Bondi is a surfer’s paradise and attracts locals and tourists alike. Soak up the cool atmosphere as you kick back on the sugar-soft sands, take in the graffiti art along the back edge of the beach, or sip a watermelon spritz at the Beach Bar on the main road. If you’re looking for ‘Little Britain’ (think less David Walliams and Matt Lucas, more Little Venice to actual Venice), this is your spot. I couldn’t move for a British accent.
Set a few hundred metres into the sea, along the south of the beach, you’ll find the historic Bondi Iceberg Pools, where you can swim in the pools while looking out to sea. Be careful where you stand though; those waves can hit strongly and soak you in the pool area.
Coogee
More chilled than its famous counterpart, Coogee Beach is smaller than Bondi, but still attracts a crowd. The water is slightly calmer, and the sand seems finer - I could be wrong, but it feels like it dusts off easier. It is also the start of the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, a two-hour walk that I can’t get enough of (you can also start at Bondi, if you prefer). If you’re looking out to sea, the cliff-face to your left of the beach boasts some spell-binding views.
Clovelly
Keeping to the same area, Clovelly Beach is about 40 minutes’ walk from Coogee, via the coastal path. This one is one of my favourites. The beach itself is so quiet compared to the others and the water is totally calm. I’m not a big fan of wading right into the sea, but I couldn’t help myself here. The beach does attract families because of the water’s calmness, but, honestly, it is well worth a couple of boisterous kids - just remember your headphones if you want to sunbathe. Don’t want to get sandy? There is a concrete sunbathing area close by.
Manly
The trip to Manly is exciting as it is! Board the half-an-hour-long ferry at Circular Quay, and you’ll enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and some of the islets from the water. Once you get there, it’s a quick walk down the promenade, which is reminiscent of many a Spanish coastal town, where a welcoming beach strip awaits.
Balmoral
Balmoral Beach is a little further out than the others, situated in North Sydney, but again, well worth the trip. I was lucky to visit on a quiet day, and my God, it was glorious. With its lush greenery, quirks like a wishing well, and yacht speckled waters, it feels like an exclusive European resort beach. Think French Riviera. There is a lovely spot where you can get refreshing cocktails and a bite to eat just to the right of the beach, if you’re facing the water.
Maroubra
I achieved full Sydney mode with Maroubra Beach: going to the beach straight from work. This beach is a treat for the senses and it feels like there is so much going on. From the noise of the huge crashing waves (and the surfers that are ‘huger’ still…) to the silky-soft sand, it is a great spot to take a long walk later in the day. The water is crystal clear too, so slip off those shoes and hike up your trousers…
Tamarama
Now, this one is not a walking beach; this is a jump right into the clear waters and soak up that salty goodness kind of beach. Another one along the Coogee to Bondi route, your best bet is getting the bus to Bondi and walking down the scenic coastal path towards Tamarama. The sands are quieter than its neighbour and there are beautiful rock formations to admire while you’re drying off.
Palm Beach
The famed Palm Beach (left in this image) is better known as Summer Bay - the home of Home and Away! Sitting side by side with the calmer Pittwater, you can enjoy rugged surfing on one side, and soothing boat rides and otherworldly views on the other side. This photo was taken from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a rewarding 20-minute or so walk.