

Take the Plunge and Discover Sydney's Secret Beaches
Secret Beaches in Sydney
If you want to escape the hustle, bustle, and crowds of Bondi and Manly Beaches, then it’s time to go exploring and discover the tiny, secluded, and very special beaches that are the hallmark of Sydney’s foreshore.
Protected inlets that offer calm waters fringed by natural bushland and National Park, these are the perfect places to get away and re-energise your soul.
Why not try a sunset picnic with a perfect view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge? It’s all here waiting for you.
1. Milk Beach, Vaucluse, Sydney
Address |
Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030 |
Opening Hours |
24 hours |
Located at the base of Hermit Bay within the Sydney Harbour National Park, Milk Beach, one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, is a tiny secluded beach flanked by heritage-listed Strickland House. It offers spectacular views of Sydney, the harbour and the Harbour Bridge. The calm protected waters are perfect for a quiet swim or snorkelling, and the shoreline abounds with picturesque picnic spots.
Only 9 km from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, although access is limited, you can reach it by public transport, boat, or car. However be aware that off-street parking is limited.
2. Chinamans Beach, Middle Harbour, Sydney
Address |
McLean Crescent, Mosman NSW 2088 |
Opening Hours |
24 hours |
Located at the edge of a nature reserve, this little stretch of sand is at the northern perimeter of the suburb of Mosman, a delightful residential area less than 20 minutes from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour. Its protected position means the beach is nearly always calm, so it‘s an ideal place for a gentle swim to wash away the heat of the day.
Often very secluded, the beach can become very busy in the summer months, as it is a popular spot for families to gather and picnic. There are benches and a playground for the kids in the adjacent parkland.
3. Shelly Beach, Manly, Sydney
Address |
Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095 |
Opening Hours |
24 hours |
A 20 minute drive across the bridge heading north will bring you to this scenic little beach with fine golden sand and calm, crystal clear waters. It is ideal for those wishing to swim in the ocean without worrying about tumbling surf, and has the added advantage of spectacular views of Manly Beach with its restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. The Boathouse Cafe and kiosk are located right on the beach and provide water’s edge dining. Or you may simply choose to picnic on the hills or walk to the cliff top to enjoy the views.
4. Reef Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park
Address |
Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights, NSW 2093 |
Opening Hours |
24 hours |
Located 15 km from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney heading north, Reef Beach, once a well-known nudist beach, is only accessible via a 15-minute walk through a bush track from Forty Baskets Beach. However, it is well worth the effort, as this often uninhabited beach provides amazing views across the harbour to the city. Facilities are basic, with bush toilets, cold showers, and tap water available. Great for energetic nature lovers who want to get far from the maddening crowd.
5. Shark Beach, Nielsen Park, Sydney
Address |
Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse, NSW |
Opening Hours |
24 hours |
Located in Vaucluse just 9km from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, Shark Beach is a small, quiet harbour beach which is calm without any waves.
A shark net ensures you can swim without concern, knowing that you are in protected waters. There are showers, toilets, and a shaded grass area to sit and enjoy a picnic or visit the onsite kiosk.
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