NORTHERN BEACHES

Palm Beach

Palm Beach: Beach Road, Palm Beach. Located at the tip of the headland on the ocean side, Palm Beach was once a haven for fringe-dwellers. These days, multi-million dollar mansions of the rich and famous line the ridge over one of Sydney's most busy (on weekends) and prestigious beaches. Devotees of the TV soap, Home And Away, will recognise Palm Beach as Summer Bay. The northern end of the beach is exposed to the elements, which makes it the quietest section. Apart from the rubbish brought here by visitors, the beach is clean and the surf good, with an ocean pool at the southern end that is ideal for children. Parking fees apply.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, shops and cafes at southern end of beach.
Public Transport: bus No. 190, L90 from Town Hall, Sydney.

Whale Beach: UBD Map 99 Ref C 6. The Strand, Whale Beach. One of Sydney's cleanest surf beaches, its consistently great waves draws surfers from all over Sydney like a magnet. The good surf means the beach has its fair share of rips so stay between the flags. A rock pool at the southern end caters for children. Parking fees apply.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, kiosk, grassed area, shop and cafes in neighbouring streets.

Avalon Beach: UBD Map 118a Ref D 1. Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon. A popular, relaxed surf beach favoured by visitors, thanks to the backpacker hostel, cinema, shops and cafe society established around the beach. Surf is good, especially at the northern end. A rock pool caters for children at the southern end. Parking fees apply.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, grassed area, shops and cafes nearby.

Bilgola Beach: UBD Map 99 Ref B 6. Bilgola Avenue, Bilgola. The isolated, atmospheric beachfront village built around the beach becomes a chaotic nightmare on busy weekends when (it seems) the rest of Sydney descends on the place. The beach has a permanent rip called the Newport Express so stay between the flags if you want to survive the excellent surf here. A rock pool caters for children. Parking fees apply. It is hard to believe that an early settler, Rev. JJ Therry, once mined Bilgola Head for coal.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, kiosk.

Newport Beach: UBD Map 118 Ref Q 10. Barrenjoey Road, Newport. Good facilities and easy access to its sweeping ribbon of sand makes Newport Beach a very popular weekend destination for swimmers and surfers. The beach is curved so surfing conditions vary at either end. An ocean pool caters for children at the southern end. A coastal walkway extends along the far northern beaches and this is the best place to park and access it. Parking fees apply.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, shaded grassed areas, picnic and barbecue facilities, shops nearby.

Bungan Beach: UBD Map 118 Ref Q 10. Bungan Head Road, Mona Vale. Its isolation (it can't be seen from Barrenjoey Road) and limited facilities make this one of the quietest of the northern beaches. The swell kicks up strong surf and the ribbon of sand, backed by a 40-metre high cliff, is clean, making it a drawcard for keen surfers. This is another recommended starting point for coastal walkers.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers.

Basin Beach: UBD Map 138 Ref N 3. Surfview Road, Mona Vale. Also known as Bongin Bongin, a well protected ocean beach on Bongin Bongin Bay which generally has low swell and is therefore ideal for less strong swimmers. Rips are rare here though the water depth does increase sharply as you move away from the beach. An ocean pool is located on the rocks at the southern end of the beach.
Facilities: not patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, park, shops at cnr Mona Vale and Pittwater Rds.
Public transport: train to Milsons Pt.; bus No. L84; or train to Chatswood, bus No. L60; or bus No. L84, L85 from Wynyard. Alight at cnr Barrenjoey Rd & Seareach Ave. Walk east down Seareach Ave. to beach.

Mona Vale Beach; UBD Map 138 Ref L 6. Surfview Road, Mona Vale. Protected from suburbia by a golf course, this beach is popular with families as there are many facilities for children. Rips are commonplace so swimming between the flags is essential. Otherwise, swim in the sheltered rock pool between Mona Vale and Bongin Bongin beaches. Bacteria levels are the highest of all the beaches of the peninsula, particularly after rain, because of a nearby stormwater outfall.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, shops at cnr Mona Vale and Pittwater Rds.
Public transport: train to Milsons Pt.; bus No. L84; or train to Chatswood, bus No. L60; or bus No. L84, L85 from Wynyard. Alight at cnr Barrenjoey Rd & Darley St. Walk east down Darley St East to beach

Warriewood Beach: UBD Map 138 Ref K 10. Bruce Street, Warriewood. The unique shape of the beach contributes greatly to the unusual and at times very challenging surfing conditions. These conditions restrict its appeal to the more ardent surfer, those seeking more gentle conditions tend to go elsewhere. A walk along the coastal track to the north as far as Newport and south to Long Reef is invigorating.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, kiosk and milk bar (nearby), showers
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 155. Alight at cnr Narrabeen Rd & Hunter St. Warriewood

Turimetta Beach: UBD Map 138 Ref L 13. Park Parade, Warriewood. A small sheltered beach that benefits from its location but is light on facilities and at times suffers from high bacteria levels emanating from a nearby sewage outfall. A great spot to start or complete a walk around Narrabeen Head.
Facilities: not patrolled, toilets and open shower at nearby Narrabeen Park Parade.
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 155. Alight at Narrabeen Reserve, Sydney Rd, North Narrabeen.

Narrabeen Beach: UBD Map 158 Ref G 6. Ocean Street, Narrabeen. A clean strip of sand which offers good surf. There are also numerous rips so swimming between the flags is essential. Conditions are milder and safer in the south though the north is more challenging for the serious surfer.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, barbecues, picnic facilities, shops on nearby Pittwater Road.
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 155; or bus No. 183-85, 187-90, L90 from Town Hall; or bus No. E84-89, L84-89, L88 from Wynyard; or train to Chatswood, bus No. L60. Alight at Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen

Collaroy Beach: UBD Map 158 Ref H 12. Pittwater Road, Collaroy. The southern section of a 3 km long stretch of open beach backed by a series of parks and reserves. The southern end, which has a sheltered rock pool, is the safest for children, the surf gets progressively stronger the further north you go. Its openness can be a disadvantage on windy days but its facilities and ease of access by both car and public transport make this former camping area a popular destination for north shore beachgoers.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, kiosk, electric barbecues, picnic facilities, close to shops
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 155; or bus No. 183-85, 187-90, L90 from Town Hall; or bus No. E84-89, L84-89, L88 from Wynyard; or train to Chatswood, bus No. L60. Alight at Pittwater Rd, Collaroy

Long Reef Beach: UBD Map 178 Ref K 2. Pittwater Road, Collaroy. A broad expanse of beach which lacks some facilities but makes up for its shortcomings with its excellent surfing conditions. The angle of the beach makes it the ideal location for hang gliding and sailboarding (windsurfing) as well as the more traditional boardriding. Very much a beach for the watersports person.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, kiosk
Public transport: bus No. 183-85, 187-90, L90 from Town Hall; or bus No. E84-89, L84-89, L88 from Wynyard; or train to Chatswood, bus No. L60. Alight at Griffith Park, Pittwater Rd, Collaroy.

Dee Why Beach: UBD Map 178 Ref F 5. The Strand, Dee Why. Its broad expanse of clean sand and reputation as one of the safest of Sydney's northern beaches has contributed greatly to this beach's extreme popularity. Fortunately, the strip of sand is wide and backed by a variety of facilities for both surfers and families alike. A rock pool in the south is a haven for children and swimmers who don't want surf.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, grassed areas, picnic facilities, children's playground, shops, many restaurants and cafes nearby.
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 136, 159; or bus No. 176, E76 from Wynyard; or train to Chatswood, bus No. 136. Alight at cnr The Strand & Howard Ave.

Curl Curl Beach: UBD Map 178 Ref G 13. Carrington Parade, Curl Curl. A lack of suburban development around it makes Curl Curl Sydney's most natural swimming beach. It is also its most dangerous with a couple of rips which shifts with the currents and tide. Rock pools at the northern and southern ends offer a safe haven for children with the former exposed to waves which flow over the pool wall. Avoid swimming in nearby Curl Curl Lagoon which has high bacteria levels.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, kiosks at surf clubs, reserve
Public transport: bus No. E65 from Wynyard, alight at Carrington Pde.

Freshwater Beach: UBD Map 198 Ref D 2. Cooloora Ave., Queenscliff Bay. The sport of surfing was introduced to Australia here in 1915 when Hawaiian surfer champ Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated the art of riding the waves. The waves are more suited to bodysurfing than board riding and there are a few rips to keep all on their toes. A rock pool offers sheltered swimming. A good alternative to the busier Manly beach to the south.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, grassed area, picnic and barbecue facilities, children's playground, kiosk
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 130, alight at Bridge Rd; or bus No. E65 from Wynyard, alight at Carrington Pde.

Queenscliff Beach; UBD Map 198 Ref C 5 North Steyne, Manly. Queenscliff beach is the northern section of the 1.5 km long strip of sand that is Manly Beach.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, grassed areas.
Public transport: ferry to Manly. Walk along The Corso to beach.

Manly Beach: UBD Map 198 Ref C 9 South Steyne, Manly. The 1.5km beach, incorporating Manly, North Steyne & Queenscliff beaches, is a wide strip of clean sand with good surf. The plethora of hotels, restaurants, cafes, nightlife and other attractions beyond the beach are a bonus.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, grassed areas.
Public transport: ferry to Manly. Walk along The Corso to beach.

Shelly Beach, located beyond Manly Beach and Fairy Bower on Cabbade Tree Bay.

SOUTH OF SYDNEY HEADS

Bondi Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref P 4 . Campbell Parade, Bondi: Australia's most famous beach, a broad crescent shaped strip of golden sand backed by an equally famous pavilion and boardwalk. All are a stone's throw away from a dazzling array of trendy restaurants, cafes and hotels. All in all, great food, great surf, great atmosphere.
Facilities: picnic areas, changerooms, patrolled by lifesavers, shops, cafes, restaurants.
Public transport: Bus No. 380, 383, L82 from Circular Quay.

Tamarama Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref M 7: A tiny, intimate bay with a reputation as the beach where the beautiful people go. Due to the shape of Tamarama Bay, rips are not uncommon and the surf can be quite challenging. The beach is backed by a small park. Nearby Mackenzie's Bay is somewhat milder and is one of the few Sydney beaches that are dog friendly.
Facilities: grassed area, changerooms, kiosk, patrolled by lifesavers
Public transport: train to Bondi Jctn., Bus No. 361 to Tamarama Beach.

Bronte Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref M 8. There's something for everyone at Bronte Beach - great surf, an ocean pool, a small area enclosed by rocks that is perfect for families, not to mention all the creature comforts of a great picnic area. Located on Nelson Bay on the coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee.

Clovelly Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref K 13. A small but popular sheltered beach at the head of a narrow cove. A saltwater pool is situated on the southern shore of Clovelly Bay.

Coogee Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref H 16. One of Sydney's most popular beaches which is always buzzing with life, particularly on weekends. Similar in shape to Bondi, the surf is similar though somewhat milder thanks to a rock platform nearby that breaks the swell somewhat. The beach has a reputation of having high water pollution at times. Nearby is the Mcivers Ladies Baths and the ocean pool Wylie's Baths. Beyond the beach is a fabulous array of shops, hotels and eating places.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, grassed areas, toilets, changerooms, children's playground
Public transport: Bus No. 372 from Railway Sq. to terminus; or Bus No. 373, X73 from Spring St. to terminus; or Bus No. 374, X74 from Circular Quay to terminus; or train to Bondi Jctn., Bus No. 314, 315, X13 to terminus.

Maroubra Beach: UBD Map 277 Ref H 13: A popular beach for surfers which also offers plenty of space for families. The swell is milder than at this beach's northerly neighbours though it can get quite rough at the north end. Protected swimming is available at Mahon Pool in the north and a children's pool protected by rocks in the south. A stormwater outfall at the north end means pollution is often high after heavy rains at that end of the beach.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, toilets, changerooms, kiosk
Public transport: Bus No. 375, X75, 395 from Railway Sq.; or Bus No. 376, 377, 396, X77, X96 from Circular Quay, alight at beach.

Greenhills Beach: UBD Map 335 Ref F 6. South of Kurnell. Located beyond the sandhills of the southern end of the Kurnell Peninsula. May be accessed only by 4WD from Captain Cook Drive or on foot via the oceanside 10-km walking track between Kurnell and Cronulla. Also known as North Wanda Beach. Limited surfing conditions as beach is protected from the swell by Merries Reef. Popular for fishing, jogging, walking, boat mooring.

Wanda Beach

Wanda Beach: UBD Map 335 Ref E 7. Marine Esplanade, Cronulla. Water pollution levels are low but rips on this popular surf beach are not uncommon, so be sure to swim within the flags of the Surf Lifesaving Club, located at the southern end. Ideal for board surfing, bodysurfing and sailboarding
Facilities: parking for 400 vehicles, surf lifesaving club, toilets, changerooms and kiosk at surf club.

North Cronulla Beach

North Cronulla Beach: UBD Map 335 Ref C 10. Prince Street. Similar to Elouera Beach, but busier due to it being located at the end of Kingsway and in closer proximity to Cronulla's shops, cafes and restaurants. Great surf beach, but swim between the flags and watch out for The Alley, a particularly strong rip at the southern end of the beach.
Facilities: surf club with kiosk, parking, hotel nearby.

South Cronulla Beach: UBD Map 335 Ref B 13. Laycock Avenue. One of Sydney's most popular and crowded beaches. Great for swimming, sunbaking, riding boogie boards. Many features make it popular for families.
Facilities: ocean swimming pools, park with picnic facilities, toilets, nearby shops, cafes, restaurants, 3-km coastal walking path. Surf club with kiosk.

Shelly Beach: UBD Map 33 Ref A 16. Ewos Parade, Cronulla. South of the main beach, it is a 30-metre long ocean pool, ideal for toddlers. Nearby Blackwoods Beach is protected by a reef, which makes it ideal for open swimming and snorkelling, and of course surfing beyond the reef. Facilities: two free barbecues, a shaded picnic area, picnic tables, toilets and showers.

Oak Park Beach

Oak Park Beach: UBD Map 355 Ref B 2 . Ewos Parade, Cronulla. Located at Glaisher Point, there is a small beach towards the point, and a rock pool beyond the rocky shore line. The swell is slight, and being surrounded by rocks, the pool is an ideal launch pad for snorkelling.
Facilities: large park with room to play group sports, barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, showers, shops 50m away.

Marley Beach

Marley Beach: South east swells can create strong rips at this isolated surfing beach. Little Marley is a short walk south from Marley. No facilities at either beach. A 1 km walk from Marley Beach leads to a freshwater swimming holes named Deer Pool (camping ground). No access by road.
Public transport: train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena, 1 hour walk along Coastal Track to Marley Beach.

Wattamolla

Wattamolla Beach: Offers both ocean and lagoon swimming beaches. The most popular of the Royal National Park's beaches, it has numerous facilities, a sizeable car park and bushwalking tracks to the north and south. The waves on the ocean beach are moderate and therefore quite safe for children and average swimmers. It was at Wattamolla that Matthew Flinders and George Bass sheltered from a storm in 1796, calling it Providential Cove.

The lagoon is fed by a stream which enters the pool over a waterfall. In summer, the creek is dry and the wall of the falls becomes a popular diving spot.
Facilities: kiosk, grassed areas, barbecue and picnic facilities, toilets. No direct public transport.

Garie Beach

Garie Beach: Big swells make this the most popular surfing beach in the park. Patrolled by Royal National Park & Garie SLSC. Little Garie, to the south, is more secluded but not patrolled. No direct public transport. Limited facilities include a backpackers hostel at Garie.

North and South Era Beach: Popular surfing beaches. South Era is patrolled by Royal National Park & Era SLSC. Limited facilities include cabins for hire (must be pre-booked). No direct public transport or motor vehicle access (walk from Garie Beach or car park at Garawarra Hill on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and walk down).

Burning Palms Beach

Burning Palms Beach: Isolated surfing beach patrolled by Royal National Park & Burning Palms SLSC. Limited facilities. No direct public transport or motor vehicle access (walk from Garie Beach or car park at Garawarra Hill on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and walk down).

Werrong Beach

Werrong Beach: A nudist beach located at the most southern end of the park near Otford. There is a parking bay overlooking the ocean. Take the track up the hill into the park to where it joins the track to Werrong Beach. It is a strenuous 40 minutes from the car park to reach the beach.
No facilities.