6 secret Sydney beaches to seek out this spring and summer
Sandcastles, ice-creams, catching waves and the smell of suncream. These are some of the things that evoke a gorgeous summer’s day at the beach.
While it’s easy to flock to the “faves” like Bondi and Manly, if you’re after a beach trip without the crowds (and trouble finding a car spot), it’s worth venturing somewhere more obscure.
To help you to find a quiet patch of sand for your next beach day, here we’ve compiled a list of six of our favourite secret Sydney beaches to seek out this spring and summer season.
1. Chinamans Beach, Mosman
Simply take a short stroll through the beautiful and leafy Rosherville Reserve in Mosman and you’ll stumble upon Chinamans Beach. It’s a harbour enclave that is often overlooked for nearby Balmoral Beach.
A small stretch of beach, you have some shelter and can enjoy the views across Middle Harbour. And bonus, the water always seems to be glistening here.
2. Lady Martins Beach, Point Piper
We love a secluded beach and this one can be hard to find. Hidden down a little lane adjacent to Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, Lady Martins Beach enjoys sweeping harbour views and does not draw the crowds like the big Sydney beaches so you can really soak up your surroundings.
3. Congwong beach, Kamay Botany Bay
If you’re looking for a serene beach trip, you cannot go past this option. Arguably the most beautiful beach in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, it’s also perfect for little ones as it faces the bat rather than the open ocean - meaning it’s calm and perfect for swimming. There’s also Little Congwong - an even more secluded beach where clothing is optional.
4. Milk Beach, Vaucluse
If you know, you know. The secret beach is located below the gorgeous Strickland House in Vaucluse, at the base of Hermit Bay in Sydney National Park. Milk Beach is just so beautiful thanks to its crystal-clear waters and views over Shark Island and the city skyline. The isolated spot is accessible by the Hermitage Foreshore walk. Again Milk Beach is another spot with calm waters thanks to protection on both sides, making it ideal for kids to splash around.
5. Collins Beach, Manly
If you love Manly but would prefer to skip the crowds and chaos on the main beach, head for the secluded Collins Beach. While only a 15-minute walk from the main drag, this is a hidden gem that locals love thanks to the calm waters and its isolation.
6. Parsley Bay beach, Vaucluse
This would have to be one of Sydney’s best-kept beach secrets and is absolutely ideal for little ones as you have the calm waters coupled with a park and playground combo. What’s not to love about a park, beach, bushland walk and playground rolled into one? Note there is limited parking around the residential streets that surround this spot.
Get the look: Beach and sun-safe ready with our fave Willow Swim beach pieces
