Every visitor to Sydney should dip their toes in the Pacific Ocean at least once. With more than 100 beaches and over 30 ocean pools along the coast, you’re spoilt for choice.

Bondi

Among the many thousands on offer, Bondi is the most famous beach in Australia. In Sydney’s Eastern suburb, expect it to be packed with locals and tourists alike every day in the warmer months. Dive straight into the ocean or dine out at great restaurants or drink at buzzy bars. Click here to find out more about the best cafes in Bondi.

The East

Also in the east, is Clovelly which has a long, sheltered bay lined with concrete platforms for easy entry. More confident swimmers will like Coogee and the world-famous Bondi (see above).

Camp Cove

A calm harbour beach close to the southern entrance to Sydney Harbour, Camp Cove is a local favourite. It’s a great option for families (or those who aren’t confident swimmers) and the still waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Then stretch your legs along the pretty South Head Heritage Trail through the Sydney Harbour National Park, which runs just behind the sand. For the more adventurous, you can bring a kayak for a paddle or even scuba dive. The nearby kiosk also serves ice creams and drinks. And the best thing is the beach is wheelchair-accessible and boasts millionaire views that are hard to miss.

Manly

Sydney’s Northern Beaches feature a string of spectacular beachside suburbs including the magnificent Manly. Arrive by ferry and be surrounded by water at this laidback suburb that features hidden coves and beaches, and a busy pedestrian mall. And plenty of places to eat and drink.

Harbour beaches

Of the inner harbour beaches, try Camp Cove, Parsley Bay, Redleaf, Balmoral and Chinamans Beach. Or the new man-made Marrinawi Cove which is part of Barangaroo.

Balmoral

The grandest of the harbour beaches, Balmoral has more than a kilometre of sand across two curved bays, fronting water that’s as still as a swimming pool. It’s perfect for water sports of all kinds; try snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and even sailing.

Coogee

A perfect slice of Sydney’s laid-back beach lifestyle, Coogee is another of the best beaches in the Eastern Suburbs. Sheltered by the rocky Wedding Cake Island offshore, the waters are reliably calm and great for both swimming and surfing. There are three ocean pools along the southern edge of the beach including McIver’s Baths, the only rock pool in Australia that’s open only to women and children.