A brief sketch of the beaches of Sydney

Bondi Beach is a major tourist attraction of Sydney, and is now packed on an annual basis with temporary émigrés from Britain who have travelled on the Sydney flights provided by operators such as DialAFlight to enjoy Christmas in the sun.  Popular all year round, Bondi Beach retains a bohemian feel, perhaps despite the well –developed commercial concerns that cater for the large numbers of tourists.  You’ll find surfers at one end of the beach, and swimmers at the other, where the currents are not so strong; those scarred by the film Jaws will be happy to know that the water is protected by shark nets.  You’ll also see a range of couples – both straight and gay – chilling out on this laid back beach, as well as many sunbathing topless.

Seven miles to the north east of the city of Sydney is Manly, the most southerly of the Northern Beaches of greater Sydney.  The beach at Manly is lapped by ocean waves which are perfect for surfing, and there are plenty of established schools that can introduce the beginner to this coolest of sports.  The boat ride across Sydney Harbour from the city is a great way to see the famous landmarks that are emblematic not just of Sydney but the whole of Australia; the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House being the most famous, but by no means only of these attractions.

Coogee Beach is the next most popular of the City beaches after Bondi, especially with the backpacking set.  You’ll not find any surfers here, as the waves are unsuitable, so Coogee Beach is a good place for those keen to just swim and sunbathe, and has a sheltered ocean pool that is perfect for children to swim in.  You can also get some excellent views of the coastline and other city beaches with a cliff top walk to the nearby Bondi Beach.

For those with limited mobility, Cronulla is right on a train line, and so easily accessible – there are also plenty of parking facilities.  There are two beaches - North and South - at Cronulla, with the South beach the more sheltered of the two and providing access to calmer water than you’ll generally encounter off the Northern Beaches.  Find out more about Sydney beaches with a little online research before you visit – and don’t forget your sun cream!