Secret Beaches in Sydney: 20 to Avoid the Crowds

Escape the summer chaos and uncover Sydney's secret beaches, perfect for a family adventure away from the crowds!

If you're dreading the crowds and chaos at the likes of Coogee and Bondi this summer, then you should add these secret beaches to your list. These hidden gems provide the perfect mix of tranquillity and adventure, making them ideal for families looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the hustle and bustle.

Note: Some of these spots are un-patrolled, so always keep an eye on your little ones! 

Looking for Secret Beaches in Sydney? Here's Where to Go!

1. Resolute Beach, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase

One of the most secluded beaches in Sydney, and possibly one you’ve never even heard of! Once you’re inside the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, head to the Resolute Picnic Ground. From here, begin the Resolute Loop Trail to Resolute Beach, where there are virtually no tourists and likely almost no other swimmers so you'll actually have a Sydney beach all to yourself.

This secret beach offers views over Pittwater and the Barrenjoey Headland where you can enjoy a stunning 60-metre stretch of sandy beach, with very calm waters and small reaches of rocks on either side, so you are practically in your own beach cocoon. Note: You will need to pay for entry to the National Park.

Location: West Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase

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2. Congwong Beach, La Perouse

Make your way down sloping sand to one of the most secluded beaches in Sydney in the Botany Bay National Park, where you can look out to Bare Island.

The water at Congwong Beach is pretty much completely flat, so it’s perfect for inexperienced swimmers, mums wanting a truly relaxing swim and snorkellers. If you’re lucky, you might catch the ice cream boat - literally, a little boat you can buy ice creams from that travels between Congwong and Little Congwong beach.

Location: 1532R Anzac Parade, La Perouse

3. Yarra Bay

Just around the corner from Congwong Beach, Yarra Bay is another relatively secret beach in Sydney on the northern side of Botany Bay in Phillip Bay. The southern side of Yarra Bay is protected by Yarra Point, and the calm waters are due to the bay's southwesterly orientation. 

Location: 21w Kooringai Ave, Phillip Bay

4. MacKenzies Bay Beach

This beach is so secretive that it only comes out to play every few years! MacKenzies Bay Beach is found hidden away in the eastern suburbs, around 100 metres north of Tamarama.

Usually, you would miss this secret beach on your Bondi to Coogee walk because its shoreline is rocky and inhospitable. But, every now and again, MacKenzies Bay Beach appears - for just a few months! As of December 2019, the beach has returned, so head down to MacKenzies Bay Beach for a frolic (it's not patrolled, so we'd recommend just dipping your toes). It's also a dog-friendly beach!  

Location: 100 metres north of Tamarama Surf Club, 1A Pacific Ave, Tamarama

5. Washaway Beach

Another beach that plays the disappearing game on us is Washaway Beach on the Spit to Manly Walk.

Aptly named, Washaway Beach literally washes away when the daily tides come in, leaving only rocky slabs for visitors to perch on or sunbathe. The best chance you have of seeing this beach in beach form is to visit in the morning before the tides come in. You might even have the beach all to yourself!

Please note that in order to get to the beach you'll need to climb down a steep rock at the northern end of the beach. 

Location: Along the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. You can access the beach by parking at the end of Cutler Road in Clontarf and walking along the Lighthouse Track. 

6. Jibbon Beach, Bundeena

Next up on our list of secret beaches in Sydney, this one is found nestled in the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south.

The water at Jibbon Beach is quite flat for a fair distance, but there is a sudden drop, so be careful with little swimmers! Jibbon Beach offers an extremely long 700-metre stretch of sand, so you’re destined to pick your own quiet place to relax far removed from others.

From Jibbon Beach you can also access a trail walk to check out the sites of well-preserved Aboriginal engravings - an amazing experience.

Location: 1 Neil St, Bundeena

7. Darook Park Beach

Ask any Sutherland Shire local, and they'll claim that Darook Park Beach is the best beach in the world, and they might be onto something.

Darook Park Beach is a west-facing beach and offers calm waters, plenty of shade and the opportunity to catch the sunset of an evening - bliss!

Location: Darook Park Rd, Cronulla

8. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse

Kutti Beach is probably one of the hardest beaches to find - if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you simply won’t find it. But trust us, it’s possibly the best of the secret beaches in Sydney!

Kutti Beach is located between Parsley Bay and Watsons Bay in a completely residential area. At the end of Wharf Road in front of the Vaucluse Sailing Club, you have not hit a dead end. Look carefully, and you’ll see a wooden staircase painted white behind a white picket fence that's roughly as narrow as a person’s shoulder width. Head down the stairs, and you’ll find what seems to be a private Sydney beach for the mansions that enclose it.

Bonus: Dogs are welcome here, too, when on a leash!

Location: The end of Wharf Road in Vaucluse

9. Reef Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park

Reef Beach at Dobroyd Head is tucked away from the usual tourist spots and offers soft sands, calm waters, and stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Located along the famous Manly Scenic Walkway, the beach is small and secluded, making it feel like your own private getaway. Plus, getting there feels like an adventure itself, with scenic bushwalks leading you straight to this hidden gem.

Location: Beatty Street, Balgowlah. Parking is available at Beatty Street or Tania Park and from there, it's a short walk to the beach.

10. Store Beach, Manly

If you don’t mind having a bit of an adventure to get there, then Store Beach in Manly is for you!

This secluded beach is only accessible by boat - we recommend hiring a kayak from Manly Wharf and paddling around to this 200-metre stretch of isolated beach.

With all the thick vegetation surrounding you, you’ll feel miles away from the city and those pesky summer crowds. Pack a picnic to take with you on your beach adventure - there’s no easy way off Store Beach once you arrive! Looking for a more family-friendly day out in Manly? We have just the guide.

Location: North Head, between Quarantine Beach and Collins Beach

11. Boat Harbour

One for the four-wheel-driving enthusiasts, Boat Harbour is touted as 'Sydney's secret four-wheel-drive beach' where you can - you guessed it - drive on the beach!

Located just 40 minutes from the CBD, Boat Harbour is the perfect spot to set up with the family for a day of beach-ing. The sheltered bay offers crystal-clear waters, snorkelling and fishing opportunities, plus, it's the only beach in Sydney where you're allowed to barbecue on the beach. 

Please note that Boat Harbour charges an entry fee per car.

Location: Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell

12. Chinaman's Beach, Mosman

Chinaman's Beach is a 250-metre stretch of unpatrolled beach that gets forgotten because the super kid-friendly Balmoral Beach is close by.

A wave is a very hard thing to come by at Chinaman's Beach, so it's a perfect spot for toddlers and a relaxing swim in a residential area with homes you’re bound to turn green with envy over.

Chinaman's Beach is properly secluded, so bring your own snacks and enjoy the tranquillity of overlooking the boats as they bob around in the clear water. Parking is available at the adjacent Rosherville Reserve, which also has toilets and a playground if you feel like a play.

Location: Access via Rosherville Reserve, 46 Hopetoun Ave, Mosman

13. Paradise Beach, Avalon

 

If the name alone doesn't convince you to go for a peek, splash and wonder, Paradise Beaches' almost completely secluded location should!

Located at the end of Paradise Avenue in Avalon, Paradise Beach backs onto Pittwater and is the definition of secret beaches in Sydney. It has very small waves, which is perfect for new swimmers, babies and toddlers, and the wharf that juts out is a popular spot to grab some rays. Parking is very limited on the residential street, so you might have to count on luck. 

Location: Paradise Ave, Avalon Beach

14. Forty Baskets Beach

Another hidden slice of paradise on the Northern Beaches, Forty Baskets Beach is a great alternative to nearby Manly or Fairlight if you're keen to try somewhere near and hopefully avoid the crowds while you're at it. 

Forty Baskets Beach is located at Manly Cove along the Spit to Manly walkway, and there's parking is available at Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights. 

Location: Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights

15. Castle Rock Beach

Castle Rock Beach is so secret you can only access it on foot!

Castle Rock Beach is also part of the Manly to Spit Walk and can be accessed via Ogilvy Road in Clontarf. If you're coming on foot and enjoying the coastal walk before going for a dip, Castle Rock Beach is located at Stop 7 on the Manly to Spit Walk. 

Location: Access via Ogilvy Road in Clontarf

16. Echo Point Beach

Another secret beach in Sydney on the Lower North Shore, Echo Point Beach is nestled by Echo Point Park in Roseville. Most visitors to Echo Point come for the barbecue facilities, kids' playground, or for a bite to eat at Echo on the Marina, but some don't know that there's actually a slice of beach at the lower end of the park. 

Head down the stairs from the picnic area along the waterline, and you'll find a lovely wave-free beach for paddling with the little ones.

Location: Babbage Road, Roseville

17. Delwood Beach 

Another secret beach in Sydney on the north side, Delwood Beach faces south along the Fairlight Walk between Fairlight Beach and Manly Cove.

Delwood Beach is the perfect spot to lay down a picnic blanket, go for a refreshing dip, or to enjoy being in such a breathtaking location. 

Access to this secluded spot is via a wooden staircase just off the Manly to Spit Bridge coastal walkway.

Location: The Crescent Delwood Beach, Fairlight

18. Collins Flat Beach

Just around the corner from Delwood Beach, you'll find another secret beach in Sydney, Collins Flat Beach.

Collins Flat Beach is the ideal spot to tuck yourself away from the world for a few hours. With Sydney Harbour views, calm waters, a trickling waterfall and plenty of picnic opportunities, we highly recommend adding this sweet spot to your weekend to-do list stat!

Location: Collins Beach Road, Manly

Further Afield

19. Maitland Bay, Bouddi National Park

While the stunning Bouddi National Park holds plenty of secret spots, one of our favourites is Maitland Bay.

Hidden away along the Central Coast, the lengthy beach is framed by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, making it feel like a secret hideaway just for your family. The waves here are gentle, perfect for a splash with the little ones, or just laying back and soaking up the serenity. With little to no crowds in sight on most days, Maitland Bay is all about disconnecting from the hustle and reconnecting with nature. 

Location: From the Maitland Bay Information Centre on Scenic Road it's around a 15-minute walk down to the beach.

20. Bushrangers Bay, Shell Cove

To really escape the crowds, Bushrangers Bay in Shell Cove is like stepping into your own secret adventure!

Tucked away in Shell Cove south of Wollongong, the bay is a treasure trove of natural beauty and underwater wonders. Perfect for families who love to snorkel, the calm, clear waters are teeming with marine life—think vibrant fish, cheeky octopuses, and maybe even a friendly sea turtle if you're lucky! The rocky outcrops and sheltered coves make it feel like your very own slice of paradise. 

Location: Bass Point Tourist Rd, Shell Cove 

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