This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

One of the biggest perks of Sydney life is being able to enjoy the long, meandering expanse of coastline. While Bondi Beach has worldwide fame and a bustling atmosphere, there’s actually over 23 Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney and more than 100 beaches in Sydney overall!

All of these beautiful Sydney beaches can be reached by public transport, and most have toilets and even picnic tables or cafes nearby.

So, whether you prefer the city skyline views of Sydney Harbour beaches like Milk Beach or Watsons Bay, the crashing Pacific Ocean waves of Coogee Beach or Maroubra, or the bushy backdrop and bright white sand in La Perouse, there’s an Eastern Suburbs beach for you.

Read on to discover 23 Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney. There may be some you haven’t heard of!


Eastern Suburbs Beaches in Sydney : Table of Contents

To skip to a particular beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, just click on the relevant link below.

Sydney Coastline Beaches

Sydney Harbour Beaches

Botany Bay Beaches


1. Bondi Beach

The most well-known beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and probably in the whole of Australia, has to be Bondi Beach. If you enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and easy access to cafes and bars, a day at Bondi shouldn’t disappoint.

Take a selfie at iconic Bondi Icebergs, flex your muscles at the workout station or just laze on the golden sand and listen to the waves.

Bondi Beach, the most well-known of the Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney.
Popular Bondi Beach

How to Get to Bondi Beach

Either catch the frequently running 333 bus from the city (30 minutes), or take the train to Bondi Junction (10 minutes) then the 333 bus from there (10 minutes).


2. Tamarama Beach

Smaller Tamarama Beach lies just over 1km south of Bondi, past pretty McKenzie’s Point on the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

Although it’s less built up and touristy than Bondi, Tamarama Beach still has a cafe, barbecues, playground and toilets; there are enough facilities to comfortably spend a day there. The surf is meant to be excellent too, but beware of strong currents.

Stunning Tamarama Beach in Sydney during Sculpture by the Sea.
Tamarama Beach during the annual Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition

How to Get to Tamarama Beach

From the city, hop on a train to Bondi Junction (10 minutes) then catch a 381 bus to Tamarama Beach (13 minutes) or a 360 or 379 bus if you don’t mind a 10-minute walk.


3. Bronte Beach

Slightly south of Tamarama is wider Bronte Beach, one of my personal favourite beaches in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. You’ll find some shade from the northern headland (rare in Sydney) as well as a lovely, grassy park with picnic tables and barbecues directly behind the beach.

There’s also an ocean pool to the south and a nice row of cafes opposite the bus stop.

Bronte Beach in Eastern Suburbs, Sydney on a sunny day.
Pretty Bronte Beach viewed from the Bondi to Coogee coastal path

How to Get to Bronte Beach

Catch the train from the city to Bondi Junction (10 minutes) then the 379 bus to Bronte Beach Terminus (12 minutes).


4. Clovelly Beach

Just over 2km south of Bronte Beach is sheltered Clovelly Beach, tucked inside a narrow little bay. It’s great for swimming and snorkelling, as the water is so calm. Along the edge of the water there are steps to get in and a ramp for disabled access. If you want to swim laps, there’s a small lap pool too.

Facilities include a cafe, public toilets and concrete platforms for sunbathing. There’s also free parking nearby on the roads.

Small Clovelly Beach in Sydney, Australia on a sunny day.
Narrow Clovelly Beach with it’s sheltered bay

How to Get to Clovelly Beach

To get to Clovelly Beach, you can either catch a 339 bus from Museum in the city (30 minutes) or the train to Bondi Junction (10 minutes) then a 360 bus (20 minutes).


5. Coogee Beach

Popular Coogee Beach is one of the most well-known and popular Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney. With its long stretch of sand, calm surf and choice of ocean pools, it’s a great spot for swimming or sunbathing.

Like Bondi, Coogee Beach has a good choice of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and bars. Try large Coogee Beach Hotel for drinks or food opposite the beach, or funky Little Jack Horner opposite. There’s also lovely parklands surrounding the beach if you prefer to bring your own picnic.

Huge Coogee Beach in Sydney viewed from above the ocean pool. It's one of the most popular of the Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney.
Huge Coogee Beach and its main ocean pool

How to Get to Coogee Beach

You can catch the 373 bus from Museum Station in the city to Coogee Beach (30 minutes) or a 372 bus from Central Station (30 minutes).


6. Maroubra Beach

Stretching along the coastline for over 1km, Maroubra Beach is breathtakingly huge. With soft white sand and enormous, crashing waves, Maroubra is extremely popular with surfers and even has a surfboard hire shop right behind the beach.

Guide to Maroubra Beach, Sydney

Much of Maroubra Beach is backed by parkland, which gives it a more natural feel than built-up Bondi; you can even follow a walking track heading south. There’s also barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, a rock pool and a skate park, as well as a choice of places to eat.

Maroubra Beach, Sydney on a sunny day.
Big, family-friendly Maroubra Beach

How to Get to Maroubra Beach

To get to Maroubra Beach from Sydney CBD, catch the 377, 397 or 396 bus from Museum Station (25 minutes).


7. Malabar Beach

Whilst smaller than its northerly neighbour, Maroubra, Malabar Beach is no less impressive. Set deep within Long Bay, Malabar has much calmer waves, perfect for paddle boarders or people who prefer still water.

Parking is free, toilets and picnic tables are located directly behind the beach, and there’s even a lovely rock pool to swim in if you head down Bay Parade towards Randwick Golf Course. Malabar Beach is a really pleasant and often quiet beach to enjoy in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Beautiful Malabar Beach, a peaceful place in the eastern suburbs.
Small, quiet Malabar Beach

How to Get to Malabar Beach

To get to Malabar Beach, just hop on a 399 or L94 bus from Museum Station in the city (35 minutes).


8. Little Bay Beach, La Perouse

Just south of Malabar Beach, Little Bay Beach is a secret gem and one of the more hidden Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney. Head down the wooden staircase behind the Memorial Chapel to reach the short crescent of sand at Little Bay Beach.

While there are cafes and a supermarket along Pine Avenue, the beach is sheltered enough to forget you’re anywhere near civility. The calm water is crystal clear, and the rocks are rough and craggy. Overall, Little Bay Beach feels way more like a secret tropical island than part of bustling Sydney.

Scuba divers at Little Bay, Sydney.
Scubadivers at Little Bay Beach

How to Get to Little Bay Beach

To reach Little Bay, catch the L94 bus from Museum Station (35 minutes).


Eastern Suburbs Beaches: Sydney Harbour

In addition to Sydney’s coastal beaches, you also have a choice of beaches lining Sydney Harbour. These usually have much calmer waters for swimming and can be easily reached from the city by bus.

9. Double Bay Beach

The beach at Double Bay isn’t huge, but if you’re heading this way to visit the shops and restaurants, it’s nice to nip down for a break.

For a larger beach or somewhere you can swim, I’d continue east to either Seven Shillings Beach or Rose Bay.

Double Bay Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Double Bay Beach

How to Get to Double Bay Beach

To get to Double Bay, you need to catch the train from Town Hall to Edgecliff (6 minutes) then either catch the 328 bus (3 minutes) or walk 1.3km.


10. Seven Shillings Beach, Point Piper

Just around the corner from Double Bay Beach is larger Seven Shillings Beach. It still has quite an urban feel, as you can see from the high-rise buildings, but it’s also home to Murray Rose Pool.

This netted off swimming area makes Seven Shillings Beach a popular choice for those who want a beach day but don’t want to travel too far from the city.

Seven Shillings Beach and Rose Murray Pool in Eastern Suburbs, Sydney.
Seven Shillings Beach and Rose Murray Pool

How to Get to Seven Shillings Beach

Hop on the 324 or 325 bus from Town Hall Station to get to Seven Shillings Beach (30 minutes), or catch the train to Edgecliff (6 minutes) then catch the 324, 325 or 326 bus from there (8 minutes).


11. Rose Bay Beach

The next beach east heading east along the harbour is Rose Bay. The beach here is lovely and big, and even dog friendly. It’s also an easy walk to the Rose Bay shops and restaurants.

You can still see the city skyline here, but the area feels a little more green and suburban than at Double Bay and Seven Shillings Beach. I spent New Year at Rose Bay once, which was brilliant (apart from the rain)!

Beautiful dog-friendly Rose Bay Beach in Sydney.
Beautiful Rose Bay Beach

How to Get to Rose Bay Beach

To get to Rose Bay Beach, catch the 324 or 325 bus from Town Hall Station (35 minutes) or the train to Edgecliff (6 minutes) then the 324 or 325 bus (15 minutes).


12. Milk Beach, Vaucluse

Milk Beach lies along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk between Rose Bay and Vaucluse. It’s pretty small but the view of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are spectacular, particularly at sunset.

It was pretty popular when I passed by early evening one summer. It even looked like people were planning to stay and party!

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House views from Milk Beach at sunset, with a couple kissing. Milk Beach is one of the popular Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney.
City views from Milk Beach at sunset

How to Get to Milk Beach

To reach Milk Beach, you can either walk via the Hermitage Foreshore Walk from Shark Beach in Vaucluse (1 km) or Rose Bay (2 km), or catch the 324 or 325 bus from Town Hall Station to Strickland House in Vaucluse then walk for 2 minutes.


13. Shark Beach, Vaucluse

Shark Beach in Vaucluse is a very popular option. It’s a wide beach with plenty of space on the grass behind and a netted swimming area. The beach is part of Nielson Park, a heritage-listed historic site that’s part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

The site has a cafe and three picnic areas, as well as fantastic harbour views. You can also join a tour of nearby Greycliffe House, which dates back to 1851, or hire out waterfront restaurant The Nielson for a wedding reception or private event.

Gorgeous Shark Beach at Nielson Park in Sydney.
The netted swimming area at Shark Beach, Vaucluse

How to Get to Shark Beach

Hop on the 325 bus at Town Hall Station (40 minutes) or the train to Edgecliff (6 minutes) then the 325 bus (20 minutes) to Strickland House. Then walk 700m through Nielson Park to Shark Beach.


14. Parsley Bay Beach, Vaucluse

Parsley Bay is another picturesque spot in Vaucluse. I used to house sit fairly close to here. Set deep inside the bay, Parsley Bay Beach is surrounded by trees and rocks and has extremely calm water. It’s home to lots of Eastern Water Dragons; I’ve seen them every time I’ve been there!

Parsley Bay Reserve has toilets, picnic facilities, a children’s playground, swimming enclosure (in the summer) and a kiosk. You can also stroll across well as the recognisable white footbridge or walk the short track to a waterfall in the gully.

Pretty Parsley Bay Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Swimmers at sheltered Parsley Bay Beach

How to Get to Parsley Bay Beach

To reach Parsley Bay, catch the 325 bus from Town Hall Station (45 minutes). Or catch the 324 bus (50 minutes) then walk 800m from Old South Head Road at Salisbury Street.


15. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse

Secret Kutti Beach in Vaucluse has always been one of my favourite beaches in Sydney. Since you can only access it via a narrow set of steps at the end of a dead-end road, most people don’t realise it’s there!

Since the beach is backed by houses, there are no facilities here. You are allowed to bring your dog though (on-leash), and the water colour is sublime. Read my post on how to find Kutti Beach to learn more!

Stunning Kutti Beach, one of Sydney's secret beaches.
Gorgeous, secret Kutti Beach in Vaucluse

How to Get to Kutti Beach

To get to hidden Kutti Beach, catch the 325 bus from Town Hall Station to Hopetoun Avenue before The Crescent (50 minutes). Or catch the 324 bus (50 minutes) then walk 400m from Old South Head Road at Salisbury Street. To find Kutti Beach, walk to the end of Wharf Road, and go down the narrow set of steps to the left of the sailing club.


16. Gibsons Beach, Watsons Bay

Out of the many beaches in Watsons Bay, just north of Vaucluse, Gibsons Beach is my favourite. It’s away from the bustling restaurants and has a fair amount of space.

It’s a great spot for swimming too, as the water’s usually calm. (Or you could visit the nearby baths.) There’s the lovely Tea Garden’s Cafe close by as well, if you need refreshments.

Read my blog post on things to do in Watsons Bay to plan your trip.

Gibsons Beach and waterfront mansions in Watsons Bay on a sunny day.
Calm water at Gibsons Beach in Watsons Bay

How to Get to Gibsons Beach

To reach Gibsons Beach, catch the 324 bus from Town Hall Station to Old South Head Road at Salisbury Street (50 minutes), or hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay (23 minutes) then walk 300m south.


17. Wharf Beach, Watsons Bay

This is the first beach you’ll see if you arrive at Watsons Bay wharf from the ferry. It’s great if you want to eat fish and chips there, but people don’t tend to lounge around or sunbathe here.

If you prefer to be away from the busy footpath and restaurants, head to Gibsons Beach or Camp Cove Beach instead.

Wharf Beach in Watsons Bay, Sydney.
Restaurants at Wharf Beach in Watsons Bay

How to Get to Wharf Beach

Wharf Beach is right next to Watsons Bay Wharf, so you can either get the ferry from Circular Quay (23 minutes) or catch the 324 or 325 bus from Town Hall Station to Robertson Park (50 minutes).


18. Camp Cove Beach, Watsons Bay

Camp Cove Beach is a popular spot in Watsons Bay. The beach is a wide arc and backed by trees and houses, and the water is lovely and clear.

At the entrance to the beach, there’s a kiosk, as well as the start of the walk to Hornby Lighthouse in Sydney Harbour National Park.

Camp Cove Beach in Watsons Bay at sunset, one of the most popular of the many Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney.
Camp Cove Beach at sunset

How to Get to Camp Cove Beach

From Watsons Bay wharf, it’s a 700m walk north to the end of Cliff Street, where you can walk down to Camp Cove Beach.


19. Lady Bay Beach, Watsons Bay

Tucked behind rocks on the South Head Heritage Trail, Lady Bay Beach is a small, designated nudist beach with great views across the harbour. You’ll pass it if you do the walk to the lighthouse, so you can choose to look at your own risk!

Lady Bay Beach in Sydney - a designated nudist beach.
No nudists at Lady Bay Beach on this day!

How to Get to Lady Bay Beach

From the northern end of Camp Cove Beach (above), head 400m along the South Head Heritage Trail to Lady Bay Beach.


Eastern Suburbs Beaches: Botany Bay

While Botany Bay has well-know beaches like Brighton Beach and Kurnell, there are a few more lovely beaches dotted around the northern entrance to the bay.

To visit somewhere a little bit different in Sydney, head to La Perouse, where you’ll find white sand, turquoise water and even a national park.

20. Congwong Beach, La Perouse

Heading southwest from Little Bay takes you to the Sydney suburb of La Perouse, set on the northern headland of Botany Bay. Park for free along the southern circle of Anzac Parade, and from there you can easily stroll the 100m into Botany Bay National Park and stretch out on the idyllic white sand of Congwong Beach.

Circled by lush greenery and with views of isolated Bare Island, it’s hard to believe you’re less than 3km away from the vast industrial metropolis of Port Botany. You’ll find plenty of things to do in La Perouse, including hiking in the national park on the Henry Head walking track.

Congwong Beach in Sydney on a lovely sunny day with clear water rolling in.
Pretty Congwong Beach in La Perouse

How to Get to Congwong Beach

From Museum Station in the city, catch the X94 or L94 bus to Anzac Parade Terminus (45 minutes). You’ll see the sign for the 100m bush track to Congwong Beach.


21. Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse

I’ll get straight to the point: Little Congwong is a nudist beach (hence my picture taken from far, far away)! Something I didn’t realise until I arrived and found myself surrounded by naked men. Bare bums aside, it’s a beautiful curve of white sand and only an extra 600m from Congwong Beach. Just don’t arrive holding a giant camera in your hand like I did.

Little Congwong Beach - a nudist beach in La Perouse, Sydney.
Little Congwong nudist beach, viewed from a safe distance!

How to Get to Little Congwong Beach

From Congwong Beach (above), you’ll need to walk an extra 600m to Little Congwong Beach.


22. Frenchmans Beach, La Perouse

Frenchmans Beach is longer than Congwong and closer to the cafes and restaurants along Endeavour Avenue and Anzac Parade. There are toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, a small children’s playground and even an exercise station directly behind the beach.

The sand is impressively white and the water extremely clear and still – perfect for a relaxing dip. The downside for some will be the view of industrial Port Botany, but overall it’s a very tranquil spot to escape the Sydney crowds. I even saw two wedding parties having their photos taken here.

Looking down on bright white La Perouse Beach on a sunny day in Sydney.
Strikingly white Frenchmans Beach

How to Get to Frenchmans Beach

From Museum Station in the city, catch the X94 or L94 bus to Anzac Parade Terminus (45 minutes). Walk 800m to Endeavour Avenue to reach Frenchmans Beach.


23. Yarra Bay Beach

Drive or walk up Elaroo Avenue behind Frenchmans Beach and you’ll come to the peaceful expanse of Yarra Bay Beach. It’s the last beach before you reach Port Botany, so it does have the industrial view on one side. Despite that it still has an incredibly quiet, relaxing vibe with plenty of free parking and a toilet block.

Take a swim in the calm water, nestle into the low sand dunes and watch the planes descend towards nearby Sydney International Airport. As you’re facing southwest you should get a pretty good sunset. The perfect way to end the day!

Yarra Bay Beach in Botany Bay, Sydney.
Chilled-out Yarra Bay Beach

How to Get to Yarra Bay Beach

From Museum Station in the city, catch the X94 or L94 bus to Anzac Parade Terminus (45 minutes) and walk 1.2km to Yarra Bay Beach.


For more beach day ideas, check out my blog posts on things to do in Palm Beach, what to do in Brighton-Le-Sands and visiting Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park.

If you’re visiting Sydney, make sure you read my guide on where to stay in Sydney before booking your accommodation! Or use the search box below to browse hotels.

Lisa Bull
Written by Lisa Bull

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.