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Here is your ultimate guide to Sydney southern/northern ocean beaches  and harbour beaches. Pack your sunscreen and while away the daylight hours surrounded by golden sand and bronzed bodies.

+ Southern ocean beaches

Bondi Beach

This is Sydney’s premier and most famous tourist beach.  An ocean swimming pool at the southern end of the beach, called the Icebergs, makes for safe swimming if you are not up to the ocean.  If you are up to the waves keep to the middle or northern end of the beach.  The shopping on Campbell Parade is some of the best and there are cafés, restaurants and take away shops to visit after a dip in the ocean.  The Bondi Icebergs restaurant, above the swimming pool is one of Sydney’s best and trendiest places to eat.

Tamarama Beach

Also known as ‘Glamarama’, this is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.  Located just south of Bondi, it is a small and secluded beach where you can mingle with the rich and famous, or just sit back at the beach-side cafeteria  and watch the surfers try their luck on its notorious waves.  This beach is renowned for having bigger waves and stronger currents than any other in the area so it’s only recommended for strong swimmers.  It is a 15 minute walk south from Bondi or a 15 minute walk north from Bronte Beach.

Bronte Beach

South of Tamarama, Bronte is a popular family beach set against the backdrop of a large park with picnic facilities.  The beach is famous for surfing and body surfing thanks to the reef break at its southern end.  Again there are big waves and strong currents, so exercise caution when swimming here.  The park is a great place to relax and read a book or you can chill out at one of the many excellent local cafes.

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Clovelly Beach

Further south again you will find the swimmer’s haven at Clovelly.  A large rock pool open to the ocean means you are in a safe, wave-free environment which can be enjoyed by young and old alike.  If you are feeling adventurous, swim out to the open ocean with a pair of goggles and see if you can spot the huge and friendly blue gropers that inhabit the shore.

Coogee Beach

Protected from all but the biggest swells by an offshore reef system, this is one of the safest and most popular beaches in the eastern suburbs.  With its boardwalk, cafes and pubs, it is an entertaining area during the day and at night.  This little slice of Sydney is very popular with backpackers, many of whom call it home for the summer.

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Maroubra Beach