Most Beautiful Beaches in Sydney
Beauty is personal, but some Sydney beaches stop people in their tracks. This list leans towards dramatic settings: headland-framed surf beaches on the Northern Beaches, lagoon and palm-fringed coves in Royal National Park, and emerald water in Ku-ring-gai Chase. Several are reached by walking track rather than road, and many are not patrolled, so each entry shows the access, the facilities on record and its patrol status. Check conditions on Beachsafe before you go, and take everything you bring back out with you.
Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
1. Palm Beach
Palm Beach, Northern BeachesPatrolled (seasonal)
The setting: an ocean beach in Palm Beach in Northern Beaches. Reaching it rates 1/5 for effort on our scale, via road or carpark. Facilities on record: toilets, showers, parking and cafés nearby. Patrol status for Palm Beach: patrolled in season. Its listed vibes are surfing.
2. Resolute Beach
Ku-ring-gai Chase, PittwaterUnpatrolled
Iconic emerald waters overlooking Pittwater and Barrenjoey Headland. The setting: a harbour beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase in Pittwater, carrying our scenic tag and a secluded feel. Reaching it rates 2/5 for effort on our scale, via walking track or boat. Our records list no toilets, showers or parking on site, so bring what you need.
Unpatrolled.Check conditions on Beachsafe
3. Whale Beach
Whale Beach, Northern BeachesPatrolled (seasonal)
Picturesque surf beach nestled between headlands with ocean rock pool. The setting: an ocean beach in Whale Beach in Northern Beaches, carrying our scenic tag. Reaching it rates 1/5 for effort on our scale, via road or carpark. Facilities on record: toilets, showers, parking and a rock pool. Patrol status for Whale Beach: patrolled in season.
4. Wattamolla Beach
Royal National ParkUnpatrolled
Famous emerald swimming lagoon, waterfall, and golden surf beach. The setting: an ocean beach in Royal National Park. Reaching it rates 1/5 for effort on our scale, via Wattamolla Carpark or road. Facilities on record: toilets, parking, barbecues and a playground. Patrol status for Wattamolla Beach: not patrolled. Its listed vibes are surfing.
Unpatrolled.Check conditions on Beachsafe
5. Garie Beach
Royal National ParkPatrolled (seasonal)
Renowned surf and fishing beach framed by towering coastal headlands. The setting: an ocean beach in Royal National Park. Reaching it rates 1/5 for effort on our scale, via Garie Carpark or road. Facilities on record: toilets, showers, parking and barbecues. Patrol status for Garie Beach: patrolled in season. Its listed vibes are surfing.
6. Bilgola Beach
Bilgola, Northern BeachesPatrolled (seasonal)
Tucked between high cliffs with palm trees and a classic rock pool. The setting: an ocean beach in Bilgola in Northern Beaches. Reaching it rates 1/5 for effort on our scale, via road or carpark. Facilities on record: toilets, showers, parking and cafés nearby. Patrol status for Bilgola Beach: patrolled in season. Its listed vibes are surfing and quiet.
7. Little Marley Beach
Royal National ParkSwimming not recommended
Intimate gem with freshwater stream flowing into turquoise ocean cove. The setting: an ocean beach in Royal National Park. Reaching it rates 2/5 for effort on our scale, via coast track walk. Facilities on record: showers. Patrol status for Little Marley Beach: listed as swimming not recommended. Its listed vibes are surfing, calm water and walking.
Swimming not recommended.Check conditions on Beachsafe
8. Burning Palms Beach
Royal National ParkPatrolled (seasonal)
Fringed by cabbage tree palms, gateway to the famous Figure Eight Pools. The setting: an ocean beach in Royal National Park. Reaching it rates 2/5 for effort on our scale, via Burgh Track or coast track. Facilities on record: showers. Patrol status for Burning Palms Beach: patrolled in season. Its listed vibes are surfing and walking.
9. Turimetta Beach
Warriewood, Northern BeachesUnpatrolled
Photographer and surfer favourite with green mossy boulders at low tide. The setting: an ocean beach in Warriewood in Northern Beaches. Reaching it rates 2/5 for effort on our scale, via walking track or stairs. Facilities on record: showers. Patrol status for Turimetta Beach: not patrolled. Its listed vibes are surfing and walking.
Unpatrolled.Check conditions on Beachsafe
10. Tamarama Beach
Tamarama, Eastern SuburbsPatrolled (seasonal)
Dramatic, narrow cove nicknamed 'Glamarama' with powerful surf breaks. The setting: an ocean beach in Tamarama in Eastern Suburbs. Reaching it rates 2/5 for effort on our scale, via road or coastal walk. Facilities on record: toilets, showers, parking and cafés nearby. Patrol status for Tamarama Beach: patrolled in season. Its listed vibes are surfing and walking.
