برچسب: NSW

From icons like Hyams Beach and Bondi Beach to lesser-known gems, it’s time to soak up the sun with these best beaches in NSW, Australia!

With over 892 incredible choices, you’d be hard-pressed to pick the best beaches in NSW, Australia!

Yes, New South Wales has nearly a thousand beautiful beaches along its 2,137 km coastline.

That means you’ll never run out of sea, sand, and surf to soak up in New South Wales. But with so many incredible beaches, which ones truly stand out?

Here, we uncover the best beaches in NSW, from crowd favourites (eyes on you, Bondi Beach) to secret stunners locals hope you’ll never find.

The 25 Best Beaches in NSW, Australia

The best way to explore the beaches of New South Wales is with your own car. Check out our list of the best NSW road trips for some fun exploration ideas, or browse our favourite things to do in NSW.

However you choose to get around, New South Wales is a stunning state that is sure to impress.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

What better way to start the list than with the beach that boasts the whitest sand in the world? That’s not a matter of personal opinion. That’s according to the Guinness World Records. 

It’s not just the sand that people visit Hyams Beach for. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, the scenery is divine.

Hyams Beach gets quite busy during summer and long weekends, but there’s plenty of room to spread out across the 2.8 km stretch, so you don’t have to worry about elbowing fellow beachgoers for space.

The main issue will be finding parking, especially between midday and mid-afternoon. As a quick fix, you can park at Greenfield Beach and then hike the White Sands Walking Track to Hyams Beach.

Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

Murrays Beach, located in Booderee National Park, is almost the spitting image of Hyams Beach.

It has the same blue waters and sugar-white sand backed by lush bushland. The difference is that it has fewer people.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach in Jervis Bay, Murrays Beach is your best bet. Protected by Bowen Island, the waters are calm and suitable for casual swimmers and young children. It also abounds with rich marine life, making it great for snorkelling.

For hikers, the beach offers self-guided walks, like the low-tide trail, where you can explore the shoreline and its marine life.

You can access Murrays via the Jervis Bay Road. Please note that there’s a fee to enter the national park.

Find more amazing things to do in Jervis Bay, NSW!

Palm Beach, Sydney

Sydney is iconic for its cosmopolitan charm, but it also has some of the best beaches in NSW. Among these is Palm Beach, roughly 41 km from the city centre.

Palm Beach is the northernmost of Sydney’s beaches. It’s mostly quiet and uncrowded, thanks to its remote location.

Because Palm Beach faces the ocean, it often has big waves. This makes it popular among surfers but not so much with swimmers.

If you want to swim, head to the southeastern end of the beach, where you’ll find a 50-metre-long rock pool with relatively calm waters.

Nearby is the Bible Garden, a set of well-manicured terraces overlooking the ocean and the shore.

Don’t skip a hike to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, known for its spectacular scenery and whale sightings in winter.

Shelly Beach, Sydney

Just a 20-minute walk from Manly Beach, you’ll reach Shelly Beach. This small swath of sand is a quieter alternative to Manly, one of the busiest beaches in NSW.

Shelly Beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve. It’s popular among scuba divers and snorkellers mainly because of its rich sea life, which is visible in shallow water.

If you’d rather stay on land, hike the bush trail around the headland for incredible views. You can also sunbathe or have a picnic on the sand.

Shelly Beach has free electric barbecues, showers, and toilets. There’s also a café called The Boathouse.

Tamarama Beach, Sydney

Tamarama is the perfect beach for people-watching. This 80-metre narrow strip is a favourite hangout among the trendy and attractive, often A-listers, earning it the nickname Glamarama.

Celebrity sightings or not, we think Tamarama is one of the best beaches in NSW because of its scenery. Nestled between two headlands, it offers gorgeous ocean views.

The beach is a well-known stop on the Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal Walk. Backing the beach is a grassy parkland with a playground, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, toilets, and changing rooms.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Of course, a list of the best New South Wales beaches is incomplete without mentioning Bondi!

Possibly Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi Beach is a dazzling strip of sand with lots of nearby attractions.

Walk along the Esplanade and stop at the skate park, admire the colourful murals, or hit the outdoor gym.

Learn to surf, have a picnic in the grassy parks, or walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. There is so much to do here!

Bronte Beach, Sydney

Just a short walk south of Bondi, Bronte is perhaps the most family-friendly among the Sydney beaches.

At the southern end, you’ll find a kid-friendly rock pool and an ocean-fed lap pool, both free to use.

Confident surfers can chase waves near the rocky headland. Everyone else can relax in the grassy park behind the sand for picnics, frisbee, or a barbecue.

Bronte Beach also has a kiosk, changing rooms, toilets, and even the world’s oldest surf lifesaving club.

Explore more of the coastline with our 21 favourite Sydney beaches!

Avoca Beach, Central Coast

Avoca Beach is a 1.7 km stretch of golden sand tucked between two giant sandstone headlands and fringed by Norfolk Island Pines.

It’s mainly a surfing beach. The more sheltered northern end is ideal for beginners, while the southern part, with its point break, is suitable for expert surfers.

The waters can be rough, so always seek the advice of the lifesavers if you want to swim.

There’s also an ocean rock pool at the southern end of the beach, near the Surf Life Saving Club, where recreational swimmers and young kids can splash safely.

Umina Beach, Central Coast

Perched on the Central Coast’s southern coastline, Umina is another popular family beach in New South Wales.

Not only is the beach patrolled, but the waters are also calm and shallow, with waves that never get too big for swimmers and novice surfers.

If you want to take a break from splashing in the water, head to the playground near the Surf Life Saving Club. It’s the biggest one on the Central Coast and features a skate park, bike track, climbing rocks, and more.

For adults, there’s an outdoor café beside the playground that serves brunch, coffee, and ice cream.

Added perk? Umina is dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas, including the northern end leading up to Ocean Beach.

Mollymook Beach, South Coast

Mollymook Beach boasts a 2.3 km sweep of golden sand and swells that can get as high as 1.5 metres along its southern reef.

On the southern end of the beach, you’ll find a natural rock pool that’s great for swimming and snorkelling. The rocky headland on the opposite side is ideal for fishing and diving.

Mollymook is mostly quiet, but in summer, it turns into one of the liveliest NSW beaches as it hosts markets and surfing events.

From September to October, you can spot humpback and southern right whales passing by the beach. Dolphins are also a common sight, no matter the season.

Read next: The Perfect Sydney to Melbourne Drive Itinerary

Pebbly Beach, South Coast

Surfing kangaroos? Pebbly Beach, one of the jewels of Murramarang National Park, is the place to go to see these intriguing critters on the shore.

No, they won’t be swimming, let alone surfing (that was a myth). But they’ll be close enough to the water to appear like it.

If you’re looking for a spot to sunbake, swim, or surf, Pebbly Beach is not the best option. It’s unpatrolled, and the waters often get choppy. Plus, the pebbles make it uncomfortable to sunbathe.

Still, Pebbly Beach is one of our favourite beaches in NSW. The views are stunning, the ambience serene, and it’s great for camping.

Zenith Beach, Port Stephens

Flanked by two colossal headlands, Zenith Beach in Tomaree National Park is one of the best beaches in NSW, purely for its sheer beauty.

It’s small, just 400 metres long, but it plays a huge role in wildlife conservation as a sanctuary for birds and dolphins.

The waters look inviting, but Zenith is unpatrolled, and high tide often brings strong rips. So, take extra caution if you swim or surf.

Zenith is the perfect strolling beach. Walk to the summit of Tomaree Head to enjoy jaw-dropping vistas of the shore, the ocean, and the offshore islands around Port Stephens.

Anna Bay, Port Stephens

Anna Bay is not one beach but two: One Mile Beach and Birubi Beach. The bay, however, is best known as the gateway to the massive sand dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands.

Here, you can surf and spot dolphins one minute, then sandboard down a sandy slope the next. At sunset, you can go on a camel or horse ride along the shore.

Anna Bay also has dozens of rock pools you can explore. For more marine life encounters, visit the Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters to pet and feed sharks and rays.

Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie

Love caves? Then Caves Beach should be on your list of the top places to visit in New South Wales.

This 300-metre beach got its name from the network of sea caves at its southern end. The northern part is more sandy and quieter.

You can access the caves only at low tide. When the water is out, you’ll also find rock pools along the shore.

The beach is patrolled on weekends and in summer, so it’s safe for swimming.

There are barbecue facilities, toilets, picnic areas, and a surf life saving club on the beach.

Treachery Beach, Seal Rocks

Secluded, spectacular, and “secret”, Treachery Beach is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in New South Wales. But barely anyone knows where it is.

Treachery Beach is on the southern end of Seal Rocks, a small coastal settlement three hours from Sydney. You can access the beach in two ways: via the Treachery Camp or through the Treachery Headland walking trail.

The coast is serene, pristine, and made for long beach walks. It boasts consistent swells and big waves. Despite this, you’ll rarely see anybody else on the shore except for a few spirited surfers.

Bongil Beach, Bundagen

Set in Bongil Bongil National Park near Coffs Harbour, this 7 km, nearly empty stretch is a haven for nature lovers.

Bongil Beach is a tranquil escape from the busier beaches on the NSW north coast. It’s also popular among seasoned surfers and anglers.

But what we love most about this quiet beach is the wildlife. It’s one of the best beaches on the north coast for birdwatching and dolphin spotting from the shore.

And if you venture off the beach into the national park’s eucalyptus forest, you might find koalas perched in the trees.

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

A long, crescent-shaped strip of white sand, Wategos is one of the prettiest beaches in Byron Bay.

It’s the ultimate family beach, with calm waters, barbecues, picnic tables, and plenty of space to sprawl on.

Sheltered by a headland, Wategos Beach has gentle waves. It’s an excellent spot for longboarding and learning to surf.

Lounge on the sand and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, which are known to play in the rolling waves. You can also take the 3.7 km Cape Byron Walking Track to the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Main Beach, Byron Bay

Right smack in the heart of Byron Bay, Main Beach is arguably the most popular beach on the NSW north coast.

Patrolled every day year-round, Main Beach has calm waters and mild waves that are good not only for swimming but also for learning to surf.

The beach itself has barbecues, showers, a playground, and a grassy area with picnic tables. Across the street are shops, cafés, a swimming pool, and the iconic Beach Hotel.

Main Beach, being the centre of Byron Bay, is often a jump-off point for many tours, including kayak tours.

In summer, the beach can get crowded. For somewhere quieter, head to the nearby Wategos Beach, only a short walk away.

Tallow Beach, Byron Bay

This 2.5 km beach spans between Cape Byron and Broken Head Beach. While it has its share of bustle during summer, it’s nearly deserted outside the peak season.

Tallow is a lovely beach for birdwatching. White-bellied sea eagles and ospreys are the most popular residents here. In spring and winter, you can watch humpback whales from the shore.

As Tallow is an exposed beach, the waves often get rough. It’s also unpatrolled, so recreational swimming is not recommended.

Find more fun things to do in Byron Bay with our complete guide!

Red Rock Beach, Yuraygir National Park

Named after the red rock formations dotting the shore, this 5.2 km cove is one of the most amazing north coast beaches in New South Wales. Red Rock is a short drive from the buzzing Coffs Harbour, but it’s way more tranquil. 

Surf lifesavers patrol the beach during summer. There are plenty of sandy spots where you can relax. At low tide, you can hike to the tiny Red Rock Island. 

Red Rock is also fantastic for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing. If you want to surf, head to the reef at the northern end of the beach.

Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven

This unspoiled sweep of almost white sand is one of those NSW beaches that caters to all kinds of beach lovers, whether they’re looking for adventure or a secluded spot to unwind.

Seven Mile Beach is a long beach, so you’ll find plenty of space to surf. It’s also known for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

If you want to swim or kayak, stay in the area near the mouth of the Crooked River, where the waters are calmer and the waves are gentler.

For lovely views, hike to the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout. Or grab a meal at the Fishermen’s Club, where you can gaze at the beach.

Austinmer Beach, Wollongong

What makes Austinmer one of the best beaches in NSW? We say it’s the vibe. No, it isn’t your typical secluded beach, but it’s a local favourite with serious charm.

Just over an hour from Sydney via the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, Austinmer is perfect for a chill afternoon or an adventurous day out.

It has golden sand, clear waters, and not one but two ocean rock pools for casual swimming and cooling off. There’s also a playground, picnic areas, and ample parking.

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest

Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest is big, beautiful, and often surprisingly empty. One of the loveliest NSW beaches, it spans over 14 km and boasts sparkling white sand.

The northern end offers calmer waters, while the southern end, known as the Dolphin’s Playground, is perfect for catching waves. Nearby is the Yacaaba Headland, from where you can bask in sweeping views.

The beach is patrolled during the swimming season and even has a surf club with parking and toilets. Dogs are welcome, with off-leash zones north and south.

Jibbon Beach, Royal National Park

Jibbon Beach is an 800-metre crescent-shaped stretch of sand with calm waters that sparkle like turquoise in the sun.

The beach is the starting point for scenic coastal walks, including the Jibbon Loop Track and the multi-day Coast Track.

Along the way, you’ll find Aboriginal rock engravings, including images of kangaroos, whales, and the sky spirit Baiame.

Read next: The 21 BEST Royal National Park Walks

Maitland Bay Beach, Bouddi National Park

Tucked inside Bouddi National Park on the NSW Central Coast, Maitland Bay is a secluded beach that rewards those willing to hike for it.

This peaceful 600-meter beach is only accessible by foot via a 1-km trail that winds through lush bushland. Two headlands protect the bay, so the waters are generally calm.

You’ll often have the beach to yourself. There are no lifeguards, and even mobile phone reception can be limited.

At low tide, you can walk to Bouddi Point and see the wreck of the SS Maitland.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!