This is the beach I would go to in Manley. Very relaxing and surrounded by trees with a walk enough…read moreto keep many people at bay (plus there are other closer beaches). Water is super clear because of the lack of boats on this side.

There are very few beaches that are really secluded, especially in Sydney. Collins Beach is…read moreprobably about as close as you can get to one (thanks googlemaps!). There's no car park next to it, so walking down to the beach involves a bit of bush walking. Once your day there, you find a little paradise - calm waters due to its inner harbour location, a waterfall feeding into a small pool that runs down to the water and, if you're lucky, very few other sunbathers. Obviously, there will be people down here but I was down here on a very warm Sunday and it wasn't uncomfortably populated. I've even used it to film a music video - that was during a week day - and it was more or less empty, so if you're looking for a quiet beach while you're on holiday, check it out! The sand isn't totally clean in that there's a bit of natural debris (tree branches and the like) lying about, but that shouldn't put you off. It is a beautiful little beach and a nice alternative to the hubbub of Manly beach.

The locals will probably hate me for telling you about this one, but only a short stroll around the…read morebay from the ferry terminal, there is a beach which is a hidden little treat. It sits at the bottom of the eerily well-kept lawns of some of Manly's apartment buildings and so is far more serene and untouristy than the more well-known nearby beach on Steyne. It's seemingly very geared towards this clean family vibe as there's even a very pretty outdoor pool craftily built into the rocks around the bay, a massive bonus if you've got the swimming abilities of a toddler without armbands...like me, as well as strict signs and outdoor showers. This is proper and professional beach going if ever I saw it!

Or otherwise known as Fairlight Beach it has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney…read more The only thing is getting a proper place to swim off from as sometimes being here at low tide it can get a bit rocky on the feet walking into the shore so I try and swim off the rocks. Smart people use the ocean pool. I love how the walkway curves around the beach and around Fairlight to Manly Pavillion this has to be one of the most spectacular walks in the world.Oh and the snorkelling is fantastic as well. If you are a visitor to our shores this beach is a must visit.

While visiting Sydney, I checked out all the main beaches and while we were there. yes, it was a…read moreheat wave too, incredibly hot. All beaches were pretty busy. And, as much as I loved Bondi Beach. I think Coogee might be my favorite. A hidden gem that's absolutely breathtaking.

I used to live like right next to this beach. You'd think I'd get sick of it but after 2 years I…read morestill love it. It's not Scabs or anything so it not overcrowded. This also means you are not likely to find glass in the sand or some other nasty surprise. Most people who are into fishing also stick to the nearby Woodman Point which means Coogee Beach is pure undiluted fun without having to worry about getting tangled in lines or ruining somebody's day. Jetty is quite cool too, awesome for jumping (although I'm not sure how no-prohibited that activity is). Usually there is not a lot of kids either but the number of sunbathing hotties remains decent. :) Overall, Coogee beach is awesome, what else can I say?

A local's beach, that's for sure. It's not too crowded and is swimmable and surfable. On the south…read moreend is a rock pool that's well protected from the surf, if you're not in the mood to be in a washing machine. But the ocean itself is just as (if not more) fun. Like most of the Northern Beaches, there are walking paths galore, and they're very well maintained. Love it.

Now is the summer of our mass content, made glorious tanning…read moreby this king of sands! Curly is great. It's sort of the forgotten beach, everyone gets off the line at Mantown, keeps going to Dee Why, or is seduced by the Lolita charms of Freshy. But if you dig a wild, rippy swim, like a less-crowded surf, or want to play in the Wet'n'Wild of Sydney swimming-friendly rockpools, this is your huckleberry. Go the south end. The rock pool has ramps, a sandy bottom, separate kids and adult sections, and plenty of basking space. Peach of a place to while away a sunny day away from the great unwashed.

Small but lovely beach with great view through the heads out to sea. Great outdoor pool and…read morefabulous place to hang out away from the crowds in manly.

Queenscliff Beach I discovered when I went on a run and is a great walk/run area with great beach…read morefront views. The beach rests on the northern end of Manly Beach and has a large beautiful ocean pool that is enjoyed by the locals. Some facilities nearby are kids playground, benches, and nice grass areas. It is more low key and about a 10 minute walk from Manly Wharf. Lots of surfing done in this area and a nice walk by the coast is from Queenscliff to Shelly Beach. I enjoyed my time and will be back to take a stroll of this part of Manly again

Do not fear! Contrary to what the name may suggest, this beach in Nielsen Park is not infested…read morewith sharks. Instead it is packed with young kids and families relaxing and playing at this small harbor beach. Shark Beach can be found in Nielsen Park in the ritzy suburb of Vaucluse. The entire area is just stunning, with stately mansions surrounding the park and lush greenery everywhere. It's really close to the city, too. You can get here on the 325 bus that runs along Vaucluse Road and drops you off at the entrance of Nielsen Park. The best traits of this beach are that it is small, shaded, and has very tranquil and clear waters. Shark nets act as a barrier several feet from the shore, beyond which you can see dozens of sailboats and kayaks. The beach itself is quite tiny, but right behind it is a lovely promenade with the Nielsen Park Café and Restaurant, toilets, barbeques, and picnic tables. There are plenty of places to seek shade amongst the giant trees that dot the park.

While I wouldn't call this a beach, more of a bay. However you do get the occasional wave from the…read moreboats passing by. But don't fear, the name shouldn't scare you away. I myself are terrified of sharks, but am a regular at this beach. I have seen no sharks. There is a shark net, but I am affraid it would offer no protection from one of those toothy pricks. But lets just think it will. :) I love that it is off the beat and track. The water is clear (with some bad days). There are lots of families here, but yet in a way its peaceful. There is plenty of space, whether you want to lay on the sand, sit under one of the many trees, tan on the rocks, or grab a bite to eat at the Kiosk. Based at the bottom end of Nielson National Park this little secret spot is a great chillout location. If you don't want to jump in the water, you can always take a walk around the park tracks. The views are spectacular, and you may also find a couple of other beaches along the way. Whats that Bondi.....pfft!

Stumbled upon this amazing spot when walking to my hotel. The food is yummy, the view is gorgeous…read more Such a great secret spot.

Ever go somewhere and it's phenomenal but then you kind of forget how good it is until you go there…read moreagain? It's kind of how I imagine many girls feel about my bedroom. Probably. But yeah, Redleaf. Halfway between Kings Cross and Vaucluse, it really is just a peach of a place. Stroll down through some magic manicured gardens to a hidden slice of damn near perfection. Long, lovely sand, a shady hill with green grass to sprawl on (shoot for a prime spot under the trees, or miss out and quietly get well jell of the people that did manage to jag a tree spot) and a big, beautiful private swimming pool made of the harbour itself. Swim out to the pontoons and have yo-self a little ol' pontoon party. That's what the cool Eastern Subbsies kids do. And pretending you're one of them can't hurt. You just have to get the strut right.