Sydney city combines both coastal and urban lifestyles. The city offers numerous harbor coves and well-known surf beaches ranging from luxurious quiet beaches to iconic surf breaks. This makes it hard for us to select the best or favorite especially because we, Sydneysiders, value all beaches highly. Given that it is summer, the beaches will keep you smiling the whole day as they offer the best environment to relax. You can access the beaches using public transport or better still use care hire services.
                           

                           
   
At Concrete Playgrounds, we thought of enhancing your summer beach experience by giving you a list of the best beach-side playgrounds with the perfect wave.

1. TAMARAMA BEACH

Despite being very close to the busiest beach in Australia, Tamarama offers a serene and luxurious beach environment to surf and sunbathe. The narrow inlet connecting the headlands at Tamarama is an ideal quiet spot to enjoy a luxurious seclusion full of fresh air. The beach has some of the best board-riders and surfers who you can compete with at the reef break on the left-side.

You can relax or take a breather at the scenic Beach Café as you sip some fresh cold juice while watching runners from Bondi to Bronte pass by.

2. BILGOLA BEACH

You may fail to notice Bilgola beach because it is tucked away at the foot of a hill, at the rear of a forest of palm trees and lantana. As such, the beach is probably the most striking among the Northern beaches. However, due to the nature of the surrounding landscape, it is difficult to access the beach using public transport. During the afternoon, we would urge you to relax at the amazing surf clubs while taking a cold beer.

3. FRESHWATER BEACH

Surfing in Australia originated from Freshwater in the early 20th century when a Hawaiian swimmer started boasting about using a board on water. There are numerous activities you can do at this beach. You can surf, swim in the beach swimming pool, go on a picnic or play ball games with the kids. After a day of fun at the beach, u can enjoy sumptuous lunch at the Pilu beach house restaurant.

4. BONDI BEACH

This beach is Australia’s busiest and most famous beach. The beach is famous for its legendary surf and golden sands. Bondi has a mixture of lifestyles that can fit both locals and visitors. North Bondi offers the best swimming experience. A visit to the area during the mid-week is really worth and will probably make you visit time and again. For the best breakfast, drop by Brown Sugar or enjoy a cocktail at the verandah at Icebergs while watching surfers in the afternoon.

Other than surfing, you can enjoy beach volleyball, picnics, boogie board and swimming at this beach.

5. MANLY BEACH

Manly is attractive partly because of the means of transport used to get there. The beach experience is enhanced by a ferry ride to Manly. For any Sydneysiders, whether born or bred there, a ferry trip to the charming beach is a rite of passage. At the beach, you can surf at the Manly Surf Beach, go snorkeling, play ball games and enjoy food and drinks on some of the best cafes and restaurants on the Northern Beaches. Having a cocktail at the Pavilion or a drink at the Wharf is an excellent way to end your day.

6. BRONTE BEACH

Bronte is Sydney’s most accessible and intriguing city beaches. The beach is surrounded by picnic parks and embraced by headlands. You can take a walk along the beach from Bondi to Bronte before enjoying a perfect swim at Bronte. The rock ledge is ideal for an afternoon nap especially if the weather is not too hot. There are many restaurants and cafes that offer lunch or you can buy packed lunch and take it on the shore.

7. AVALON BEACH

Just like Bronte, Avalon is easily accessible to both surfers and families. The beach is not only serene but also beautiful and ideal for swimming, surfing and ball games. You can also shop at the local boutique stores before grabbing some drinks and dinner at Little Av or Different drummer, which are located some few meters from the beach.

8. WHALE BEACH

Whale Beach is relaxed and beautiful though it is far from Sydney. The long drive to the beach is worth because Whale beach is among the most fascinating and beautiful beaches on the Northern side. Given that it is a long drive to the beach, we would recommend you set a day and enjoy dinner or an overnight stay at Jonah’s.

9. SHELLY BEACH

The beach is situated in Manly and is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay marine reserve. Shelly Beach has a maximum depth of about 12 meters thus ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. The variety of marine life in the beach can be viewed from relatively shallow water.

The beach is surrounded by spectacular headlands and bush. Take a walk or go picnicking by following the bush track to view the spectacular Northern beaches and North Head. You can get to Shelly Beach conveniently by ferry or by walking south on Manly’s main street. Enjoy a swim at Cole Classic, Australia’s biggest ocean swim, or surf in Sydney’s finest surf break at Fairy Bower.

10. PALM BEACH

Palm Beach is located at Sydney’s most Northern region. It takes about an hour to drive from the city to this beautiful peninsula. On one side of the peninsula lies Pittwater while the ocean is on the other side. Palm Beach is the ideal destination for diving, sailing and swimming. It also offers a serene environment for beach walks. There are several fancy restaurants that have replaced the cheap old-fashioned kiosks. As such, we recommend you carry you own packed lunch or sandwiches. Alternatively, you can have your meals at Boathouse on Pittwater before heading for a swim, walk or surf.

Whether you are surfing, swimming, basking, and board-riding or simply relaxing, you will not be disappointed when you visit the beaches listed above. The beaches listed above offer a perfect and safe summer beach experience and a taste of Sydney’s mixture of coastal and urban lifestyles.