Beach activities in Sydney
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A
Bondi Beach
Definitively Sydney, Bondi is one of the world’s great beaches: ocean and land collide, the Pacific arrives in great foaming swells and all people are equal, as democratic as sand. It’s the closest ocean beach to the city centre (8km away), has consistently good (though crowded) waves, and is great for a rough-and-tumble swim (the average water temperature is a considerate 21°C). If the sea’s angry, try the salt-water sea baths at either end of the beach; these are perfect for kids.
The two surf clubs – Bondi and North Bondi – patrol the beach between sets of red and yellow flags, positioned to avoid the worst rips and holes. Thousands of unfortunates have to be re…
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Palm Beach
Capped by Barrenjoey lighthouse, Palm Beach is a meniscus of bliss. Nudists nude-up to the north, million-dollar real estate booms in the south, and cheesy TV soap Home & Away is filmed somewhere in between.
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Whale Beach
Sleepy Whale Beach is underrated – a paradisiacal slice of deep, orange sand flanked by steep cliffs; good for surfers and families.
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Narrabeen
Immortalised by the Beach Boys in Surfin’ USA, Narrabeen is hard-core surf turf – get some experience before hitting the breaks. Not the best swimming, but there’s a pool and a lagoon.
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Avalon
Caught in a sandy ’70s time warp, Avalon is the mythical Australian beach you always dreamt was there but could never find. Challenging surf and tangerine sand.
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Collaroy
A long beach chasing the Endless Summer north to Narrabeen. Good for learning to surf, or catching a flick in the little art-deco cinema.
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Dee Why
A no-fuss family beach fronted by chunky apartments, some good cafes and ubiquitous surf shops. Grommets hit the waves and mums hit the rock pool.
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C
Freshwater
This discreet sandy bay just north of Manly has a cool ocean pool and plenty of teenagers. Good for learner surfers.
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Curl Curl
A mix of family groups and experienced surfers, Curl Curl has a lush lagoon and curly waves.
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Bilgola
With its saltwater pool, Bilgola feels like a bit of a secret gem. Good swimming.
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