The only things to distract you from serious beach time at divine Milk Beach are seaplanes and the glistening Sydney skyline. With wow-worthy harbour views and limited access, this isolated stretch of sand at the base of Hermit Bay is still one of the city's best-kept secrets. Heritage-listed Strickland House is out back, and clear, warm waters in front, at this tiny parcel of harbourside paradise.

It's also known for its annual New Year's Day party.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sydney attractions

1. Strickland House

0.05 MILES

There are wonderful harbour views from the grounds of Strickland House (1856), which are now a public park. It sits above sweet little Milk Beach. Built…

2. Vaucluse House

0.36 MILES

Construction of this imposing, turreted specimen of Gothic Australiana, set amid 10 hectares of lush gardens, commenced in 1805, but the house was…

3. Nielsen Park

0.41 MILES

Something of a hidden gem, this gorgeous harbourside park with a sandy beach was once part of the then 206-hectare Vaucluse House estate. Secluded beneath…

4. Shark Island

0.56 MILES

Little Shark Island, off Rose Bay, makes a great picnic getaway. There's not a lot here except for toilets and drinking water – and at 250m by 100m, you…

5. Parsley Bay

0.69 MILES

A hidden gem, this little bay has a calm swimming beach, a lawn dotted with sandstone sculptures for picnics and play, a little cafe and a cute suspension…

6. Macquarie Lighthouse

1.04 MILES

Visible from all over Sydney, this striking white lighthouse was built in the 1880s as an exact replica of the original Francis Greenway–designed…

7. Watsons Bay

1.31 MILES

Lovely Watsons Bay, east of the city centre and north of Bondi, was once a small fishing village, as evidenced by the heritage cottages that pepper the…

8. Camp Cove

1.35 MILES

Immediately north of Watsons Bay, this small swimming beach is popular with both families and topless sunbathers. When Governor Phillip realised Botany…