Escaping the city after work, or on the weekend is a must. But for anyone addicted to the feeling of salt sticking to your skin, and sand to your feet finding a great beach amongst the concrete jungle is an absolute necessity. Here are some amazing places to go for a dip, along with some of Sydney’s best kept secrets. Enjoy this second part series about local Sidney beaches from our writer Liam Barrett.

Maroubra Beach

Sydney Beach part 2 Maroubra beach

Maroubra Beach is the local alternative to Bondi. Smaller crowds, more parking, same relaxed culture. Take a walk along the headland to Magic Point, why not have lunch while watching the waves crash into the shore. Or head North towards Mahon’s Pool, during twilight it becomes a photographers dream.

Chowder Bay

Sydney Beach part 2 Chowder bay

Surrounded by the gorgeous Mosman, Chowder Bay is a great spot to have a swim, eat some lunch and go fishing. A short walk from Balmoral Beach, or Taronga Zoo it sets itself up as the ideal day trip in Sydney. Check out the historic buildings nearby, or drop into one of the local cafes for your morning latte. Chowder Bay is a well kept secret among Sydney’s popular Northern Beaches.

Balmoral Beach

Sydney Beach part 2 Balmoral beach

Hire kayaks, go paddle boarding, or have a picnic – Balmoral Beach is the place to be! Surrounded by parklands, this stunning beach is the perfect place to take a relaxed dip protected from rough ocean currents. If you don’t feel like getting wet, why not hire a boat or learn to sail? If you’re feeling adventurous, wander through Mosman towards Sirius Cove, it’s not hard to find but it is a local secret.

Palm Beach

Sydney Beach part 2 Palm beach

Palm Beach easily takes the cake for the nicest beach in Sydney. ‘Palmy’ as the locals know it, is located on the Barrenjoey Peninsula in the Northern Beaches, and doubles as the backdrop for the Australian classic Home & Away. If you’re heading to Palm Beach make sure to journey up to the Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse, you can view the bay, or look out to the beaches on the Central Coast.

Cronulla Beach

Sydney Beach part 2 Cronulla beach

A 2 minute walk from Cronulla station lands you at one of the most popular beaches in Sydney. Grab some hot chips and lounge around on the beach all day, arriving early is a must in Summer as the crowds flock to this favourite.

Wanda Beach

Sydney Beach part 2 Wanda beach

The larger alternative to Cronulla, Wanda boasts Lifesaving patrols, less crowds and a gorgeous expanse. Go for a run along the beach, set up for the day or go for a dip between the flags. A great spot to learn to surf, or go for a wander in the Cronulla State Park. There is a reason South Sydney locals love this beach!