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Growing up in New South Wales, we were blessed to have been surrounded by some beautiful beaches and endless opportunities to admire the Pacific Ocean.
After spending 18 months road tripping Australia, we can now confirm that the beaches in New South Wales, are definitely the best.
I’ve been to most of the best beaches in NSW, so coming up with a list of my favourite beaches is never easy.
We are spoilt for choice on the east coast and there is a beach for everyone whether you are looking for a family friendly beach or to go surfing, swimming, walking, fishing, snorkeling, diving or even four-wheel driving.
So, if I had to recommend a list of my favourite beaches in NSW that I have personally set foot on, below are my top suggestions.
- The Best Beaches in NSW
- 1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
- 2. Red Rock Beach, Coffs Harbour
- 3. Palm Beach, Sydney
- 4. Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay
- 5. Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay
- 6. Main Beach, Byron Bay
- 7. Wategos Beach, Byron Bay
- 8. Pebbly Beach
- 9. Seal Rocks
- 10. Bronte Beach, Sydney
- 11. Bondi Beach
- 12. Balmoral Beach, Sydney
- 13. Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay
- 14. Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour
- 15. Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven
- 16. Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie
- 17. Jibbon Beach, Royal National Park
- Map Of These NSW Beaches
- Tours in NSW
- More NSW Travel Tips
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The Best Beaches in NSW
1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is famous. It’s been listed in The Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world.
I didn’t know you could get sand whiter than at Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, but the sand at Hyams is definitely up there! Not only that, but it’s fine, soft and clean.
Hyams is a quiet beach side town in the Jervis Bay region of south coast NSW, just 180 km south of Sydney.
It’s a great family beach and doesn’t have the high rise development like many north coast beaches. Be sure to finish off your visit by heading to the Hyams Beach Cafe for good food and coffee.
2. Red Rock Beach, Coffs Harbour
We have done the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip many times but had always driven by Red Rock Beach until at last we made the trip – and boy, were we missing out!
Red Rock is about a 30 minute drive north of Coffs Harbour and is one of those hidden gems that is tucked away 6 km’s off the Pacific Highway.
It’s a beautiful sweeping beach with an impressive headland and these red coloured rocks that lead you into to the crystal clear water.
3. Palm Beach, Sydney
Palm Beach is Sydney’s most northern beach and possibly our favourite beach in the Sydney area. Scenically it’s incredibly beautiful with the golden sand stretching for 2 kilometres and the colours in the water move between spectacular shades of turquoise and aqua.
On one end is Barrenjoey Head where you can take an easy 1 km bush-walk up to the old sandstone lighthouse for stunning views back over Palm Beach or across the Broken Bay region.
You don’t have the crowds you get at say Bondi or Manly Beach, and in winter it’s the perfect place to spot migrating humpback whales.
Palm Beach is the home of Summer Bay, the famous and long running TV show. You can join a popular Summer Bay tour of Palm Beach.
4. Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay
Greenfield Beach is another pristine beach in the Jervis Bay region with that beautiful white powdery sand.
It’s another family friendly beach perfect for swimming with clear aqua water and small waves, and it’s a top spot for a beach side BBQ.
It’s here that you can start the sensational White Sands Walk, which is one of our favorite coastal walks in NSW.
5. Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay
When I first set eyes on Green Patch Beach I was blown away. I’d never heard of this beach or Booderee National Park where it is located, and it was just as spectacular as Hyams in nearby Jervis Bay.
Are you getting the hint yet that the Jervis Bay region has some amazing beaches?!
The water, whilst a little cool for swimming in September was clean and clear and the sand soft and beautiful to walk on.
We spent two nights camping in the campground right on the beach which offers a real bush camping experience. Be sure to walk around the headland from Green Patch and explore the amazing Scottish Rocks.
6. Main Beach, Byron Bay
Located in the northern end of New South Wales is the legendary Byron Bay, which is famous for surfing and an alternative surfers lifestyle.
If you’re a surfer, Byron Bay has 11 great beaches to choose from but it’s Main Beach which sees most of the visitors walking, swimming and enjoying a beach side BBQ.
Whist at Byron, don’t miss the Lighthouse Walk to Australia’s most easterly point and here are reasons to visit Byron Bay with kids.
7. Wategos Beach, Byron Bay
Just around the corner from Byron Bay is beautiful Wategos Beach, one of the most northern beaches on this list and a paradise away from the big waves frequented by surfers in Byron.
This beach is protected by the headland which makes it an awesome beach for swimming AND riding a longboard with the gentle waves and long rides.
There’s a BBQ area to enjoy or make yourself up a picnic and sit on the beach admiring this picturesque location.
You’ll also pass this beach on the coastal Lighthouse Walk, but if you have the time spend at least a few hours here.
The Watermark Hotel is a popular self contained apartment accommodation close to the beach
8. Pebbly Beach
Located in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast, Pebbly Beach is probably most famous as the place to see wild kangaroos hopping around on the sand. (Here are more places to see wild kangaroos in Australia)
They are used to human interaction and there’s a chance you can get up close and personal.
Our kids loved it and the turn-off is about 10 kilometres south of Termeil.
Pebbly Beach is a popular camping area with a good surfing beach and bush walks within the park.
9. Seal Rocks
If you are planning a Sydney to Brisbane road trip, I highly suggest a stop at Seal Rocks, a quiet fishing village offering clear bays for swimming, snorkelling, boating and fishing.
This beach is just perfect, and much quieter than your usual east coast beaches, and has a gentle slopping shoreline that makes it great for little ones to paddle in.
Seal Rocks is also a great place to go camping and has numerous campsites with facilities.
And why not treat yourself to a few nights in a Lighthouse Keepers Cottage with amazing ocean views?
10. Bronte Beach, Sydney
There are many great beaches in Sydney, but another of our favourite’s would be Bronte Beach in the eastern suburbs.
It’s a beautiful beach with a small main street giving it a great vibe.
We always stop at Bronte when we do the Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk and just love it as a family beach.
The rock pool is awesome for the kids to swim in, the HUGE grass and BBQ area is a bonus for families, and there are no pubs nearby so no drunkenness and disorderly.
Read More: 15 things to do in Sydney with kids
11. Bondi Beach
I always hesitate to put Bondi Beach on any list because as a beach it’s not one of my favourites, but hey, it’s Bondi and one of Australia’s most famous beaches and you should go there at least once!
Actually, the more I go there lately the more I appreciate it.
It’s the starting point to our much loved Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and I don’t think you could get any more Australian than learning to surf at Bondi.
The people watching is first class, and the views from Bondi Icebergs as you sip on an afternoon beer are legendary.
12. Balmoral Beach, Sydney
Balmoral Beach is a picturesque coastal gem just outside Sydney and is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Its calm waters and golden sands make it an ideal spot for families who want relaxation.
What makes Balmoral Beach so pristine is the tranquil ambiance and stunning waterfront views, and there’s many waterfront restaurants to visit when you need refreshments or a bite to eat.
13. Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay
One of the best beaches in the South Coast NSW is Murrays Beach, located in our favorite spot, Jervis Bay.
Murrays Beach is also nestled within the Booderee National Park, which as I mentioned before, is one of my favorite places in Jervis Bay, and perhaps Murrays Beach will show you why.
It’s unspoiled and reasonably quiet, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet on the soft pearly white sand.
It has gentle waves because it’s sheltered by Bowen Island, which means it’s great for families with small kids who love to paddle.
If you enjoy hiking, you’ll find some great nature trails near Murrays Beach. And best of all, there’s ample parking near this beach.
14. Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour
One of our friends who lives in Coffs Harbour recommended Diggers Beach as one of the top things to do in Coffs Harbour (located across from the Big Banana) and we’re glad we listened to them!
It’s a great family-friendly beach being sheltered and wide making it a nice place for our kids to swim and play on the sand.
It’s also a popular surfing spot for the locals or for a wind-free beach walk.
15. Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven
When the tides are optimal, one thing you will find at any beach in Australia is surfers. Another popular surfing spot on the NSW coastline is Seven Mile Beach, located in a national park near Shoalhaven.
This long stretch of sand is famous for its surf, and you can always see people out on the waves from dawn until dusk. There may even be some playful dolphins swimming between the boards, too!
Behind the beach is a diverse ecosystem made of dunes and forest. The area has a unique vegetation that’s growing out of the sand dunes that is rare to see in other parts of Australia.
16. Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie
Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie is not only visually stunning but it’s also a great place for whale and dolphin spotting. The beach is known for its excellent surf and expansive golden sandy beach. You can visit the historic lighthouse, go swimming, or enjoy camel rides on the beach.
To get there, take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which is one of the top things to do in Port Macquarie.
It not only finishes at Lighthouse Beach but also takes you to Town Beach, Flynn’s Beach, Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach.
17. Jibbon Beach, Royal National Park
There are many beautiful beaches in Royal National Park, but none are as stunning as Jibbon Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and sparkling views.
There is a wonderful hike called the Jibbon Beach Loop Track, which takes you past an extensive network of Aboriginal rock engravings. It’s one of our favorite walks in Royal National Park!
Not only is Jibbon Beach rich in culture but it also has soft sand and turquoise water, making it an enchanting oasis to relax on.
Map Of These NSW Beaches
To help you plan which beaches to visit, here is a detailed map showing their locations.
Tours in NSW
More NSW Travel Tips
Need More Tips for NSW? Check out these posts:
- Our favourite places to visit in NSW
- The Ultimate Guide to Sydney
- What to do in 48 hours in Sydney
- Things to do in Kiama, NSW
- Things to do in Wollongong
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