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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 in 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 beachside 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 off the Pacific Highway.
It’s a beautiful sweeping beach with an impressive headland and these red coloured rocks that lead you into the crystal clear water.
3. Palm Beach, Sydney
Palm Beach is Sydney’s northernmost 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 bushwalk 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.Â
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 beachside 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 several great beaches to choose from, but it’s Main Beach that sees most of the visitors walking and swimming. and enjoying a beachside BBQ.
While 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.
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 sloping 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.
Read more: We treated ourselves to a few nights in a Lighthouse Keepers Cottage with amazing ocean views. Read our review here.
10. Bronte Beach, Sydney
There are many great beaches in Sydney, but another of our favourites 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:Â 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 are 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 Murray’s 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, which 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 the 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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Oh wow – there’s a few on there I’d never heard of. Definitely makes me want to go back to NSW!
Come on back Beatrice for a swim, or a surf, or just a walk 🙂
I am definitely looking forward to visiting the Jervis Bay region for my birthday this year even more now! Bronte (love the natural rock pool) is definitely one of my favourite Sydney beaches along with Freshwater, Coogee and Balmoral – so many incredible beaches in Sydney!
You will love the Jervis Bay regions Katie. Those beaches are as good as any I’ve been to in NSW, and up there with the best in Oz.
There are a lot of great beaches in Sydney, and so many of them I haven’t been to for a long time, if ever.
Great list, Craig!
My favourites are Treachery Beach, Palm Beach, Burning Palms, The Basin (Kuringai NP), Bateau Bay, Shelly Beach in Manly, Bronte and Hyams.
I have a long list of favourites, but there are still so many NSW beaches I haven’t been to yet! Byron Bay is my dream NSW beach destination.
I haven’t heard of Burning Palms Bonny, where is that?
Hi Craig,
Burning Palms is south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. You can’t drive there, so the only access is down a longish walking track (with spectacular views).
A few people live at Burning Palms in delapidated old shacks from the Depression era. One of the owners saw us walking past and invited us in to have a look, and everything in it was like a time warp from 60-70 years ago, because the residents of the shacks are not allowed to renovate the them at all and must abandon them once they fall to ruins.
The actual beach is incredibly beautiful and remote, with big waves. From the other end of the beach you can walk along the base of the cliffs to these really strange rock pools that are very deep, crystal clear and perfectly circular in shape.
Thanks Bonny, awesome!
Thought we would throw a little joy and happiness your way.
We are planning to start our own travel adventure in November and are busy prepping now. We hope to set sail soon.
Mark and Cindy
s/v Cream Puff
http://www.creampuff.us
What a great wrap of beaches. Sitting here in cold WA the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is something that I’ve put on my bucket list, and Seal Rocks with a stay at the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage has definitely piqued my interest too 🙂
Good choices. I would like to add Chinaman’s Beach at Evans Head and Broken Head beach. Both spectacular!
Hi Craig
Thanks so much for finding all these lovely beaches for us. Some I’ve never been to but am looking forward to seeing them soon. I’m am rather lucky though that I live at Jervis Bay and yes have seen the whitest sand at Hyams Beach. It’s super squeaky as well when you walk on it. We sure do live in a wonderful country.
Yes, you are lucky. You have a great backyard Sonya!
Love the list penned down here…thanks a lot:) My fav is Ofcourse the Bondi
What abt Culburra beach Craig?
I love tropics in general and beaches in particular. Thank you for sharing this marvellous blog post with us. I loved the images you have shared out here. I did not know Australia was so beautiful. Impeccable photography too my friend.
Don’t forget Killcare Beach (where we go four times a year) and Coogee (where we go nearly every weekend in summer).
Great tips! Thank you. We grew up not far from Killcare. It’s a special place!
Wow, just found your website and am completely inspired. We have never been to Australia but are planning a trip next summer. We spend our weekends on the beaches of north Devon, U.K. & are looking for similar seaside towns and villages to stay & explore on our trip to Australia. Although we will be taking the Pacific coast highway route iv taken many of your ideas along route near to the main tourist places of Sydney, Coffs harbour & bryon bay on our way to Brisbane. If you have any other suggestions along this route for a family of 4 in a campervan I would love to hear. Best wishes. Nicky
Hi Nicky,
Happy to hear you will be visiting Oz. Here are our tips on those places you mentioned, and some other tips:
Sydney – https://www.ytravelblog.com/what-to-do-in-sydney/
Byron Bay – https://www.ytravelblog.com/12-reasons-byron-bay-great-family-destination/
Coffs Harbour – https://www.ytravelblog.com/things-to-do-in-coffs-harbour-nsw/
Sydney to Brisbane road trip – https://www.ytravelblog.com/sydney-to-brisbane-road-trip/
And all our best Australia content can be found here – https://www.ytravelblog.com/travel-destinations/australia/
Enjoy!
Thank u so much, loads to consider, I need to consider if we cud squeeze in 2 nites in the jervis bay area around hyams and greenfields beach too, mayb before we head north from Sydney?? So much to do & only 3 weeks to do it in!