Growing up in Sydney, Australia; I had no idea how lucky I was to live in such a city, home to some of the most famous beaches in the world. Even as an adult today, I have not had the pleasure of visiting every single beach, Sydney has to offer with well over 100 beaches to choose from.
I have spent many years though as a mother and a photographer now, finding and sourcing the best locations that not only make drool worthy backdrops for photoshoots but are actually enjoyable and safe for children.
I also highly value a gem that isn't a tourist favourite and hectic to find a park.
Below I have listed some of the best Beaches I have loved taking my kids to myself so you and other families can enjoy them too.
Sydney Harbour
Clontarf
This Middle Harbour beach in Clontarf has no surf at all, just flat calm waters. Clontarf Beach is rated one of the best Sydney beaches for kids due to the beautiful grounds of Clontarf Reserve, and playground. What makes this spot special is the view of the boats and yacht’s, plus netted area, a good spot to pen smaller kids in.. Older kids love to jump in from the rails too. There’s a good cafe/restaurant here plus a kiosk serving hot and cold drinks.
Balmoral Beach + Baths, Mosman
On the southern end by the two cafes and kiosk, you will find Balmoral Baths which is an enclosed area of shallow calm water with a boardwalk around it. It is a safe option for this more popular Sydney Beach. One of the highlights of Balmoral Beach is the Bather's Pavilion where you can dine on Modern Australian Cuisine.
The baths area is especially good for babies and young toddlers as there is some shade on the sand itself in the afternoons. There is also lots of shade from trees over the beach south of the baths, especially in the afternoon. Parking can be quite stressful on a busy day or weekend however during the week you will often find a spot along the esplanade.
Manly
Manly is quite a popular Sydney Beach and I would recommend travelling there by public transport if possible. You can head south, down the beach to Shelly Beach, a sheltered area that’s perfect for kids tand toddlers. Thanks to the calm waters, Shelly Beach is a particularly great beach for kids. Lots of options for snacks or meals around Manly too. Accessible by foot from Manly Beach, Freshwater is popular too but can be a little quieter than Manly at times.
You can view more of this family session on Freshwater Beach and around Manly Head here
Maroubra Beach
Maroubra is one of the biggest stretch of beaches for the Sydney East Coast that is perfect for the surfing family. It is monitored by two Surf Life Saving clubs and even has a big skate park and playground.
Sydney Northern Beaches
Narrabeen
Narrabeen Lagoon is flat and calm – perfect for kids and toddlers to wade around in providing a stress free beach experience. Northern Beaches has far more quieter options with plenty of parking in comparison to Sydney Harbour Beaches.
Western Sydney
Yarramundi Beach - Grose River
This is our local regular. The water is super calm and shallow unless it rains. Plenty of space to explore, not crowded at all. The only downfall to this beauty is you have to walk back up to the car park for the toilet block.
Hawkesbury River
If you love fishing, boats or Water Skiing, head up to Wisemans Ferry, check into a cabin by the Hawkesbury River and enjoy.
(1-2 hrs from Sydney)
Central Coast
Toowoon Bay
Toowoon Bay is located on the Central Coast near The Entrance. If you are wanting a tropical feel with sand stretching for days while escaping the hustle and bustle of Sydney, this is a winner.
South Coast Beaches
Honeymoon Bay
ok ok, not exactly a Sydney beach, but its only about 2 hrs south of Sydney. Its one of my little secret Oasis. If you do not like a crowd, South Coast Beaches are for you my friend. Honeymoon Bay is little cove and is a perfect spot for all ages. Completely protected from Jervis Bay with its horse shoe shape. I see families here on holidays, snorkelling, paddle boarding or just having a play in these calm waters.
Grady's Riverside Retreat - West of Nowra
Also not a Beach but agin the perfect weekender escape. Hire a cabin or park your trailer/pitch a tent for the weekend/holidays/. The kids were talking about this place for months and were begging to come back.
You can check out more images from Grady’s River Retreat here
So there you have it, some of my favourite spots that are suitable for all different families all over Sydney and surrounds.. If you’re wishing you had some amazing family portraits like these of your family. You can shoot me an email.