Cassidy LaSalle is a student at the University of San Diego and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Sydney, Australia.
I have never lived more than two hours from the ocean, and I intend to keep it that way. Moving to Sydney has (thankfully) allowed me to continue embracing those daily doses of vitamin D and vitamin sea. There are so many beautiful beaches lining the coast of Australia, and I am lucky enough to have some of the most stunning ones just a few miles away. Each beach is just a little bit different, and if you are a sand and sea fanatic like me, you’ll love them all.
1. Manly Beach
Manly is easily one of the most popular locations to visit, and for good reason. There are so many hidden places to explore. If you’re a surfer or interested in learning, the waves are here perfect for beginners to experts.
If you choose to walk along Manly Cove, you can admire the many boats in the harbor while on your way to a few smaller beaches.
2. Collins Beach
Just after Manly Cove lies a small beach that is not well known by many people. Collins Beach is only open during the daytime, and is usually quite empty. This is definitely the perfect place to go if you’re looking to escape reality for a few hours.
3. Shelly Beach
Around the corner from Manly you can find Shelly Beach, quietly tucked away near an aquatic reserve. There is a small hike next to the beach where you can see the water from above. Venture off the path, sit down, and enjoy the view for a few hours. This is definitely one of my favorite places and trust me, it’s anything but boring.
4. Bondi Beach
Further south on the coast is perhaps the most well-known beach in Sydney, and undoubtedly my favorite– Bondi Beach. The beach is known for the Icebergs Club pool that was built into the ocean — a truly magnificent sight. For $6 you can swim in the pool and enjoy the waves crashing over the edge.
If there’s time in your day, I highly recommend the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. For a distance of about six kilometers you can see four different beaches between Bondi and Coogee while walking along Australia’s coast.
5. Bronte Beach
One of the coves along the coastal walk is Bronte Beach, a family-friendly area with another stunning coastal pool.
6. Coogee Beach
The end of the coastal walk is Coogee Beach, just a short distance from the University of New South Wales. The Coogee Pavilion next to the water is a fun restaurant and bar for families and friends after long day.
Near the main beach in Coogee are more coastal pools to visit, including Wylie’s Baths. This pool is built into the rocks and has an absolutely amazing view of the ocean that stretches for miles.
7. Cronulla
The last beach is a bit further, but definitely worth it. Cronulla is a spirited town with a lot to see. It is easily accessible by train, which takes you right up to the beach. If you go during the Spring Festival, pop-up booths line the streets with food and shopping. The environment is less busy and more rural, unlike the ones closer to the city.
There is another ocean-built pool in Cronulla where you can watch the waves crash through the ropes. If you have a free day, I would highly recommend going to Cronulla and just walking the town.
If you ever get a chance to visit Sydney, definitely try to see as many of the beaches as possible. They are unlike anything I have seen before, with each being just a little different from the others. I will definitely be spending the majority of my remaining time in Sydney at one of these places.
The world awaits…discover it.
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