Location: Parsley Rd, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Parsley Bay is a hidden gem and offers so much more than just a calm place to swim. There is a playground and a nature walk next to the beach, making it the perfect day out for children of all ages. Bring a packed lunch or visit the kiosk, there is a shaded picnic area, so you can escape the heat on those hotter days.
Parking: Free carpark open 7am-6pm in winter, 7am-8pm in summer, entrance Horler Avenue off parsley road
Public transport: Yes, bus services run to and from city centre
Location: 2 The Esplanade, Mosman
Balmoral Beach has it all for families with children. There are lots of areas for children to play and swim, including secure baths, parklands, playgrounds, rock pools, and the promenade. There are also water sports available for those seeking an adventure. With cafes and the famous fish and chip shop just a stone's throw away, Balmoral is a wonderful day out for all.
Parking: Free car park just past the playground along esplanade, and a few streets of free parking surrounding.
Location: Morella Road Clifton Gardens 2088
A secret hideaway from the chaos of the city, Clifton Gardens is a secluded beach between the streets of Mosman. This beautiful harbour beach has a swimming enclosure, playground, and access to Clifton Gardens reserve behind. Dogs are also permitted off-leash on the beach in and in the water east of the Clifton Gardens Jetty, so bring them along for the fun!
Parking: Pay parking available
Location: Callala Beach, NSW 2540
Callala Beach on the South Coast is a great spot for children to swim and play and is perfect for escaping the crowds. This charming white sand beach is nestled along the Northern Shores of Jarvis Bay. It’s also a great spot for snorkelling and dolphin spotting!
Location: Shelly Beach, Manly NSW 2095
Shelly Beach in Manly is an excellent beach for families, being quite sheltered and small, making it easy to keep an eye on your children. As well as being a great spot for snorkelling Shelly Beach also has BBQ pits and picnic tables in the shade for summer lunches. Don’t fancy eating outside? The Boathouse café and restaurant is child friendly and is right next to the beach.
Parking: Pay carpark at the end of Bower Street
Public transport: Ferry to Manly
Location: Underwood Road Forster NSW 2428 Australia
Secluded but spacious, One Mile Beach has plenty of room for kids to run around. With its calm waters, lifeguard patrols, and easy accessibility, it’s the perfect beach to visit, only a few hours from Sydney. One Mile Beach has ample parking space and picnic facilities. If your older children are eager to catch some waves, Port Stephens Surf School is located just a few minutes' walk from the beach.
Location: Central Coast, Bouddi Peninsular
Known as Mac’s, this beach is much loved by Central Coast families and visitors. Mac’s is a patrolled beach, with a kid-friendly ocean pool and large pine trees that cast shade across the sand. The beach also has a coffee shop that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there is also a newly renovated playground for those who prefer land to sand.
Parking: Paid and free parking
Transport: 66A Bus from Gosford to Avoca
Location: Avoca Beach, NSW, 2251
Rock pools galore! Avoca Beach is the perfect beach for keen explorers. There is a playground and café located within the area and the beach is patrolled, making it a safe place for your children to splash about! The playground is fully enclosed and has a range of play zones for children of all ages.
Parking: Paid and free parking
Transport: 66A Bus from Gosford to Avoca
Location: Terrigal Beach, Central Coast, NSW, 2260
Located only 90 minutes north of Sydney, Terrigal Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Central Coast, but it’s still a great place to take the children. The beach offers small rock pools, surf lessons, and has plenty of great cafes and restaurants nearby.
This tiny bay is one of the most popular spots for young families in Southwest Rocks. Located at the end of the town’s main street, the foreshore is lined with towering pine trees, so there’s plenty of space for picnics in the shade. Even though Horseshoe Bay has safe swimming conditions, it is still patrolled by lifeguards during the summer holidays.