Summer days in Sydney call for beach trips, but between massive crowds, world-class surf and parking warfare, some of our city's most famous and popular destinations can feel like a literal nightmare when you have kids in tow.
Whether it’s building a world-class sandcastle, splashing in the shallows or settling for a sandy ice block, here are the most kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.
Parsley Bay
Vaucluse
This insanely Instagrammable beach in the fork of a small cove is one of Sydney’s best-kept beach secrets, and a safe bet for smaller swimmers. There’s a playground at Parsley Bay to keep the little ones busy, and you will have no problem finding shade under the ring of trees that surround the parkland. There’s also plenty of rocky and bush areas nearby for exploring, but be prepared to seek out a car park a brief walk away if you visit on the weekend.
Whale Beach
Northern Beaches
A little south of Palm Beach, Whale Beach is a Sydney favourite. While "The Wedge" at the north end of the beach is a popular surfing break, there are also more calm beach breaks for the kids to enjoy boogie boarding. You'll also find a playground, picnic area, and a 25m ocean pool if the sea isn’t too inviting.
Camp Cove
Watsons Bay
This quiet cove is perfect for families with calm waters and picture-perfect views of Sydney Harbour. Here you can picnic, snorkel, kayak, and even soak up the history of this special spot. A rock shelter at the northern end of Camp Cove features some undated shell-midden deposits, and the surrounding rocky areas are ideal for burgeoning explorers.
Greenwich Baths
Greenwich
This historic harbour pool is an incredibly scenic spot looking out to Cockatoo Island, Iron Cove and Balmain, with pleasant waters perfect for swimming (or splashing). Greenwich Baths has a cafe serving a menu the whole family will love, and sandcastle-making toys are even provided. You do have to pay a small fee for entry, but it’s well worth it for the family-friendly experience.
Wattamolla
Royal National Park
This diverse recreation area in the national park is the perfect beginning or end to a day of bushwalking and exploring. The calm lagoon at Wattamolla is well suited to smaller swimmers, and there’s plenty of shade for picnics, plus barbecues to cook up lunch for hungry tikes.
Murray Rose Pool
Double Bay
This family-friendly ocean pool is one of Sydney Harbour’s largest beaches, and it's totally enclosed, so perfect for peace of mind. The Murray Rose Pool’s wrap-around jetty is the perfect spot to park yourself for a quick bite, and kids love racing from the beach to the two floating pontoons. There’s also a kiosk here to pick up a juice or ice cream to enjoy on the sand.
Keen for more family-friendly fun? Check out the best bush walks to tackle with kids in Sydney here.
Image credit: Destination NSW