15 Incredible Harbour Beaches Everyone In Sydney Should Know About

For those all times you don't feel like fighting for towel space at Bondi.

1. Parsley Bay, Vaucluse

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With its shallow waters and century old bridge, Parsley Bay will get any Instagram fan damn excited. Take a wander through the surrounding bushland, before cooling off in the bay below.

2. Camp Cove, Watsons Bay

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Hidden behind one of Sydney's most elite suburbs, Camp Cove is just a short stroll from Watsons Bay. Take a peek at how the other half live, while you dip your toes into these pristine waters.

3. Shark Beach, Vaucluse

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Don't let the name put you off this stunning Eastern Suburbs beach. Shark-nets mean you can swan about in the clear waters carefree.

4. Store Beach, Manly

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Store Beach is the ultimate harbour escape. Accessible only by water, this isn't the easiest of beaches to get to but is one of the prettiest.

You could spend months befriending someone who owns a boat in the hope they will bring you here, or, you could hire sea kayaks from Manly Cove. Your choice

5. Obelisk Beach, Mosman

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This tranquil beach located in the Sydney Harbour National Park is also a designated nudist spot. Goodbye tan lines!

6. Lady Martins Beach, Point Piper

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Often referred to as the "secret beach", Lady Martins is accessed via an almost hidden pathway next to the yacht club.

7. Reef Beach, Balgowlah Heights

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If you're planning on doing the Manly to Spit Walk, be sure to stop by for a frolic at Reef Beach. Clear water, a bush setting, and views to Manly make this one pretty little beach.

8. Balmoral Beach, Mosman

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Balmoral Beach is arguably one of the most popular and well-known harbour beaches on the North Shore. Sunny days will see this large beach packed with families, tourists, groups of friends and people in activewear.

9. Milk Beach, Vaucluse

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Take a dip, soak up the sun and enjoy that breathtaking Sydney skyline.

Despite being well-hidden, Milk Beach's small sand strip fills up fast, so get in early on the weekend or risk being relegated to the grassy knoll.

10. Delwood Beach, Manly

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Delwood Beach is a perfect spot to escape the tourist hoards at Manly Cove. The calm, lagoon-like waters and rocky bottom makes this a perfect place to go for a swim or even a snorkel.

11. Rose Bay Beach, Rose Bay

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If you have your four-legged friend in tow, then Rose Bay Beach is the only place to go. You can relax and soak up the rays while your pooch goes manic with the other furbabies.

If you don't have a dog, but would like to share your towel with one (or 10) for the day, then this is definitely the beach for you.

Peak dog activity: Saturday and Sunday, early morning or mid afternoon.

12. Chowder Bay, Mosman

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Chowder Bay is a popular haunt for picnicking families and ~romantic~ couples thanks to the vast parkland that surrounds the beach.

Additionally, the clean water and enclosed swimming area makes it a great place for a dip.

13. Lady Jane Beach, Watsons Bay

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For an au naturel experience check out Lady Jane Beach on South Head. Designated an official nudey spot back in '76, the beach is one of three clothing optional spots on the harbour.

Popular tourist trails above the beach means its not exactly private; first timers may want to consider Obelisk or Cobblers to avoid gawkers.

14. Chinamans Beach, Mosman

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White sand and clear waters perfectly sums up this hidden gem. Cut through Rosherville Reserve to find.

15. Taylors Bay, Mosman

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Taylors Bay is on the Bradley Head to Chowder Bay Walk. Isolated and surrounded by dense bushland, this beach is usually deserted. Stop for a quick dip to break up your walk or stay soak up the sun.