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Australia’s most famous beach is a perfect crescent of sand with good surfing spots at either end, and usually calm enough for a swim in the middle. Being so close to the city, it won’t take too long to get your toes wet.

On the peninsula’s ocean side, this popular long beach is the homeground of many of Australia’s ironmen and women, and the site of surf lifesaving championships. The esplanade is good for jogging and rollerblading, and goes all the way round to lovely, sheltered Shelly Beach.

An hour and a half’s drive north of Sydney, the area around this beach is a magnet for the city’s glitterati. “Palmie” is a lovely beach fringed by pine trees, and was made famous by the soap opera Home and Away . For a cruisy afternoon, catch the Pittwater ferry for a loop around the bay (see Pittwater & Broken Bay).

This beach in the southern suburbs was immortalized in Puberty Blues . Still a grommet (young surfer wannabes) training ground, it hasn’t lost any of its teen appeal. Grab a chiko roll and get into the spirit.

The Eastern Suburbs’ most serious surf beach has big waves and a wide stretch of sand. When you’re done with the water, walk round the coast to see a series of rockpools brimming with sealife. Maroubra offers good facilities such as a shaded playground, changing rooms and a kiosk.

This harbour beach is wonderful for small children. There’s plenty of shade, a playground, a shallow tidal pool, and a great view of yachts moving to and from the marina opposite. After your swim, satisfy your hunger across the bay at The Spit with a satisfying plate of fish and chips.

Another excellent children’s beach, Balmoral has a large enclosure of shark nets bordered by a wooden boardwalk which kids love to jump off. Grassy picnic areas abound, the water is warm and calm, and there are many places to buy the kids an ice cream.

The picnic area at this small beach is dotted with little huts that provide picnic tables and shelter from the wind. On the weekends it’s packed with groups of 20-somethings enjoying barbecues and beer. Bronte also boasts a great ocean pool and a fabulous row of cafés.

If you walk between the cliffs that separate Bronte and Clovelly, you’ll pass through Waverley Cemetery, where Aussie poet Henry Lawson (see Henry Lawson (1867–1922)) rests. Due to its backwater, Clovelly’s waters are very calm, making it wonderful for laps and snorkelling.

On summer weekends, this sheltered harbour beach is packed with picnicking families. The adjacent park has good spots for cricket or frisbee. Small children can safely play in the water, but keep in mind that the harbour floor dips away suddenly.