Your Ultimate Guide to Sydney’s Secluded Beaches

Sydney's best secluded beaches

Sydney Beach Guide: Discover the City’s Most Secluded Beaches and Hidden Coastal Gems

Spring has arrived, bringing warmer days and a chance to rediscover Sydney’s most breathtaking and under-the-radar secluded beach spots. Are you looking to escape the tourist buzz? Don’t worry – we’ve curated the ultimate guide to a more secluded experience away from the crowded sands.

When the sun shines and the crowds gather, finding a peaceful spot can be a challenge. Luckily, Sydney’s coastline boasts over 100 beaches, so there’s no need to settle for the usual hotspots.

Kutti Beach, Vaucluse: A secret cove for you and your pup

Hidden away in a quiet corner of Vaucluse, Kutti Beach feels like a private tropical paradise a million miles away from the tourist mecca of Watsons Bay. This beach is not easy to track down.

To find it, venture to the end of Wharf Road and keep an eye out for a narrow staircase that leads you to this hidden gem. With sailboats bobbing in the distance and palm trees lining the shore, this is a great spot to spend your quiet time, and the best bit – it’s dog friendly. The calm waters make it perfect for paddleboarding and other water sports. Keep in mind, there are no facilities here—just pure, unspoiled beauty.

The secluded beach best for: Swimming, sunbathing and unwinding with your furry friend by your side.

Kutti beach perfect for you and your dog

Little Bay Beach, La Perouse: Where seclusion meets stunning scenery  

This charming beach is shielded by dramatic rocky headlands, creating a serene environment that’s popular with locals but still relatively undiscovered. Little Bay Beach is located just south of Malabar in the eastern suburbs. It may be the steep, wooden staircase that keeps the beach from being overrun with sunseekers, but the calm waters, gold sands and secluded location makes it well worth the trip. It’s protected from large coastal swells making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling and soaking up the sun.

Amenities:

  • Free street parking
  • Toilets, changerooms and showers halfway down the staircase
  • Nearby café at the top of the beach
  • Rockpool at the southern end of the beach

Best for: Snorkelling or even scuba diving – this beach’s clear waters are filled with vibrant marine life.

Secluded Little Bay Beach during daytime

The secluded beach, Taylors Bay, Clifton Gardens: Sydney’s best-kept secret cove

Tucked away like a hidden treasure, Taylors Bay is a lush cove that has somehow escaped the radar of most beachgoers. While it’s a favourite among boaters who anchor nearby, the beach remains quiet and uncrowded. Visit on a weekday, and you might just have this serene spot all to yourself. Whether you choose to arrive directly or take a scenic detour on the breathtaking 4km Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay walk, Taylors Bay offers a peaceful retreat that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle.

Best for: Tranquil swims, quiet sunbathing, and a nature-filled escape from city life.

Taylors Bay uncrowded during daytime

Forty Baskets Secluded Beach, Balgowlah Heights: Picnic perfect and rich in local charm

This is probably one of Northern Sydney’s most picturesque swimming spots. Forty Baskets Beach is located in Manly Cove along The Spit to Manly walkaway. Find the beach via stairs from above Beatty Street (where you can park) in Balgowlah or by walking along the shoreline from North Harbour Reserve. Bring the whole crew, fire up the public BBQs, and enjoy a laid-back day by the water. Just don’t forget to pack a frisbee or a ball—the flat, grassy areas are perfect for some old-school family fun.

Amenities:

  • Picnic and BBQ facilities
  • Toilets with change rooms
  • Free street parking
  • Netted swimming pool area

Best for: Families, picnickers, and anyone looking to soak up some sun in a low-key, beautiful setting.

Obelisk Beach, Mosman: The ultimate bare

Ready to ditch the swimwear and embrace the sun in all its glory? Obelisk Beach, tucked away behind Middle Head, only a stone’s throw away from Mosman. Getting there involves a charming little walk through the bush, setting the scene for a truly freeing experience. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the golden rule: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Those spots that rarely see the sun will thank you later—nothing ruins a beach day like a sunburn in places you didn’t think possible!

Best for: Those looking to work on that full-body tan or enjoy a more “au naturel” day by the water.

Castle Rock Beach, Clontarf: A hidden gem with a splash of adventure

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, Castle Rock Beach is the perfect hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This secluded beauty is tucked away along the iconic Manly to Spit Bridge Walk, offering a delightful pit stop for those trekking the trail. Not up for the full hike? No worries—there’s limited parking on Cutler Road and in the Ogilvy Road cul-de-sac where you can leave your car before making your way down the hill. Surrounded by a stunning bush backdrop and blessed with calm, clear waters, it’s an idyllic spot to take a dip or just relax.

But here’s the catch: this beach has a bit of a disappearing act at high tide. So, if you’re planning a visit, be ready to share your towel space with the waves. Be aware there are no lifeguards, no shops, no water, no toilet, no nothing.

Best for: A quiet swim, a sunbathing session amidst nature, or a scenic break during the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk.

Yarra Bay, Philip Bay: A coastal jewel with crystal waters and secret spots

Known for its sparkling white sand and crystal-clear waters. Yarra Bay Beach is a picturesque escape located on the northern side of Botany Bay in the suburb of Philip Bay, just 7km south of Sydney’s city centre. While this stunning beach has gained popularity, locals insist there are still “secret” secluded nooks and hidden inlets many don’t know about. Venture out on a treasure hunt, and you might uncover your own private slice of paradise. Regardless of whether you find one of these hidden spots, Yarra Bay remains a breathtaking destination with its pristine beauty and tranquil setting.

Best for: Those seeking a serene beach experience away from the city hustle.

Overhead shot of an uncrowded Sydney beach

Store Beach, North Head: A hidden harbour haven only accessible by water

Just a short paddle from Manly, Store Beach offers an adventurous escape into nature. Only accessible by kayak or boat, you can hire a kayak at Manly Wharf and embark on a scenic 20-30 minute paddle (around 2 km) to reach this secluded spot. Located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, between Quarantine Beach and Collins Beach, this sheltered destination is perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat or friends planning a unique picnic day. With scenic views and pristine sands, you’ll feel like you have escaped to a remote island.

But here’s the best part: if you’ve got a bored boyfriend who thinks lying on the beach is just an excuse for a nap, this is the beach for him. Hand him a paddle and watch his competitive side come to life. A bit of a workout with those scenic views? He’ll be bragging about this ‘tough adventure’ in no time.

Best for: The adventurous types (or the restlessly bored). Enjoy a day filled with kayaking, swimming, and snorkelling.

Two people kayaking to the hidden Store Beach

These hidden beaches offer a serene escape from the usual Sydney hotspots. Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly retreat, a picture-perfect photo spot, or a secluded swimming haven, Sydney’s secret beaches have something special for everyone —even those who need a little extra adventure to stay entertained.

Looking to add a few more locations to your list? These spots just missed our top list but are definitely worth a visit:

  • Collins Flat Beach
  • Resolute Beach
  • Chinamans Beach
  • Parsley Bay
  • Jibbon Beach, Bundeena

Or perhaps you’d like to swap your beach towel for hiking shoes? Discover our favourite coastal walks around Sydney here.

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