Don’t let the shorter winter days keep you rugged up at home, now’s the time to get out and explore what our beautiful harbour has to offer. Here are Peninsula Living’s top five secluded local beaches.
Reef Beach, Balgowlah Heights
Tucked just off the famous Manly to Spit coastal walk, Reef Beach hosts spectacular views over the harbour, looking back towards Manly’s peninsula.
Sit back and watch the kayakers and ferries pass by without them even realising you are there. As its name alludes, beware the patches of reef that lie beneath the water when going for a plunge, with sea urchins known to make homes in the cracks.
Don’t let the reef scare you off; this is truly a gorgeous spot to disappear from the world, even if it’s just for an afternoon.
Top tip: Go at low tide and you might be able to spot some Aboriginal carvings in the rocks.
Image Credit: Sydney Coast Walks
Washaway Beach, Clontarf
Nestled right between the heads, Washaway is one of the most secluded beaches you will find in Sydney.
Follow the rocky trail from Grotto Point Reserve and, within five minutes, you will reach this magical city escape.
This beach is so hidden, in fact, that it has become a popular place to sunbathe in the nude. Not for the faint-hearted, reaching the actual sand requires a 20-metre climb down a steep sandstone cliff. As its name implies, the beach is occasionally washed away in larger swells.
Although the beach may sometimes not be found, the cliffs above still offer spectacular views out to the Pacific Ocean year-round.
Top tip: Best to visit before 2pm when the headland above blocks the sun and covers the beach in darkness.
Image Credit: Mapio.net
Castle Rock, Clontarf
A popular destination for family’s during school holidays, Castle Rock is situated at the bottom of a series of steep stairs that lead you away from the streets of Clontarf.
As the days begin to shorten and the crowds disappear with the drop in temperature, this spot transforms into a perfect getaway for sunset.
Its south-westerly aspect makes for the ideal spot to bask in the pure bliss as the sun begins to go down. There is also a large rock overhanging the water, making for a fun jump into the harbour.
This beach is a lovely location for a picnic, however, keep in mind there is a climb back up on the oysters!
Image Credit: The Globewanderin
Store Beach, Manly
Despite its proximity to Manly’s CBD, this picturesque cove is not the most accessible beach to reach. There is a bush track that you can follow down from the top of North Head that gets steep in some parts, making it hazardous after heavy rainfall.
Surprisingly, the best way to access this beach is by water! Most people will hire a kayak from Manly Wharf and paddle over. It is an excellent option for those looking for a little bit of an adventure, with the destination making the journey well and truly worth it.
Image Credit: Photoscenic
Quarantine Beach, Manly
Named after the old Sydney Harbour Quarantine Station that operated from 1828-1984, this beach used to be the first port of call for all passengers arriving by boat in Sydney. Nowadays, you would be lucky to see more than a few people occupying the pristine white sand.
Perhaps one of Sydney’s most historically rich beaches, the surrounding area is filled with entertaining activities such as frightening North Head ghost tours, as well as exquisite restaurants such as Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar.
Top tip: Go on a hot sunny day, and you may even get a surprise visit from the ice-cream boat vendor.
Image Credit: Hello Manly
Max White