We all know there are so many to choose from and Sydney’s east is truly blessed with amazing beaches but which ones are favoured by local mums?
In our weekly local mum feature, local mums shared their favourite beaches in the east and why so we’ve compiled the 8 best local beaches recommended by local mums.
1. Coogee
Always a popular one with families, with the southern end near the surf club’s ocean pool and small paddling area ideal for little ones and the northern end good for older kids as relatively calm and good swimming for them.
Only negative is Coogee can get polluted after it rains so avoid for a few days if wet weather is around. Good change rooms plus there is also shade at the southern end up on the walkway but on weekends you need to get in early to get a spot.
Loads of great cafes and eateries right near the beach.
2. Parsley Bay
Classified as a harbour beach, Parsley Bay in Vaucluse is a real delight. Picturesque, safe easy swimming for the whole family, lovely grassed park area surrounding the beach makes it a favourite spot for local mums. There is a cafe located on the site for your coffee hit however parking is limited and often gets full quickly on a weekend.
There are no BBQ’s so Parsley Bay is ideal for taking your own picnic as loads of shade and also the chance for the kids to see the native ‘Water Dragon” a large lizard that lives in the rock area within the park.
3. Bronte
As one mum described “i have spent many special moments at Bronte” and this is so true for many, with an amazing park land and picnic area along with a great playground, Bronte beach is very popular with many local’s of the east. The beach itself itself is not great for swimming as often rough however to the south of the beach is the ‘Bogey Hole” a great swimming spot for kids and families. The Bronte ocean pool is also lovely so there are lots of options.
4. Maroubra
‘The Bra’ as it’s more affectionately known is a large beach in the southern parts of Sydney’s east. Maroubra beach has the benefits of good parking, beachside fenced playground and bbq areas. The beach itself is large so loads of sand walking and plenty of space. The northern end depending on the surf can be good for swimming or the southern end has shallow rock pools which are good for toddlers.
Nearby Mahon’s pool (an ocean pool) is nice for a dip but for older kids as you are forever chasing toddlers around rocks which can be tiresome and a bit stressful. Best tip for young ones in South Maroubra where there are lots of natural rock pools for them to swim in.
5. Clovelly
Home to a famous groper, Clovelly is a safe and popular choice of beach as easy swimming with no big waves, relatively easy parking with a nearby cafe, Clovelly was a popular choice with local mums as safe for kids and good for the not so confident ocean swimmers so a great introduction to beach swimming for young kids.
6. North Bondi
The most iconic of Sydney’s eastern beaches, the northern part of Bondi Beach is popular with locals with the kiddie pool, rock pool swimming next to it and in the right conditions lovely swimming at the northern end.
Parking can be expensive but is conveniently located right on beach.
7. Nielsen Park
A harbour beach situated in the national park of Sydney Harbour this delightful beach is a lovely spot for a dip, picnic or late arvo bite with a great fish and chips shop on the beach.
It however get’s busy on weekends and parking is premium, swimming is good with small waves but it is only shallow for a short distance then the sandbank drops to deeper water so you will need to be in the water with little kids who are not yet competent swimmers.
There is a lovely walk too behind in the park where kids can explore the natural bushland.
8. Frenchman’s Beach La Perouse
A lovely calm clear water beach in the South Eastern Suburbs of the east in the suburb of La Perouse. Perfect for little kids as no waves due to it be protected and part of the Botany Bay water area.
The area does get very popular on a weekend so advice is go early, back the umbrella some food and then leave by lunchtime. There are plenty of local shops nearby including great fish and chips plus a newly renovated playground.
