Sydney has a legendary reputation for its coastlines, but it wasn’t until my family and I spent a summer in the Eastern Suburbs that I got what all the fuss is about. Like watching Virat Kohli score a fantastic century in a high-stakes cricket final, seeing the Pacific Ocean break over Sydney’s dramatic sandstone cliffs leaves you in complete awe. In the Eastern Suburbs, you will find a beautiful mix of famous golden sands, secluded coves, and historic rock pools. For a beach vacation, these are the top choices you should not miss out on.
The Iconic Heavyweights: Bondi and Coogee
In Sydney, you’ll find that Bondi Beach is a must-visit. It is the prime feature of the coast that we can’t ignore, known for its beautiful white sand and the lively atmosphere on Hall Street. The first thing that hits you is the amazing Bondi Icebergs pool, which has turquoise water right above the vast blue ocean. It is the best spot to watch and be in the action.
The Scenic Gems: Bourke and Tamarama.
Between the popular Bondi and Coogee walks are my two favourite spots. At Bronte Beach, you’ll find a great crescent-shaped beach with a large green park at the back, which also has public BBQ’s and excellent local cafes. The star here is the natural rock pool. You can swim in it in the crystal clear turquoise water as the ocean waves break only a few feet away, an experience like no other.
Right out the other side is Tamarama Beach, which we term “Glamarama”; locals are fond of it. It is a very thin strip of pure beauty that generally gets less attention than the big beaches. Also, due to heavy surf and a lot of rips, it is a more popular spot for sun and tan rather than swimming in some areas. But this is also a quiet haven which is perfect if you just wish to enjoy the sand out of a sea of beach towels.
The Offbeat Discoveries: Gordon’s Bay and Maroubra.
For the tourists who seek out the off-the-beaten-path action, the Eastern Suburbs still has a lot to offer. In Gordon’s Bay, you’ll find a remote and rough cove that is caught between Coogee and Clovelly. Instead of a large sandy beach, what you will get is a row of fishers’ boats tied to the rock walls, which is also home to a fantastic underwater walkway, which in turn makes for a great local snorkelling spot.
Also, if you make your way south beyond the cliffs, you will hit Maroubra Beach. Maroubra has a strong, very local surf culture, which is known for the famous Bra Boys surf community. It has a large open shore and protected coastal setting, which in fact puts it at a distance from the rest of Sydney; it presents a very raw and authentic picture of Australian beach life.
