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Discover the best secret beaches in New South Wales with some of the most breathtaking landscape in Australia. Get beyond Sydney and away from the usual NSW beach hotspots. Cool off at the best beaches in NSW without the crowds, with these lesser-known beach destinations!
This guide has some of the best quiet beaches in NSW plus a few of the more well-known New South Wales beaches too!
Discover more of the best places to visit in NSW for your bucket list!
Australians really are spoilt. All that space is full of stunning scenery, cute and quirky wildlife, warm weather, wineries, trendy cities and, of course, the beautiful beaches.
The state of New South Wales, home to the famous city of Sydney, boasts some of the most accessible and stunning coastlines in all of Australia.
There are daily flights to Sydney, Byron Bay or Newcastle, all great spots to start your visit to this beautiful part of the world.
Want to see Australia at your own pace? These Australian road trip itineraries will inspire your self-drive holiday! And get the free printable beach packing list!
The Best Secret Beaches In New South Wales, Australia
Aussies love a beach getaway, and so do the millions of international visitors each year who come seeking Australia’s best beaches.
While everyone else is headed to Bondi Beach or hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite “Home And Away” actors at Palm Beach, why not venture off the beaten track to somewhere more secluded?
These beaches take you to some of the most beautiful places in New South Wales!
So here are some hidden gems for you to enjoy your next trip – in peace.
1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay.
Only 180km south of Sydney, the beautiful Hyams Beach (widely believed to have the whitest sands in Australia) is sandwiched between two national parks in the popular Jervis Bay.
With sand so fine it squeaks, crystal clear blue water and breathtaking bushland surrounds, this spot is a must-visit on any coastal road trip.
A great place to escape the bustle of the city. Swim, snorkel, fish or just relax on the soft white sand…there is plenty here to keep everyone occupied!
Perfect for families, this calm little beach can get a little busy through the Summer months. However, the beach stretches almost three kilometres, so there is plenty of space to find your own spot.
Visitors can also enjoy an on-site cafe (as well as bathrooms and changing rooms), a variety of bush and coastal walks with gorgeous views, and plenty of local birdlife.
For an even more secluded option, check out nearby Murrays Beach. It’s not far from Hyams Beach, in Booderee National Park and equally beautiful.
2. Green Patch Beach
Around three hours south of Sydney, located within the beautiful Boodoree National Park, the calm, turquoise waters of Green Patch Beach are perfect for families who want to snorkel or swim.
There are rock platforms that are great for spotting fish, squid and octopus in the rock pools.
Explore one of the easy walking tracks through the nearby bush if you want to meet some land wildlife, such as wallabies or echidnas.
There are plenty of other spectacular beaches only a short walk away. Take a wander to Scottish Rocks, full of marine life and great for snorkelling.
Or head to Murrays Beach, where the local fairy-penguin colony live.
There are BBQ and picnic facilities at Green Patch beach, and at several of the other beaches. There are also several campgrounds with public bathroom facilities.
3. Store Beach, Manly
Right in the heart of Sydney, Store Beach is a beautiful hidden gem, only accessible with a boat, kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. These can be hired from nearby Manly Kayak hire, just near the Manly wharf.
Surrounded by bushland, this calm little cove is perfect for a relaxing day in the water.
It’s great for kids if you don’t mind doing most of the paddling yourself! And perfect if you don’t want to venture too far from the city.
If you’re feeling energetic, keep kayaking along to Collins Flat, or even further to Quarantine Beach, where you can grab a coffee and enjoy the views.
Take a Kayak tour to Store Beach, Quarantine Beach and Reef Beach, including picnic lunch, to see even more hidden gems in the area.
4. Anna Bay
Anna Bay, only 15 minutes from the coastal town of Newcastle, is a lovely little beach.
The main attraction here is the fantastic Stockton Bight sand dunes that surround the bay. They are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere!
Explore the dunes on a guided quad bike, camel or horse tour, or bring your own four-wheel drive and check them out for yourself.
If you’re feeling brave, give sand-boarding a try (think boogie-boarding…on sand) and fling yourself down the steep, sandy inclines.
The beach itself is a great surf beach. There is also great fishing year-round, a friendly local dolphin population and plenty of rock pools to explore along the shore.
There is a cafe overlooking the bay, as well as a nearby town for any essentials.
Be sure to check out the local farm gate stalls too, for delicious fresh produce, perfect for a beach picnic!
5. Blue Pool at Bermagui
Although technically not a beach, the breathtaking Bermagui Blue Pool is nestled among soaring cliffs in the sleepy town of Bermagui on New South Wales stunning Sapphire Coast.
Though it looks almost man-made, this naturally formed swimming pool is filled with fresh ocean water and is named for the beautiful reflections of the sky it provides.
Visit at sunset for the best views!
Great for that essential insta-pic, this beautiful little spot is also perfect for swimming, snorkelling and even spotting coastal wildlife, including whales!
There are two pools, one smaller which is perfect for little ones, and the larger one great for grown-ups and swimming laps.
There are also bathrooms and changing rooms on site.
6. Wattamolla Beach
Only an hour south of Sydney, near the coastal town of Woolongong, Wattamolla Beach is located within the Royal National Park and is a cove, lagoon and beach all in one.
Offering visitors a range of stunning spots to swim, from the beautiful, tranquil lagoon (great for kids) to the relaxed beach cove. Or venture slightly further to fish or snorkel in the slightly rougher surf.
There is even a waterfall around the back, plenty of shady areas to relax, BBQ and picnic facilities, as well as toilet blocks.
The beach is also part of the Coast Track, which runs up the coast through the National Park, so there are plenty of beautiful trails to explore.
Check out the nearby Wattamolla Dam, which has beautiful views across the bay, and try to spot some whales during Winter.
Enjoy a full day coastal hiking experience from Sydney through Royal National Park and see Wattamolla beach and lagoon.
7. Maitland Bay
Maitland Bay Beach is located within Bouddi National Park, along the gorgeous Central Coast region of NSW, around an hour and a half south of Sydney.
This beach is accessible via the popular Maitland Bay track, and though it takes about twenty minutes to reach, visitors will wander through gullies and rainforest to get there, making the journey just as exciting as the destination!
Once you reach the beautiful beach, with bright green water surrounded by bushland, have a dip or relax on the sand, before continuing east along the beach to see the remains of the PS Maitland, a shipwreck from the late 1800s, visible at low tide.
The walk down and back up is a little steep, but the bright side is that you can bet this little gem is never too crowded!
Take your time and enjoy the beautiful forest surrounds, or wander some of the other nearby trails for stunning views and the chance to meet some local wildlife.
8. Mungo Beach
Around three hours north of Sydney, Mungo Beach offers explorers the chance to really get away from it all.
One of the longest beaches in NSW, stretching over 16 kilometres, you can be sure to find your own secret spot amongst the dunes.
Known for the swell, this beach is great for surfing, and very popular for fishing too.
It can get a little rough, so swimming isn’t recommended unless you’re a pro, but the crashing waves and views make this beach well worth a visit.
There are also plenty of lakes nearby, as the beach is located within the Myall Lakes National Park if you are keen for a dip.
There are several campsites throughout the area, some with amenities. The beach is fantastic for 4-wheel driving!
You can also explore the nearby mangroves or bushwalks, and kayak through the river systems.
Best Beaches In NSW If You Don’t Mind The Crowds
There’s no shortage of amazing beaches in New South Wales, and whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure-packed coastline, you’ll find a beach perfect for you. We shared the best secluded beaches in NSW, but what about those iconic bucket list beaches you can’t miss!
Here are just a few of the best beaches in NSW if you want even more:
9. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Australia, and it’s easy to see why.
The beautiful golden sand and turquoise water make it a perfect spot for swimming, surfing and relaxing, and there’s plenty to do nearby if you want to take a break from the beach.
10. Wategos Beach, Byron Bay
If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, head to Wategos Beach in Byron Bay.
This beach is perfect for swimming in the turquoise waters, sunbathing, and picnicking, and it’s just a short walk from the Byron Bay lighthouse.
11. Ghosties Beach, Central Coast
If you’re all about the perfect photo, head to Ghosties Beach on the Central Coast.
Here you will find some of the best sea caves in New South Wales and they are epic if you get the shot just right for your next Instagram post!
12. Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park
On the South Coast of NSW, you will find Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park.
This beach is well known for its resident Eastern Grey kangaroos that come out to sunbathe and graze on the grassy headlands, making it a must-visit spot for any animal lover.
13. Caves Beach, Central Coast
Caves Beach is another great spot on the Central Coast for swimming, surfing, and exploring the surrounding area.
The beach is located on the Swansea peninsula between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean in Greater Newcastle, which is home to a number of different caves that you can explore.
14. Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa
As the name suggests, Seven Mile Beach is a long and beautiful stretch of sand perfect for swimming, surfing, and strolling.
It’s located in the Seven Mile Beach National Park, so you can explore the surrounding area after a day at the beach.
The shallow waters of the Crooked River mouth are perfect for toddlers to paddle in and the gentle waves of the beach make it family-friendly for all ages.
It’s a popular place for surf lessons, snorkelling, swimming and windsurfing.
15. Manly Beach, Manley
This is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney, and it’s easy to see why.
The golden sand and clear water make it perfect for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, and there’s plenty to do nearby if you want to take a break from the beach.
Whether you are a New South Wales local, planning an Aussie getaway or road trip through the state, you will love exploring the best NSW beaches and secret beach locations! And don’t miss a chance to visit the beautiful coastal town of Yamba.
If you’re visiting Sydney, be sure to check out these fun things to do in Sydney with kids and Sydney indoor activities in case you luck out with a rainy day!
Don’t miss any of the essential road trip stops between Sydney and Brisbane and get beyond the big cities and explore the best country towns in New South Wales.
For more of the best beaches in Australia:
Book accommodation in NSW to base yourself while you explore Sydney and its surroundings.
Check out our Australian destination guide for more travel inspiration and ideas.
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