Sydney is a playground for beach lovers. Travelers, travel writers, locals and dreamers speak highly of the beaches that surround the city and its eastern suburbs, with alternative destinations for beach lounging often promoted towards Sydney's north. The south of Sydney also has some fantastic beach options for surfing, lounging, swimming and fishing, and since they don't get quite as much play in terms of promotion, I thought today would be a good time to explore. Sydney's Southern Beaches Technically, Bondi, Coogee, Tamarama and Clovelly beaches are all classified as southern beaches in Sydney, but we all know about these popular seaside gathering places. So, for this post, we're journeying further south. Maroubra Beach If you like surfing, then Maroubra Beach (in picture) is the destination for you. Maroubra is considered New South Wales' best surfing beach, and it is even held as a national surfing reserve where a number of popular surf competitions have been held. Besides surfing competitions, this beach has been known to host other sporting events, such as beach cricket. Cronulla Beach Cronulla Beach is actually South Cronulla Beach, and this area is a great place to swim, surf, or pick up a good tan. In the vicinity is quick access to cafes and restaurants, and there are plenty of shade trees (good on a hot summer day!). Also popular here is the Surf Life Saving Club – one of the first in Australia – that has gone on to win several Surf Life Saving competitions. The area between North and South Cronulla beach is known as The Alley, and it is the home to the Cronulla Rock Pools. If you do head to Cronulla, however, just be aware of the region with the strong reef break (swim between the flags!). Shelly Beach Shelly Beach is just south of Cronulla Beach, and it is a much more family-friendly beach given the great playground equipment and BBQ pits. Mothers with strollers will find this beach easily accessible. Gunyah Beach Gunyah Beach is located in Bundeena, just on the northern corner of the famous Royal National Park. The Gunyah Beach, while great for relaxing and swimming, does not offer up much surf. It is, however, great for fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. Besides these activities, the beach provides a relaxation point for those that need a few minutes to unwind after a day of walking on the many tracks of the area.
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photo: tgillin
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