My 3 Favorite Beaches in Sydney
Wishing you a beautiful and vibrant life!
In today’s post, I’m taking you along one of the most beloved activities for Brazilians (and honestly, for anyone who enjoys a good day out): going to the beach and soaking in the beauty of nature.
Even though I’m not the type to play beach volleyball or football like many Brazilians do, I love spending time swimming, sunbathing, and simply being present. I’ve been living in Sydney for less than a year, and one of the biggest gifts has been experiencing summer near some of the most stunning beaches in the south of the city.
Before settling in Sydney, I used to work on cruise ships, which gave me short glimpses of the city. Now, I finally get to dive deeper into its wonders. Australia is world-famous for its beaches—but if you're like me and prefer peaceful, lesser-known spots where you can truly connect with yourself and the ocean, then stick with me as I share my top 3 favorite beaches around Sydney.
Little Bay is a hidden gem. If you're looking for a quiet place to unwind—away from the crowds of Bondi or Manly—this is your spot. Although it's a bit further from the city center (about 30 minutes by car or longer via public transport), every second spent getting there is absolutely worth it.
This beach consistently ranks as one of the cleanest in Sydney, with clear water and low bacteria levels, according to the NSW Environment website.
Fun fact: the name Little Bay comes from its size compared to nearby Long Bay. It used to be called Yarra Junction, but residents requested a name change because mail kept getting sent to the town of the same name in Melbourne!
Some websites still say there are no facilities here, but that’s outdated info—Little Bay now has toilets and lifeguards. It’s not a surfing or boating beach, which keeps it peaceful. However, rock fishing is quite popular along the surrounding cliffs.
🚨 One thing to keep in mind: there’s usually no phone signal here (at least not with Vodafone… or maybe it’s just my phone! 😄). To get to the beach, you’ll pass through a golf course and take some stairs down—just follow the signs, it’s pretty easy.
☀️ My favorite time to visit? Sunrise. My perfect morning routine is watching the sun come up from the hill near the church, then heading down for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Malabar is another calm and peaceful beach that's easy to reach. It's around the same distance from the city as Little Bay. Parking can be a little tricky, but since it doesn’t attract the same crowds as Bondi or Manly, you’ll usually find a spot along the street without too much trouble.
Malabar Beach has an interesting maritime past, with the area being named after the MV Malabar, a ship that ran aground nearby in 1931. While it’s now known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful coastal views, the beach was once an important site for maritime activities. The surrounding area also has a rich Aboriginal history, with evidence of the Cadigal people who once lived along the coastline. Over time, Malabar evolved from a remote beach into the peaceful, charming spot we enjoy today, offering a blend of natural beauty and local history.
What makes Malabar extra special for me is the coastal walk from Maroubra to Malabar. It’s shorter and less busy than the famous Coogee–Bondi walk, but the views are just as beautiful—if not more. After a scenic walk, I love cooling off with a swim at Malabar Beach. There’s also a public ocean pool, which is a typical feature on Australian beaches, and totally worth trying!
If you’re a sunset lover like me, La Perouse is the place to be. It offers the best sunset views in Sydney, in my opinion. 🌇
La Perouse is named after the French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, who arrived in Botany Bay just days after Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788. The area holds deep historical significance, including stories of hardship and resilience.
A bit of its tough past: when European settlers pushed Aboriginal communities out, La Perouse became one of the few places where they could live. At first, they could fish and sell what they caught, but later restrictions limited them to fishing only for personal use. Isolated from the city, the community endured many challenges. If you're interested in learning more, I recommend checking out this article!
Despite its past, La Perouse is one of my favorite places because it symbolizes transformation. While it's important to acknowledge history, being in nature reminds us that we can create new, beautiful memories. Watching the sunset here—seeing couples taking photos, families smiling, and even pregnant women having maternity shoots—it fills me with hope. It’s a gentle reminder that the future can be brighter, as long as we keep doing our best, together.
Which of these beaches would you love to visit first? Or maybe you already have a favorite beach in Sydney (or elsewhere) that brings you peace? Let me know in the comments or connect with me on Instagram! @hiddenselfblog
With love and sunshine,
Ana 🌻
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