5 secluded beaches hidden in Sydney’s inner suburbs

Sydney’s home to so many secluded beaches, secret harbour inlets, and quaint coves, can be hard to choose just one to visit. Whether you are packing a gourmet picnic, or just looking to cool off from the summer sun, beating the crowds at secret beaches is a must for everyone spending their holidays in Sydney’s inner suburbs.

1. Milk Beach, Vaucluse

Milk Beach, although the name might come across as boring, offers city views with enough seclusion it will still feel like a secret spot. Set along the Hermitage Foreshore, a costal walking taking you through Vaucluse and Rose Bay, Milk Beach can be a destination for walking enthusiasts. The calm waters also make it a great destination for families or sunbathers who just want to relax on the shoreline.

Getting there: Parking can be tricky for this hidden beach- as is the case for so many of Sydney’s secluded beaches in the eastern suburbs, so public transport is the best way to go. Busses are your best bet to get around town, but the Rose Bay Ferry stop is around a 30 minute walk from Milk Beach, which can be a nice stroll along the coast.

2. Queens Beach, Vaucluse

Just up the bay from Milk Beach, Queens Beach is also nestled along the Hermitage Foreshore walk. Slightly smaller and more quiet than Milk Beach, this hidden gem is fantastic for those wanting some peace or just to dive into a good book.

Getting there: Queens Beach is accessed via the Hermitage Foreshore walking trail. Similar to Milk Beach, limited on-street parking is available, so public transport or walking is the best way to go.

3. Lady Martins Beach, Point Piper

Lady Martins Beach is located in the suburb of Woollahra, and is only accessible by a small path, so not many visitors make their way onto its sands. Surrounded by private properties, this little cove makes way for calm waters dotted with boats to watch from the beach. A great spot for kayaking, Lady Martins Beach

Getting there: Lady Matins Beach can be accessed by a small pathway from Wolseley Avenue. There are bus stops in the area, so it can be accessed by public transport. For a more scenic route you can catch the Captain Cook Cruises Shark Island Ferry from nearby Shark Island to a wharf nearby, and walk the rest of the way.

4. Congwong Beach, La Perouse

If you are looking to venture out of Sydney’s CBD, but don’t want to go too far, heading south to Congwong Beach will be the perfect adventure. This secluded spot located in La Perouse isn’t busy, and allows for a calm time sitting in the sun or swimming in the waves. Kamay Botany Bay National Park surrounds the beach for bushwalking opportunities if you want to take a trip off the beaten path.

Getting there: Congwong Beach is accessible at the end of Cann Park in La Perouse. Parking is available for this beach, either at Cann Park or in the surrounding areas. Busses are the closest public transport option for this beach. You can get the light rail to the stop at UNSW on Anzac parade and grab the bus from there.

5. Gordons Bay, Coogee

Located just south of Clovelly Beach, Gordons Bay offers a lovely quiet spot in the heart of the eastern suburbs. As the water is surrounded by a coral reef, the waves are calm and perfect for some snorkelling or diving. Gordons Bay has scenery, peace and views of a heritage mansion up on the rocks.

Getting there: As Gordons Bay is located just around the corner from Clovelly Beach, you can pay for parking at Clovelly and walk down to the bay. As with most of the eastern suburbs, buses are best for public transport options.