17 Best Beaches In New South Wales To Visit! [2026 Update]

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Growing up in New South Wales, we were blessed to have been surrounded by some beautiful beaches and endless opportunities to admire the Pacific Ocean. After spending 18 months road tripping in Australia, we can now confirm that the beaches in New South Wales are definitely the best.

I’ve been to most of the best beaches in NSW, so coming up with a list of my favourite beaches is never easy. We are spoilt for choice on the east coast, and there is a beach for everyone, whether you are looking for a family-friendly beach or to go surfing, swimming, walking, fishing, snorkeling, diving, or even four-wheel driving.

So, if I had to recommend a list of my favourite beaches in NSW that I have personally set foot on, below are my top suggestions.

The Best Beaches in NSW

1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is famous. It’s been listed in The Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world. I didn’t know you could get sand whiter than at Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, but the sand at Hyams is definitely up there! Not only that, but it’s fine, soft, and clean.

2. Red Rock Beach, Coffs Harbour

We have done the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip many times, but had always driven by Red Rock Beach until at last we made the trip – and boy, were we missing out! Red Rock is about a 30-minute drive north of Coffs Harbour and is one of those hidden gems that is tucked away 6 km off the Pacific Highway.

3. Palm Beach, Sydney

Palm Beach is Sydney’s northernmost beach and possibly our favourite beach in the Sydney area. Scenically, it’s incredibly beautiful with the golden sand stretching for 2 kilometres and the colours in the water move between spectacular shades of turquoise and aqua.

On one end is Barrenjoey Head, where you can take an easy 1 km bushwalk up to the old sandstone lighthouse for stunning views back over Palm Beach or across the Broken Bay region.

You don’t have the crowds you get at say Bondi or Manly Beach, and in winter it’s the perfect place to spot migrating humpback whales.

4. Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay

Greenfield Beach is another pristine beach in the Jervis Bay region with that beautiful white powdery sand.

It’s another family-friendly beach perfect for swimming with clear aqua water and small waves, and it’s a top spot for a beachside BBQ.

5. Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay

When I first set eyes on Green Patch Beach, I was blown away. I’d never heard of this beach or Booderee National Park, where it is located, and it was just as spectacular as Hyams in nearby Jervis Bay.

Are you getting the hint yet that the Jervis Bay region has some amazing beaches?! The water, whilst a little cool for swimming in September, was clean and clear, and the sand soft and beautiful to walk on.

6. Main Beach, Byron Bay

Located in the northern end of New South Wales is the legendary Byron Bay, which is famous for surfing and an alternative surfers’ lifestyle.

If you’re a surfer, Byron Bay has several great beaches to choose from, but it’s Main Beach that sees most of the visitors walking and swimming. and enjoying a beachside BBQ.

7. Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

Just around the corner from Byron Bay is beautiful Wategos Beach, one of the most northern beaches on this list and a paradise away from the big waves frequented by surfers in Byron.

This beach is protected by the headland, which makes it an awesome beach for swimming AND riding a longboard with the gentle waves and long rides.

There’s a BBQ area to enjoy or make yourself up a picnic and sit on the beach, admiring this picturesque location.

8. Pebbly Beach

Located in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast, Pebbly Beach is probably most famous as the place to see wild kangaroos hopping around on the sand. (Here are more places to see wild kangaroos in Australia)

They are used to human interaction, and there’s a chance you can get up close and personal. Our kids loved it, and the turn-off is about 10 kilometres south of Termeil.

9. Seal Rocks

If you are planning a Sydney to Brisbane road trip, I highly suggest a stop at Seal Rocks, a quiet fishing village offering clear bays for swimming, snorkelling, boating, and fishing.

This beach is just perfect, and much quieter than your usual East Coast beaches, and has a gentle sloping shoreline that makes it great for little ones to paddle in.

10. Bronte Beach, Sydney

There are many great beaches in Sydney, but another of our favourites would be Bronte Beach in the eastern suburbs. It’s a beautiful beach with a small main street giving it a great vibe.

We always stop at Bronte when we do the Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk and just love it as a family beach.

11. Bondi Beach

I always hesitate to put Bondi Beach on any list because, as a beach, it’s not one of my favourites, but hey, it’s Bondi and one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and you should go there at least once! Actually, the more I go there lately, the more I appreciate it.

It’s the starting point to our much loved Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and I don’t think you could get any more Australian than learning to surf at Bondi.

12. Balmoral Beach, Sydney

Balmoral Beach is a picturesque coastal gem just outside Sydney and is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Its calm waters and golden sands make it an ideal spot for families who want relaxation.

13. Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

One of the best beaches in the South Coast NSW is Murray’s Beach, located in our favorite spot, Jervis Bay.

Murrays Beach is also nestled within the Booderee National Park, which, as I mentioned before, is one of my favorite places in Jervis Bay, and perhaps Murrays Beach will show you why.

It’s unspoiled and reasonably quiet, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet on the soft, pearly white sand.

It has gentle waves because it’s sheltered by Bowen Island, which means it’s great for families with small kids who love to paddle.

14. Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour

One of our friends who lives in Coffs Harbour recommended Diggers Beach as one of the top things to do in Coffs Harbour (located across from the Big Banana), and we’re glad we listened to them!

It’s a great family-friendly beach, being sheltered and wide, making it a nice place for our kids to swim and play on the sand.

15. Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven

When the tides are optimal, one thing you will find at any beach in Australia is surfers. Another popular surfing spot on the NSW coastline is Seven Mile Beach, located in a national park near Shoalhaven.

This long stretch of sand is famous for its surf, and you can always see people out on the waves from dawn until dusk. There may even be some playful dolphins swimming between the boards, too!

16. Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie

Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie is not only visually stunning, but it’s also a great place for whale and dolphin spotting. The beach is known for its excellent surf and expansive golden sandy beach. You can visit the historic lighthouse, go swimming, or enjoy camel rides on the beach.

To get there, take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which is one of the top things to do in Port Macquarie.

17. Jibbon Beach, Royal National Park

There are many beautiful beaches in Royal National Park, but none are as stunning as Jibbon Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and sparkling views.

There is a wonderful hike called the Jibbon Beach Loop Track, which takes you past an extensive network of Aboriginal rock engravings. It’s one of our favorite walks in the Royal National Park!

Map Of These NSW Beaches

To help you plan which beaches to visit, here is a detailed map showing their locations.

Tours in NSW

More NSW Travel Tips

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Original Article on yTravel Blog