Australia Flights > Sydney > Beaches

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous beach, is located in the suburb of Bondi seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney. Bondi Beach is approximately one kilometre long, the width averages 50m at the north end, widening out to 100m at the south end. At the southern end of the beach are the Bondi Baths, which are over 100 years old and have been used by the famous Bondi Icebergs for many years. At the northern end of the beach there is the Children’s Wading Pool and the Wally Weekes Pool.

Swimming areas are designated by red and yellow flags, which are moved according to surf conditions. The northern end and the centre of the beach is usually the safest for swimming. The south end of the beach is available for board riders who are not permitted to go into the areas set aside for swimmers.

Bondi is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning the sound of breaking waves. There are Aboriginal Rock carvings on the northern end of the beach at Ben Buckler and south of Bondi Beach near McKenzies Beach on the coastal walk.

Coffs Coast Beach

Only five hours drive from Sydney, Coffs Coast State Park is on the popular NSW North Coast, famous for its year-round sunny weather. Located on the foreshores adjacent to the major coastal centre of Coffs Harbour, Coffs Coast State Park stretches from Bonville Headland in the south to Park Beach in the north. It takes in the beaches, the foreshores behind, and some of the local estuaries and wetlands.

The surrounding area has much to offer, from world heritage rainforests to a marine national park. Apart from Park Beach, there's the long stretches of Boambee and Sawtell beaches. The environs of Coffs Creek can be explored by boat. There are many bushwalks through the area. The beaches offer swimming, surfing and scuba-diving, or the opportunity to just laze around in the sun. June to October is whale-watching season. Many picturesque picnic sites are available. Beachcombing and horse riding are popular recreations. There are bowling and golf clubs. For the really adventurous, there's sky-diving!

Sawtell Beach office. Tel: (02) 6653 1379

Mystic Beach - Killalea

About an hour and a half's drive from Sydney, Killalea is 250 hectares of pristine coastal reserve sited on 8 km of coastline with one of the best surf beaches on the south coast of New South Wales. People travel miles, coming for the scenery, the surfing, for barbecues and picnics. Buhwalkers and campers take to the trails for multi-day visits.

Bushland and beaches are the big attractions. For nature lovers, walking trails through littoral rainforest areas offer many delights, as do trails along extensive estuarine wetlands and seabird breeding areas. Swimming and surfing are on offer at "The Farm" and "Mystics", two of the best surf beaches on the south coast. There are many picnic areas and a number of barbecue facilities. Beach, estuary and rock fishing beckon many anglers. For offshore fishing, you can launch your boat from Minnamurra or Shellharbour.