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Sydney is famous for its spectacular coastline, with a mix of well-known lively city beaches and quiet coastal areas.
And this means it has some of the most sought-after beachside suburbs in the country.
The great thing about these suburbs, from both a lifestyle and an investment perspective, is the fact they are landlocked.
Which means there is no opportunity to increase their supply of property.
Sure, some free-standing homes may get transformed into duplexes, or some areas may be rezoned for conversion into apartments.
But overall, the limited land availability in these suburbs means they cannot accommodate thousands of new properties like an outer-suburb master-planned community can.
That means these beach suburbs are the trifecta:
- A sought-after location ensures ongoing demand.
- Finite supply levels to keep pressure on price growth.
- Close proximity to the beach – a resource and attraction that never goes out of favour.
Now, these suburbs don’t come cheap.
But between the laid-back lifestyle, spectacular views and significant capital growth potential, you’ll likely come to the conclusion that they’re worth the extra investment.
To help, we’re counting down the 10 best beach suburbs in the Harbour City.
So whether you’re a local looking for a new home or are a tourist hoping to experience the best Sydney has to offer, this list will give you some of the best suburbs we have to offer.
Which one will take out the number 1 spot?
1. Bondi
Coming in at number one is the quintessential Sydney beach suburb: Bondi.
It’s Sydney’s most iconic beach suburb, famous for its wide sandy beach, lifeguard patrols, cafés, wild nightlife and bustling restaurants.
The suburb is just 7km from Sydney’s CBD and the vibe simply can’t be recreated.
But living near this world-famous beach isn’t cheap, with houses averaging $4.15 million in February 2025, but if you’re happy to settle for a small apartment you could get into the market for around $1.4 million.
2. Dee Why
Café culture and beachfront bliss, without all the tourists and Insta-famous D-list celebrities? Yes, please!
It’s 18km from the CBD, so it’s far away enough that you won’t feel like you’re caught up in the inner-city rat race, but it’s still close enough for a comfortable commute.
The Dee Why Lagoon attracts abundant local wildlife, and the vibrant dining scene along The Strand is a local favorite.
3. Umina Beach
Okay, so it’s a fair hike out of Sydney, but Umina Beach may be worth the 85km drive from the CBD.
It’s a beachside oasis with a genuine community feel, where the neighbours still nod hello and kids are riding bikes or playing cricket together on Sunday afternoons.
It’s an ideal location for families with parents who work in the city centre, where you can still score a beachside property for a surprisingly affordable $1.147 million median (as of February 2025).
4. Freshwater
Freshwater’s premium property market and $5.85 million median house price makes it one of the most expensive suburbs in the country.
The Northern Beach suburb has a strong surf culture – it has been widely regarded as the birthplace of Australian surfing since Hawaiian World Champion Duke Kahanamoku, with beaches to die for.
Freshwater is 17km from the CBD in the Northern Beaches.
5. Coogee
Coogee is an upmarket suburb that offers plenty for families, including schools, parks and, of course, beautiful beaches.
The famous Coogee Pavilion is a real drawcard and adds to its charm.
Meanwhile, the suburb’s location, sheltered beach within the bay and scenic coastal walks make it a popular choice among families, professionals and holiday-makers.
6. Mosman
Can’t decide between seaside views or native bushland?
Look no further than Mosman!
Just 8km from Sydney’s CBD on the Lower North Shore, Mosman boasts a combination of sparkling water and leafy greenery.
The main shopping and restaurants strips have plenty of boutique shopping, trendy cafes and bars, and it’s also home to Taronga Zoo.
7. Rose Bay
Tucked away behind bustling Bondi, Rose Bay’s ideal seaside location, open green spaces and prestigious schools make it a great option for families.
As of February 2025, houses in this waterfront suburb have a $7 million median price tag, but for that investment, you get the coveted beachside convenience and lifestyle.
Although the petite suburb lacks its own train station, regular bus routes connect residents to the CBD or nearby Bondi Junction and Edgecliff train stations.
8. Cronulla
Safe, patrolled beaches, rock baths and loads of great restaurants, bars, and cafes – what more could you want?
Cronulla has had a “colourful” reputation in the past, but it has since transformed into a thriving coastal hub, drawing many people to the area.
The beaches have pristine water, there are gorgeous sand dunes and a number of fantastic parks.
Cronulla is also one of Sydney’s few beachside suburbs accessible by train, making it an attractive option for commuters.
9. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is the perfect spot for nature-loving Sydneysiders who love the great outdoors.
With national parks, beautiful beaches and the amazing Barrenjoey Lighthouse on offer, the suburb is a paradise for those who love to be outside.
The median house price in Palm Beach as of February 2025 is a sizeable $5.7 million, which is hefty for a suburb 40km from the CBD – but once you’ve seen the view from the lighthouse, you’ll understand why.
10. Tamarama
Located around 6km from Sydney’s CBD and nestled between Bondi and Bronte and along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, Tamarama is a small but beautiful spot to swim, picnic and explore.
Its close proximity to the city makes it an easy commute for professional workers, and the suburb’s annual world-famous sand sculpture exhibition attracts many visitors.
Tamarama is also home to one of the first surf lifesaving clubs in the world.
So, there you have it.
Whether you’ve got $5.5 million-plus to splash out on a ritzy Palm Beach pad, or you’re hoping to secure a slice of beachside bliss in Umina for a more affordable $1.1-ish million, there’s a waterside suburb for everyone in Sydney.
