The Best Kid Friendly Beaches On The North Shore

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Oh, North Shore, how we just adore your calm-watered, Instagram-worthy beaches. Some of the North’s beaches have already made our top lists for beaches at Pittwater, around the Harbour and on the Northern Beaches, so here are some more that are ideal for kids to paddle in.

1. Northbridge Baths

These gorgeous tidal baths can be found amongst the native bushland of Middle Harbour. Whilst there’s no cafe or playground, it is now FREE to get into the baths, and such a perfect spot for young families. There are hot showers and a change room, BBQ’s, picnic areas, a grassy area, plenty of sand, and a protected swimming area enclosed with a wooden boardwalk. Get in early to snag yourself a sun chair or head over early on Saturday mornings to compete in swimming races!

 

 

OMG….how gorgeous and tranquil is this place! Definitely have a new beach/ harbour swimming spot crush. It only took 30mins for us to get here, parking was easy and the walk down was short, plus not as steep as I was expecting. Then we were greeted by a peaceful, picturesque enclosed swimming spot with a big shallow area for the little ones to splash and dig in. There is a bbq, shade, toilets and it is FREE Only nice to have would be the kiosk opening more than just Saturday mornings. #sydneyharbour #freeswimmingspot #freewaterfun #parramattamums #parramattakids #lifeisgreat #gloriousspringday #funinthesun #newcrush #knowwhereiwillbethissummer

A photo posted by Parramatta District Parents (@parraparents) on Nov 5, 2016 at 5:33pm PDT

 

 

2. Chowder Bay

Found in the fabulous Clifton Gardens reserve and along the stunning Balmoral Beach to Taronga Zoo walk, this one has it all. There’s a great kiosk as well as fine dining restaurants and cafes, plenty of green space in the reserve, an awesome shaded and gated playground, and of course a calm, netted swimming area in the bay with a pier to jump off! All the while ferries and yachts are bobbing within view, and you can even look out out to the eastern suburbs!

 

A photo posted by adele2229 (@adele2229) on Oct 22, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT

 

 

3. Clontarf Beach & Reserve

We’re also giving a shout-out to nearby Sandy Bay Beach, for the perfect TOTAL family day out, where on-leash dogs can join in on the fun! At Clontarf, you’ll find BBQ’s, a netted swimming area, a cafe, a sit-down restaurant called “Clonnys”, a shaded playground suitable for toddlers to 12 year olds, gazebo style shelters, a grassy play area in the reserve and bike paths around the sand.

 

 

 

 

Monday nights be like

 

A photo posted by Tahli Richards (@tahlir) on Nov 7, 2016 at 2:53am PST

 

 

 

 

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A photo posted by Jenny Dai (@jenniiism) on Nov 5, 2016 at 11:07pm PDT

 

 

4. Balmoral Beach, The Esplanade

Another one that has it all for a full family day out! There’s a playground perfect for under 5s, plenty of shade, shady picnic areas, a wide promenade perfect for a stroll, an old stone bridge you can walk across to get to Rocky Point, and some awesome eateries. For great coffee and to see what the fuss is all about, we just HAVE to recommend the Boathouse, where every dish is Insta-worthy.

 

 

 

 

Balmoral Beach Life #balmoral #balmoralbeach #beach #beachbody

 

A photo posted by B A L M O R A L B E A C H (@balmoralbeach) on Apr 26, 2016 at 11:35pm PDT