The Best Kid-Friendly Harbour Beaches
By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist
Harbour beaches are some of the best beaches to take kids. Rather than the sometimes rough seas and big waves of ocean beaches, harbour beaches are protected with calm, still waters, perfect for wading in with young kids. Their often also far less packed than popular ocean beaches in Summer, so try one of our favourites in the coming warm months!
1. Camp Cove
This beautiful little oasis in Watson’s Bay is shallow and protected, perfect for a paddle. It’s a great snorkelling spot boasting a wide variety of marine life including frogfish and cuttlefish, there’s a great kiosk, has city views worthy of a postcard, and it’s cosy and secluded. The perfect Instagram snap!
2. Shark Beach, Nielsen Park
This Vaucluse harbour beach has harbour views and a net-enclosed swimming area! There’s a restaurant, cafe, plenty of shade offered by fig trees, surrounding natural parklands with an abundance of space, and is an absolute family favourite- you’re bound to see a few families enjoying the sunshine here. It’s great not just for a swim, but lunch, a picnic or birthday party gathering too.
A photo posted by nicole + emily (@keepthemkeen) on
3. Balmoral Beach
This sandy harbour beach (well technically, there’s 3 of them in Balmoral) has it all, with many different elements to it that are totally family-friendly. There’s a playground, plenty of shade, a wide promenade for a nice stroll, enclosed swimming areas known as the Balmoral Baths, a bridge you can walk across to get to nearby Rocky Point, and some awesome places to eat! We checked out the Boathouse, and recommend you go there for some great coffee.
Balmoral Beach in Sydney is perfect and the best Beach in the city !! #balmoralbeach #sydney #australia #aussie #amazing #sun #summer #beach
A photo posted by Oceanna Travel Tips (@oceannaconsultoria) on
4. Greenwich Baths
Unlike the others on our list, this one charges an entry fee- but it’s a super family-friendly harbour view beach nonetheless, and children under 3 go free. It has views over Cockatoo island, the city skyline and Balmain. The swimming area is enclosed with shark-proof netting, the whole beach is gated so your kids really can’t go far, the menu in the onsite restaurant is delicious, and the small waves lapping the shoreline are said to be perfect for young, inexperiened swimmers. Tip: It’s currently undergoing renovations, so keep up to date when it opens!
5. Milk Beach
This one’s still a pretty well kept secret! Found in Hermit Bay, Vaucluse, you’ll find a quiet, family-friendly swimming spot. Watch seaplanes land, stroll the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, and most importantly, enjoy the warm, calm, still waters without the stress and chaos of the waves and crowds of an ocean beach day in the height of Summer.
Day spent at the beach #beauty #milkbeach #sea #summer #sydney #secretplace #operahouse #australia #relax
A photo posted by Luana Monterosso (@luana_mo) on
6. Murray Rose Pool
Formerly known as Redleaf and part of Seven Shillings Beach, this pool is another super family friendly Summertime destination. The enclosed swimming area is about 90m by 60m with boardwalks wrapping around it- fun to stroll around, as well as 2 floating pontoons that older kids will enjoy jumping off! The grass is sloping and perfect for relaxing in the sun, and there’s a nice little kiosk to top it all off.
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