Your next beach outing in Sydney shouldn’t be just any old beach. It should be one of the best in Australia, and according to a recently released national ranking, it can be — right here at home. A newly released edition of Lonely Planet‘s Best Beaches Australia has ranked 100 standout shores around the country, highlighting the top picks across categories like surfing, camping, wildlife, snorkelling and bushwalking. And when it comes to bushwalking, one little-know Sydney beach has taken out the top spot. Tucked inside Sydney Harbour National Park, Reef Beach has been named the number one beach in the country for bushwalking, placing it ahead of iconic coastal destinations across Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip.
Reef Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park
Other beaches in NSW to earn a mention in the guide include the world-famous Hyams Beach for family trips, Merewether Beach for surfing and Ned’s Beach on Lord Howe Island for snorkelling and wildlife, but Reef Beach in Sydney was the only spot to take out the top position in its category.
Positioned along the iconic Spit to Manly Walk, the beach sits in the heart of Sydney Harbour National Park, offering direct access to one of the city’s most beloved harbour trails. While it’s located in a well-known part of Sydney’s northern beaches, the beach itself remains quiet and relatively low on crowds, which is a key reason it stood out in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia, a guide that assessed 100 incredible beaches nationwide.
The Spit to Manly track runs directly past the beach, forming part of a roughly 10km harbour walk that links secluded coves, turquoise ocean views, sandstone cliffs and panoramic lookouts before reaching Manly. Along this stretch, walkers can detour to the historic Grotto Point Lighthouse, see Aboriginal rock engravings carved into the sandstone platforms, or climb to Arabanoo Lookout at Dobroyd Head for incredible harbour views. Short connecting tracks also lead toward neighbouring Forty Baskets Beach, another secluded harbour beach known for its crystal clear, calm waters and picturesque tidal pool.
Key features
Location: Dobroyd Head, Sydney Harbour National Park (near Manly)
Access: Primarily accessed on foot along a 500m walking track from Beatty St
Parking: No direct parking. Free street parking is available at the end of Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights
Entry: Free
Accessibility: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs
Difficulty: Generally easy, with some stairs and uneven sections on the longer walk
Best for: Bushwalking, swimming, scenic harbour views
Read more about Reef Beach on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
How to get there
Reef Beach takes around 30–40 minutes to reach by car from Sydney’s CBD, depending on traffic. If you’re using public transport, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, then follow the Spit to Manly Walk toward The Spit until you reach Reef Beach. Alternatively, buses from the city run to Balgowlah Heights, with a short walk down to the track from Beatty Street. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.