Sydney Southern Beaches
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Positives
- Quintessential Aussie beaches
- Bondi beach scene
- Urban entertainment
- Good transport links
Negatives
- Limited options
- Thick city crowds
- Localised reefs
- Expensive
Sydney Southern Beaches surf travel guide
Sydney's indented, jagged coastline is broken and divided by four large riverine estuaries. Cronulla on the southerly outskirts, is sandwiched between the large Port Hacking estuary and the famous 'discovery' anchorage of Botany Bay, which is still the location for most foreign arrivals at the international airport built into the bay. Sydney's city beaches extend from Maroubra to that most iconic symbol of Aussie life, Bondi Beach, sitting a mere 8km from the skyscrapers of the Central Business District of downtown Sydney. With easy modern transport links, Bondi has become a must-see melting pot of beach culture for Sydney's myriad tourists and backpackers, plus plenty of city workers looking to cool down in some typical Aussie beachies or take on the challenge of some of the heavy reefs that stud this crowded urban coastline.
Surf spots in Sydney Southern Beaches
Research the 16 surf breaks in Sydney Southern Beaches and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Sydney Southern Beaches.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Sydney Southern Beaches
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is serviced by most major international and domestic airlines, located 8 km (5 mi) south of the Sydney central business district, in the suburb of Mascot. Less than half an hour's drive will see you in the water at any of the city beaches and Cronulla is not much further if the traffic is flowing.
Getting Around
The city beaches are compact and easy to move between, while Cronulla is a long way 'round Botany Bay. Cronulla has train connections from the western suburbs, seen as a curse by many coastal dwellers. Buses will take boards outside peak times. A rental car makes life easier (fr $30/d) but parking at the beach in summer is often troublesome and expensive. Drive on the left.
Accommodation
Check online for the best deals - expect a minimum of AU$100 night for somewhere decent and clean. Bondi Backpackers and YHA from AU$45/n. Air BnB from AU$80/n. Takeaways and fast food lunch from AU$15 - dinner in a restaurant at least double that - BYO drinks. Coffee shops everywhere charging AU$5 and upwards for a hit. Eight bucks a beer (schooner = 425ml) from a local pub.
Activities
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nightlife. Climb the Harbour Bridge for stunning views. Sutherland Shire's Royal National Park (aka Nasho), will offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching along with a number of great surfing spots.
Hazards & hassles
Shark worries increase around the estuary mouths and down into the National Park. The locals are very competitive, especially at the big-name reefbreaks where the pecking order must be observed. Localism is less-prevalent these days since so many tourists float through the city beach line-ups and create general chaos. Parking can be difficult and expensive. All of Sydney's beaches can suffer from sewage pollution in onshores and stormwater after rain. Summer NE winds bring stinging bluebottle jellyfish.
Handy Hints
There are a multitude of surf shops where you can find cheap gear. Avoid the famous reefs and points unless you properly rip. Walking along the longer beaches for a while often reduces the crowd factor.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.