review: sydney beaches

Bondi

So you've probably heard that Bondi is the beach to visit in Sydney.  Granted, it's gorgeous.  And, yes, I would make the trip.  It's worthwhile to see once.  Or even a couple times a year if you live in Sydney.  But after that, it's for the tourists and backpackers.

It's noisy, it's packed, it's full of the glamorous going to see and be seen.

The scenery is amazing, but it's seriously tainted by the abundance of stores and huge commercialization all around it.  (Though I might just mention that the San Churros is a place I'm glad they've got.  Perhaps tucked back two streets in would be nicer, but I suppose that's bad for business.  Oh well.)

In short, worth going to, but not staying at.

Manly

Manly is the other beach in Sydney.  Billed as "seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care" or something like that, it's definitely worth a trip.  Preferably at least a day trip via the aptly named Manly ferry.

The ferry ride is glorious, and the beach is duly impressive.  I think Bondi's got it for the sheer "wow-that's-gorgeous" factor, but Manly's got the town, not mention surfers who can actually surf.  The Corso is laid back and casual -- everything in Manly is.  There's tons of shops there, too, but it's just chilled and relaxing.  It's got a real beach feel you just can't beat.

The beach itself is long and nice.  There's volleyball nets.  There's picnic areas.  There's two swimming areas.  It's lovely.

Balmoral

While there's no surf at Balmoral, it's really just beautiful.  It covers a decent area and has the most winning little peninsula.  I love it.  It's great to just go out and curl up on -- to cry, to write, to talk on the phone, to read, to sunbathe, to picnic -- it hits nearly any mood.  The only thing I'm careful of is to avoid going with a boy:  it's the sort of place I'm just afraid I'd accept any proposal, and really that could pose all sorts of awkward troubles I'd rather just avoid.  Additionally, though, Balmoral also has a pavilion wherein they perform Shakespeare by the Sea in the summer.  The concept's great, though the direction's horribly dull.  It's a donation on the honor system, so I guess you get more or less what you pay for.

Cronulla

Gem of the south.  Reminds me of Manly.  A bit big and a bit far and a bit city-ified for my taste, but I have complete respect for those who like it.  You can't go that far wrong.

Coogee

Like it.  Not the best, not the worst.  Still can't get over the hotel scandal.

Maroubra

Gorgeous.  Hardly ever get there, but it's beautiful.  Not so overwhelming, either, which is nice.

Palm Beach

Now this is a beach worth going to.  The Barrenjoey Lighthouse, the Pittwater, the ocean.  The Home and Away set if that's your sort of thing.  The ocean, again, if it's not.  Far, far out of Sydney and definitely worth the trip.  Particularly if you can finish it off with a stop at the place that sells really lovely tea and desserts.

Whale, Avalon and Bilgola Beaches

More beautiful than Palm in that they're smaller and more isolated.  Absolutely stunning.  Among my favorites in the world.

Collaroy, Narrabeen, Long Reef and Curl Curl Beaches

My other favorites of the Northern Beaches.  Almost as beautiful as Whale, Avalon and Bilgola.  Love them, love them, love them.