Australia · New South Wales · Sydney
Sydney’s calm-water beach picks
Sydney offers ocean beaches plus sheltered harbour coves, so there is almost always a comfortable swim option. The best choice depends on the wind direction.
Why wind matters here
Easterly winds push chop onto the open coast, while westerlies can smooth out ocean beaches but make harbours gusty. Knowing which side is sheltered helps you avoid rough water.
Today’s recommendation logic
- • Light wind (0–10 kt): choose any favorite beach.
- • Moderate wind (10–18 kt): pick the most sheltered side of each bay or headland.
- • Strong wind (18+ kt): default to harbour beaches and enclosed swimming areas.
Best picks when wind is onshore
When wind blows in from the east, swap to harbour beaches like Balmoral, Nielsen Park, or Chinamans Beach, which stay calmer and family-friendly.