1. Balmoral Beach, Mosman
Distance from Ryde – 18km / 35 mins
It’s no wonder Balmoral Beach is the clear favourite time and time again for RDMs. It’s one of the closest beaches, has gentle waves, soft sand, and great cafes. It’s also super picturesque, and did we mention it has a playground?
Facilities: Toilets, several kiosks, enclosed swimming area, playground, nearby cafes and restaurants, car park.
Top Tip: Parking can be tricky (and expensive), so get there early or park on the residential streets up the hill—if you’re up for a little walk.
2. Clontarf Beach
Distance from Ryde – 23km / 35 mins
This beach is an ideal spot to introduce your kids to paddling, as it’s on the harbour with gentle waves. The netted swimming area is shallow, which is great if you’re managing more than one child.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, netted swimming area, car park, playground, and reserve.
Top Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and toys so you can relax in the reserve after your sand and sea time.
3. North Curl Curl Beach
Distance from Ryde – 32km / 40 mins
North Curl Curl is a long beach that extends to Narrabeen Beach, with a fantastic playground just at the front.
There is an off-leash dog exercise area behind the dunes at Adam Street Reserve and no dogs are allowed on the beach. Swimming in Curl Curl Lagoon is not recommended.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, car park, playground, rock pool, and lifesaving club. Plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby.
Top Tip: North Curl Curl has parking available that is free for vehicles displaying a Council parking permit and pay and display is available for those without. Designated disabled car spaces.
You can park in the clearway for free!
4. Collaroy Beach
Distance from Ryde – 32km / 40 mins
Collaroy Beach is known for its wide, flat expanse of sand and great family-friendly atmosphere. The gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and bodyboarding, especially for younger children. There’s also a rock pool at the southern end, perfect for a calmer swim. Collaroy is adjacent to Long Reef and Narrabeen, offering plenty of coastal walks and stunning ocean views.
Facilities: Toilets, playground, rock pool, car park, surf lifesaving club, picnic tables, nearby cafes, and restaurants.
Top Tip: Grab a bite to eat at The Collaroy or pop into a nearby café for a coffee with a view. There’s also a fantastic playground just behind the beach, great for kids to burn off any extra energy.
5. Freshwater Beach
Distance from Ryde – 26km / 40 mins
This broad and shallow beach is perfect for kids to paddle, with gentle waves that are great for introducing children to bodyboarding.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, playground, rock pool, car park, and lifesaving club. Cafes and restaurants are just a short walk away.
Top Tip: When the tide is out, it’s a bit of a trek to the water, so organize your bags to avoid multiple trips!
6. Dee Why Beach
Distance from Ryde – 25km / 40 mins
This long sandy beach caters to all ages, although the surf can be rough for young paddlers. The rock pool is a great alternative.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosks, plenty of cafes and restaurants along the front, car park, rock pool, playground, and lifesaving club.
Top Tip: Make a pit stop at the enclosed playground on the southern end of the beach—it’s perfect for little ones.
7. Terrigal Beach
Distance from Ryde – 76km / 70 mins
A great beach in a lively town not too far from Sydney. The beach extends to Wamberal and has relatively calm waves.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, car park, plenty of cafes and restaurants along the front, and a lifesaving club.
Top Tip: The lagoon north of the beach is perfect for younger kids to splash around in. For a weekend stay, consider checking out nearby accommodation options like the Crowne Plaza Terrigal.
8. Whale Beach
Distance from Ryde – 40km / 50 mins
Whale Beach is a picturesque and relatively quiet spot compared to its neighbouring Northern Beaches. With its golden sand, smaller crowds, and great surf conditions, it’s perfect for families looking for a more relaxed beach day. The waves are typically smaller than nearby Palm Beach, making it suitable for bodyboarding and beginner surfers. The rock pool on the southern end provides a safe spot for little ones to enjoy.
Facilities: Toilets, café, car park, small playground, rock pool, surf lifesaving club.
Top Tip: Arrive early to avoid weekend traffic on Barrenjoey Road. Don’t forget to explore the stunning nearby headlands for beautiful coastal views!
9. Avoca Beach
Distance from Ryde – 81km / 75 mins
Avoca Beach is a stunning Central Coast gem, offering a laid-back vibe and a range of activities for families. The southern end is sheltered, providing gentler waves for younger swimmers, while the northern end is great for surfing. There’s a lagoon ideal for paddleboarding or letting the kids splash around. The surrounding village is charming, with plenty of cafés and shops to enjoy when you need a break from the sun.
Facilities: Toilets, café, car park, playground, natural rock pool, surf lifesaving club.
Top Tip: Stick to the southern end if you’re with little ones for easier access to facilities, and don’t miss a stroll around the lagoon for a peaceful retreat from the beach crowd.
10. Newport Beach
Distance from Ryde – 33km / 40 mins
Newport Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand, offering plenty of space for beachgoers and families. The surf here can be strong, making it popular with surfers, but there are also calmer spots ideal for kids to splash around. The rock pool on the southern end is a great option for safe swimming. Newport is also known for its vibrant café scene, with plenty of options along the main road for a post-beach bite.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosks, car park, playground, rock pool, surf lifesaving club, nearby cafés, and restaurants.
Top Tip: Stop by The Newport for a family-friendly meal with gorgeous views over Pittwater, or grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés before heading home.
11. Palm Beach
Distance from Ryde – 42km / 50 mins
Palm Beach is the northernmost point of Sydney’s Northern Beaches and is famous for its beautiful stretch of sand and stunning coastal views. With calm waves on the Pittwater side and more surf-friendly conditions on the ocean side, it offers the best of both worlds. The iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk provides spectacular views, and you may even spot some Home and Away filming while you’re there!
Facilities: Toilets, rock pool, car park, nearby cafés, shops, surf lifesaving club.
Top Tip: Avoid weekend traffic by arriving before 10 am, and don’t miss the short but rewarding hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for panoramic views.
12. Umina Beach
Distance from Ryde – 75km / 70 mins
Umina Beach on the Central Coast is a family-friendly spot with a long stretch of golden sand and calm waves, making it great for young swimmers and surfers alike. The beach backs onto a large grassy reserve, which has a playground and skate park, providing plenty of options for kids after a swim. The nearby shops and cafés offer everything you need for a relaxing day out, and there’s a dog-friendly section for those bringing their furry friends.
Facilities: Toilets, café, car park, playground, skate park, surf lifesaving club, dog-friendly area.
Top Tip: Make a day of it by bringing a picnic to enjoy in the shaded areas by the reserve, or grab a coffee from one of the nearby beachside cafés.
13. Shelly Beach, Manly
Distance from Ryde – 26km / 40 mins
Shelly Beach is a hidden gem in Manly, located in a protected marine reserve at Cabbage Tree Bay. With calm, crystal-clear waters and plenty of marine life, it’s a fantastic spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The beach is small but perfect for families with younger children who prefer gentler waters. There’s a scenic bushwalking track around the headland offering breathtaking views, and you’ll find cafés nearby to grab a bite after your swim.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, café, car park, scenic walking track, netted swimming area.
Top Tip: Don’t forget your snorkels! Shelly Beach is known for its incredible underwater marine life, so be sure to explore beneath the surface.
14. Clovelly Beach
Distance from Ryde – 23km / 40 mins
Clovelly Beach feels more like a giant ocean pool, making it a great spot for snorkelers with its diverse marine life.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, playground, on-street parking, and lifesaving club.
Top Tip: Bring your snorkel to explore the underwater wonders!
15. Clifton Gardens Reserve, Mosman
Distance from Ryde – 20km / 35 mins
Clifton Gardens Reserve is a charming, family-friendly spot tucked away in Mosman. The sheltered, calm waters are perfect for a relaxed swim or a day of picnicking on the grassy areas. The beach is enclosed with a netted swimming area, making it safe for young children. There’s also a playground nearby to keep the kids entertained and a quaint kiosk for snacks and refreshments. With plenty of shade and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great choice for a low-key beach day.
Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, netted swimming area, playground, car park.
Top Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to Taronga Zoo, which is just a short drive away, for a full day of family fun.
Despite being inland, Ryde certainly offers plenty of choices for beach adventures within 45 minutes of driving. But wait, there’s more! Other beaches mentioned by RDMs include:
Northern Beaches:
- Clareville Beach Reserve, Clareville
- Avalon Beach, Avalon
- Narrabeen Beach, Narrabeen
- Mona Vale Beach, Mona Vale
- South Curl Curl Beach, Curl Curl
- Fairlight Beach, Fairlight
Central Coast:
- Toowoon Bay, The Entrance
- Copacabana Beach, Copacabana
- Pearl Beach, Pearl Beach
- Blue Bay, The Entrance
Sydney East:
- Shark Bay, Vaucluse
- Coogee Beach, Coogee
South Sydney:
- La Perouse Beach, La Perouse
- Stanwell Beach, Stanwell Park
- Bundeena Beach, Bundeena
- Brighton Le Sands
Sydney North:
- Greenwich Baths, Greenwich
- Chinamans Beach
Have fun, RDMs! And remember: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, and always swim between the flags!
