Top 12 Family Friendly Beaches in Sydney

Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach! Wondering where Ryde District Mums like to go for a day of sun, sea, and sand? Here’s a list of top beaches, all within 40 minutes drive from Ryde, perfect for a family day out!

Balmoral Beach, Mosman

Distance from Ryde – 18km / 35 mins

A local favourite, Balmoral is perfect for families with gentle waves, soft sand, and a playground. There’s also a kiosk and nearby cafes for a relaxed day.

Facilities: Toilets, kiosks, enclosed swimming area, playground, cafes, car park.
Top Tip: Get there early for parking or park on the residential streets up the hill.

Clontarf Beach

Distance from Ryde – 19km / 35 mins

Ideal for introducing kids to paddling, Clontarf has a netted swimming area and calm waves. It’s a peaceful spot to relax after a swim.

Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, netted swimming area, playground, car park.
Top Tip: Bring a picnic blanket for a relaxing time in the reserve.

Clifton Gardens Reserve, Mosman

Distance from Ryde – 20km / 35 mins

A family-friendly beach with calm waters and a netted swimming area. It’s great for a quiet day out with a nearby playground and kiosk.

Facilities: Toilets, kiosk, netted swimming area, playground, car park.
Top Tip: Combine with a visit to Taronga Zoo for a full day of fun!

Parsley Bay Beach, Vaucluse

Distance from Ryde – 15km / 30 mins

This charming, sheltered beach is perfect for families with its calm waters and scenic surrounds. There’s a small park and a beautiful walking track.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic area, car park.
Top Tip: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore the nearby bushwalking tracks.

Putney Beach, Putney

Distance from Ryde – 6km / 15 mins

A hidden gem right on the Parramatta River, Putney Beach offers a quiet retreat for a relaxing swim and picnic with beautiful views.

Facilities: Toilets, small picnic area, car park.
Top Tip: Perfect for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Chinamans Beach, Mosman

Distance from Ryde – 12km / 25 mins

A peaceful, family-friendly beach with calm waters. It’s perfect for a relaxing swim or picnic on the sand.

Facilities: Toilets, car park.
Top Tip: A great spot for a quiet getaway close to home.

North Curl Curl Beach

Distance from Ryde – 32km / 40 mins

North Curl Curl is a spacious beach stretching to Narrabeen Beach, with a fantastic playground at its front.

An off-leash dog exercise area is located behind the dunes at Adam Street Reserve, but dogs are not permitted 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: Parking is free for vehicles displaying a Council parking permit. Pay and display is available for others, with designated disabled car spaces. You can also park in the clearway for free!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

 

Have fun, RDMs! And remember: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, and always swim between the flags!

 

 

 

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