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!