Take a short stroll through leafy Rosherville Reserve in Mosman and you’ll find yourself at Chinamans Beach – a harbour enclave often disregarded in favour of its beautiful (but busy) neighbour, Balmoral Beach. Take a dip in its azure waters and enjoy breathtaking views across Middle Harbour.

One of Sydney’s most secret beaches, Store is accessible only by water. Hire a kayak from Manly Kayak Centre and paddle for about 20 minutes to this sheltered spot just inland from the old Quarantine Station.  Your efforts will be rewarded with your own slice of paradise.

Botany Bay’s industrial reputation means this area is often overlooked in favour of Sydney’s famous harbour beaches. Tucked away in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, pretty Congwong Beach has naturally protected waters and small swell. Make a day of it and add a tour of Bare Island – a historic military defence fort – to your itinerary.

Don’t be deterred by the three-hour return walk through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – a coastal hideaway awaits you at Resolute Beach. Begin the walk at Resolute picnic ground and don’t miss the detour to Red Hands Cave, where you’ll find significant examples of Aboriginal art. Bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water to drink.

Situated at the base of Strickland House in Vaucluse, Milk Beach has inviting, crystal-clear water and vistas of Shark Island and the city skyline. The secret beach can be accessed on the Hermitage Foreshore walk, which starts at Bayview Hill Road and ends at the popular Nielsen Park. 

East of Mosman, Chowder Bay is a tranquil swimming, snorkelling, diving and picnic spot. It's surrounded by bushland and excellent walking trails so if you’re feeling energetic you can make it a pitstop on the rewarding Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge hike.

This wild beach is so elusive that it disappears at high tide. Backed by a steep, rocky escarpment, it's only accessible by walking around the rock platform from Narrabeen Beach. Bring a surfboard and check the tides beforehand to make your journey worthwhile.

Secluded from the buzz of Manly, yet only a 15-minute walk from the main drag, Collins Beach is where the locals retreat to when the crowds roll in. Paddling in the calm waters of the bay, surrounded by rocky escarpments and vegetation, you’ll feel like you’re miles from it all.

A walk along the 10-kilometre Manly to Spit track would be incomplete without a cooling dip at Reef Beach. Find a rock to dry off on and head up to the adjacent Arabanoo Lookout to take in views of nature’s gateway to the harbour.

This secret beach is popular with families due to its protection from the strong coastal winds and swells that lash neighbouring Botany Bay. The golden sands and clear, calm waters make it an ideal spot for snorkelling, building sandcastles or swimming.

20 Unmissable Things to Do in Sydney