CAPA WORLD

Sydney has its fair share of iconic beaches and we've compiled a list just for you! Make plans to check out these fantastic spots while studying abroad in Australia.

As Sydney experiences some warmth and sunny months, the best way to spend some of your time is at the beach! Exploring different areas around the city is such an incredible way to appreciate the surrounding areas and the unique culture that Australia has to offer.

1. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is by far the most iconic beach in Sydney. (And for good reason!) About four miles east of the city, this area is filled with locals, tourists, surfers, skaters, and anyone who wants to enjoy the cold water and the fresh air. Bondi originated from the Aboriginal word "Boondi" which means surf in English. It has an incredible “Bondi Beach Pool” right along the Pacific, which dates back to 1929. So, after spending some time in the ocean, go try something new and head to the pool. You can easily spend a whole day there, swimming, exploring the shops, walking along the coasts, and eating great food! My favorite thing to get while there is sushi roll.

2. Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach is a fun area if you are looking to relax and enjoy the bliss of being in Australia. I have gone here a couple times by myself after class. It is quite surreal just being able to swim for a bit, walk around, read in the park, and treat myself to dinner. During the Lunar Eclipse, people gathered together to look at the red moon which was a memorable experience.

3. Bronte Beach

In between Coogee Beach and Bondi Beach lies Bronte, perfectly in the middle. Every layout of the beaches is a little bit different. This one encompasses a family feel: perfect for a cookout and families. Behind the beach lies lots of picnic tables and barbecue grills which the community has access to. My favorite thing to do here is swim for a bit, enjoy the walk from Bronte to Coogee, and take a bus home from there!

 
Bronte Beach.

4. Manly Beach

Manly Beach has been my go-to beach over the past couple of months. The reason I enjoy it so much is because it feels separate from Sydney, especially when you take the ferry over from Circular Quay. The beach has a long stretch of sand as well as an array of smaller beaches along the harbour side. The town is hustling and bustling and you could easily spend an entire day there!

5. Royal National Park

A bit of a hike to get there (literally and figuratively), Royal National Park was my most recent excursion. It takes about two hours to get there by train but is worth every second. I would recommend doing the Figure Eight Pools trail, which leads you past a beautiful and secluded beach as well as natural pools alongside the ocean. You can swim in the pools and then walk a couple minutes and jump into the waves of the ocean!

You really can’t go wrong when it comes to picking a beach in Sydney. Everywhere you go there is going to be a beautiful coast, warm weather (hopefully), and plenty of things to do. I enjoy exploring different ones on my own and then going back there later with friends to appreciate them in a different sense. Make the most of the sunny days and free weekends and take advantage of the easy access to world-famous beaches.

Thanks, Eliza!

Eliza Drohan is an official CAPA blogger for fall 2022, sharing her story in frequent posts on CAPA World. A Finance and Human Resource Management major at University of Pittsburgh, she is studying abroad in Sydney this semester. All views expressed are her own and may or may not reflect the experiences of other students.

Eliza's journey continues all semester so stay tuned.