How to escape the crowds at Sydney’s beaches

  Visiting Sydney’s beaches is one of the best (and cheapest) activities you can do in the Harbour City. However, as places to see and be seen, the city’s shorelines are usually crowded with people. Anyone who has been to Bondi beach on a summer afternoon knows what it is like to see unending rows of towels lined up one after the other, bearing tanned bodies. If you prefer to have beaches more to yourself, check out these tips for avoiding the seaside crowds. 1. Visit lesser-known beaches Bondi might be the most famous coastal spot in Sydney, but it’s not necessarily the best if you prefer quieter beaches. Thanks to an extensive coastline, Sydney has dozens of fabulous beaches – the trick to escaping the crowds is often to seek out the lesser-known ones. Here are some great places to dodge the crowds:

• Mackenzie’s Bay Squeezed in between Bondi and Tamarama, this little rocky inlet is one of the most mysterious beaches in Sydney. In the right conditions, the rocky strip turns into a sandy beach. No one can predict exactly when the beach will appear or how long it will last, but if you are lucky enough to be around when it pops up, you’re in for a treat. Even if you just strike rock in Mackenzie’s Bay, this is a calm spot to launch your boogie board and enjoy the waves.
• Milk Beach  Hidden away in the Sydney Harbour National Park, Milk Beach manages to retain a touch of seclusion. From here you can lounge on the sand, enjoying direct views of the Sydney Harbour, or explore the nearby heritage-listed Strickland House.
• Shelly Beach Situated in the suburb of Manly, this beach is a little further from the centre than some of the others, but it’s worth the hike. Protected from large swells by a reef, it’s a good spot for swimming. There are also a few rock walks for more active beach goers, and a restaurant nearby to keep hunger at bay.
• Lady Martin’s Beach Hidden in Felix Bay, this is a quiet beach with an exclusive feel. The long stretch of sand is usually crowd free thanks to its enduring secret status.

2. Visit in the off season Beaches are synonymous with summer, but there is no reason you can’t visit in winter as well. You will see a whole different side of Sydney’s beaches in the blustery weather and you will probably only have to share them with joggers and dog walkers. 3. Be the earlybird Beat the crowds by hitting the beach at the crack of dawn. Not only will you get to witness spectacular sunrises, but you will only have to share the beaches with a select few others. Joining the early risers is a top notch way to get a glimpse of Bondi and other iconic beaches painted in colours as day breaks. 4. Get active If you don’t fancy lying elbow-to-elbow with other sun worshippers, skip the sunbathing and go for a walk instead. There are lots of fantastic coastal walks around Sydney where you can enjoy the sea views without having to contend with crowds. Check out the walk from Bondi to Coogee, Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay or Chinaman’s Beach to Balmoral Beach. On your way, keep an eye out for places to paddle or rock pools to poke around in. To get around to all the best beaches in Sydney, hire a car that has enough space for you, your friends and all of your beach towels and boogie boards. East Coast Car Rentals has just the ticket – check out our range of vehicles to start your beach trip.