Hidden Beaches in the Eastern Suburbs

As we head into the last week of summer, temperatures are still comfortably reaching 30C+ and there’s plenty more sun to soak up … and there’s no better way to catch the rays than down by the water, on the beach.

When you’re one of the most famous beaches in the world though, a piece of sandy real estate can be tough to come by. If you fancy a dip, you’re lucky not to lose an eye with the number of hands and feet flying around the whitewash between the flags … and you can forget about getting on a board, you’ll be sharing all your waves with at least five other surfers and a stand-up paddle boarder.

If you want to escape the chaos of Bondi in summer and enjoy the beauty of nature in peace or you just want a clean section of sand without the crowds so you can snap a shot of paradise that’s worthy of your ‘Gram … here’s where you’ll find the best secret beaches around the Eastern Suburbs.

Kutti Beach

Nestled between Parsley Beach and Watson’s Bay, at the bottom of a steep wooden staircase, is a hidden oasis surrounded by multi-million dollar waterfront mansions. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’re guaranteed to miss it.

Kutti Beach is hidden behind a white picket fence located near the Vaucluse Amateur 12 Foot Skiff Club and it offers a secluded patch of paradise that will have you feeling like you’ve just stepped onto the private beach of your Vaucluse castle with the cool, flat waters of Sydney Harbour as your private swimming pool. Dogs are welcome too so you can bring your canine companion along to share in the serenity.

Gordons Bay

While it’s probably the worst kept secret of them all, Gordons Bay can feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bondi or Coogee and has long been a local favourite. Directly off the Coastal Track, the deep gully is home to a pocket-sized, disappearing beach. You’ll have to keep an eye on the tides because, while you might have a bit of sand to lay your towel down at one point, your stuff could be floating around the ocean the next.

Whether you manage to find a bit of beach or you’re rock-bound, the calm waters that are protected by the sandstone headlands of South Clovelly and North Coogee make it the perfect spot for a bit of underwater exploration. The Bay is home to Sydney’s only underwater nature trail and if you get the goggles on, there’s plenty of fish, stingrays and other marine wonders to be found.

Milk Beach

Along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk that runs through the Sydney Harbour National Park is this small isolated beach surrounded by the Heritage Listed Strickland House. With stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and the city skyline, it can become a popular spot – especially for the boats and yachts that rock up on the foreshore. So set up shop early, enjoy a lazy afternoon on the sand and milk this beach for all its worth!

words by james phillips