Looking to get out and about with the kids and make a splash this Summer? We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fabulous places to cool off. Here’s your ultimate guide to the harbour beaches and swimming enclosures near the North Shore, for calmer waters the whole family can enjoy.
The rough waves and endless stretches of sand aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for some family-friendly swimming spots that offer a bit more shelter, we have you covered. Use the quicklinks below to find harbour beaches and swimming enclosures just waiting to be explored:
- Balmoral Baths, Balmoral
- Berry Island Reserve, Wollstonecraft
- Brooklyn Baths, Brooklyn
- Castle Rock Beach, Clontarf
- Clifton Gardens, Mosman
- Clontarf Baths, Clontarf
- Crosslands Reserve, Hornsby Heights
- Echo Point Park, Roseville
- Fairy Bower Sea Pool, Manly
- Forty Baskets, Balgowlah
- Greenwich Baths, Greenwich
- Northbridge Baths, Northbridge
- MacCallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point
- Manly Cove, Manly
- Manly Dam, Manly Vale
- Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo, Sydney
- Paradise Beach, Avalon Beach
- Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale
Looking for some fabulous rock pools for the kids to splash around in? Check out some stunning rockpools on Sydney’s Northern Beaches here!
Harbour beaches & swimming enclosures on the Lower North Shore
1. Balmoral Baths
Balmoral Beach
Balmoral is the perfect family-friendly beach that makes for a fabulous family day out during Summer. Kids can enjoy swimming in the enclosed bath area at the southern end of the beach. There’s a wooden boardwalk that runs right around it, with a shark net running along the outside. Plus, there’s an enclosed playground close by.Β
- Address: Balmoral, Mosman
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
2. Clifton Gardens, Mosman
Clifton Gardens in Mosman is a beautiful harbour beach
Located in Mosman, this is the perfect spot to explore in the Summer months. There’s a small, sheltered beach with an area marked off by a protective shark net for a safe swim. There’s also plenty more to do around the area. Kids can enjoy the shaded, fenced playground set on sand (like a beach of its own), with an off-leash dog park to the side. Great for a day out. Check out our review here.Β
- Address: Morella Rd, Chowder Bay, Mosman
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
3. MacCallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point
MacCallum Pool. Image: Flickr/Martin7d2
On the Western side of Cremorne Point, this 33-metre harbourside pool offers up plenty of character, along with amazing views. It was created as a rock pool by residents, before being turned into what you see today. It’s a great, safe swimming spot for families to enjoy, with a waterside timber deck where you can sit and relax.
“The architectural style of the current pool dates from the 1920s. In keeping with that character, it was first restored by Council in 1985.” – North Sydney Council
- Address: Milson Road, Cremorne Point
- Entry fees:Β Free
- More information
4. Berry Island Reserve, Wollstonecraft
Berry Island Park
A trip to Berry Island Reserve offers up a bushland park setting, along with a visit to a sheltered beach. It’s a little bit of everything. If you’re after harbour beaches and swimming enclosures, then check this one out. There’s a fenced playground where kids can climb and play, with a 750-metre bushwalk right next to it for a bit of adventure. When you’re ready for a dip, climb over a few rocks and head to the sand, where you will find a quiet spot for a splash. Relax back as you enjoy the stunning views of the harbour! See our review here.
- Address: 10 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft
- Entry fees:Β Free
- More information
5. Greenwich Baths
Greenwich Baths is a lovely little swimming spot on Sydney Harbour. The sheltered swimming spot has shark-proof netting for a safe swimming experience. Plus, there are lots of toys on the beach for kids to use free of charge. There are even lounge chairs for the parents, too. The baths are open for eight months of the year, from September to April.
- Address: Albert Street, Greenwich
- Entry fees: $5 per adult | $4 per child (3- 16 years)
- More information
6. Northbridge Baths
These unsupervised tidal baths are set along the Sydney Harbour foreshore in Middle Harbour. It’s the perfect swimming spot for families of all ages. You’ll find a small sandy beach that can only be accessed down a small bush track. Make use of the BBQ facilities, picnic area, change rooms and toiletsβeverything you need for a fun-filled family day out.
- Address: 2 Widgiewa Road, Northbridge
- Entry fees:Β Free
- More information
Harbour beaches & swimming enclosures on the Upper North Shore
7. Echo Point Park, Roseville Chase
This hidden gem on the North Shore is the perfect spot to explore the beach, heritage sites, mangroves, and more. The park itself spreads across three levels, so there are several stairs for you to work your way around. Park is at the top, with a short bush track leading down. On the second level, you will find a great playground for the kids. Then you can make your way down to the water at the bottom, where the family can splash around in this sheltered, calm swimming area.
- Address: Babbage Road, Roseville Chase
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
8. Crosslands Reserve, Hornsby Heights
Swimming at Crosslands Reserve
The swimming area at Crosslands Reserve is a tidal, sand-bottomed stretch of river on Berowra Creek on the upper reaches of the Hawkesbury River inlet. Itβs in a beautiful setting in Berowra Valley National Park. The area is perfect for picnics, bushwalking & canoeing. There’s a children’s playground, a bicycle track and several electric BBQs.
Note: There are sometimes issues with water quality, especially after heavy rain. Click here for up-to-date water conditions.
- Address: End of Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
9. Brooklyn Baths
Older kids can enjoy a few thrilling jumps into the water at Brooklyn Baths
Just a 20-minute drive from Wahroonga via the M1, Brooklyn is a beautiful spot to take the kids for a splash. There’s a small, netted swimming spot with a boardwalk around it. If you’re looking for the perfect harbour beaches and swimming enclosures for a day out, put this one on your list. It’s an excellent spot for kids to enjoy a splash! There are also nearby toilets, picnic shelters, BBQs, and an enclosed playground.Β Check swimming conditions.
- Address: Brooklyn
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
Harbour beaches & swimming enclosures on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
10. Castle Rock Beach, Clontarf
This tiny cove is part of the Manly to Spit walk, but you can also park nearby and walk down for a swim. Be warned, there are some steep, worn stairs to get you down to this beach. But once you’re down there, you will be treated to a secluded little beach, which even has its own waterfall! There are no cafes or toilets nearby, so you will need to come prepared with the kids!
- Address: 15 Ogilvy Road, Clontarf
- Entry fees: Free
11. Clontarf Baths
Clontarf Baths is a very popular swimming spot, and for good reason! The water is nice and calm, with fish swimming around you. There’s a big 50-metre net that stretches around to keep the whole family safe while swimming. There’s a great playground nearby with a very appropriate boat theme, and lots of cafes where you can pick up fish & chips, snacks, and ice cream!
- Address: Boyle St, Balgowlah
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
12. Forty Baskets, Balgowlah
Forty Baskets
Forty Baskets Beach is located in Manly Cove along The Spit to Manly walkway. Parking is available on Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights. The stairs leading to Forty Baskets Beach are between 28 and 30 Beatty Street.
The area offers scenic harbour views, a beach with a swimming enclosure and a pier, picnic & BBQ facilities, and swings.
- Address: Forty Baskets Beach, Balgowlah
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
13. Fairy Bower Sea Pool, Manly
This 20-metre sea pool is located along Marine Parade in Manly and is the perfect sheltered swimming area for families. It was built by residents in 1929 and was cut out and blasted into its triangular shape. It’s one of the smallest rock pools in Sydney, but it’s excellent for a cool-off or splash. There’s a cafe nearby for the all-important coffee, with toilets and a changing room handy.
- Address: Marine Parade, Manly
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
14. Manly Cove
Manly Cove
Manly Beach is well known for its great surf, but if you’ve got young kids, then it can be a tad rough! Located on the “ferry side” of Manly, this superb beach is perfect for families with young children. There are no waves, plenty of grassy areas and a shark net pool.
- Address: Fairlight Walk, Manly
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
15. Manly Dam, Manly Vale
Swim or splash at Manly Dam
Manly Dam is a beautiful freshwater lake, a calm, family-friendly spot for a splash. This is the perfect spot for kids, with a vast playground, plenty of grassy space to run around and explore, and easy access to the water. The area is popular for bushwalking, mountain biking and water skiing too.
- Address: 112 King Street, Manly Vale
- Entry fees: Pay-and-display parking fees apply at Manly Dam; Northern Beaches permit holders are exempt.Β
- More information
14. Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale
Winnererremy Bay
This stunning spot is well worth the drive for a day of sun, water, playing and cafes. You’ll find the Flying Fox Cafe right next to Winnererremy Bay Park, so you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat while the kids run! It’s right next to the water so that you can head across for a swim in the netted area. Next to this quiet Harbour Beach, you will also find a vast playground, grassy area, bike track, BBQs and large shelters for a great day out.
- Address: Mona St, Mona Vale
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
15. Paradise Beach, Avalon Beach
Paradise Beach
If you’re on the hunt for calmer waters for the kids to play, then go beyond Avalon Beach to find this hidden gem. Paradis Beach is on Pittwater’s foreshore and is a popular swimming area for families.
- Address: Paradise Ave, Avalon Beach
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
Harbour beaches & swimming enclosures in Sydney
16. Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo
Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo
Dip your toes in the beautiful waters of Marrinawi Cove at Barangaroo. This harbour swimming area is better for confident swimmers (and not little kids), as you enter the water via the rocks, and it gets deep quite quickly. It’s a good idea to wear Crocs (or similar).
Please be aware that this is a natural environment with slippery, uneven surfaces, oysters, algae, and other marine life. Swimmers are encouraged to take care at all times, to follow safety signage, and to wear suitable footwear.Β
There’s no need to worry about sharks either! A shark net is an integral part of the design for this location, given its proximity to the deep waters of Sydney Harbour. The shark net is anchored to the floor of the Cove and fully encloses the swimming area.
“You can touch the bottom in a few places but there was seaweed. I would suggest best for kids who can swim, as smaller children would not be able to touch at all. There is no sand and the rocks can be a bit slippery on entry, plus it is tidal so could get quite deep at high tide and busy. There was a shower to rinse off too as well as toilets to change etc which was great.” – Sally
- Address: Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo
- Entry fees: Free
- More information
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- Marrinawi Cove
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- Marrinawi Cove
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- Marrinawi Cove
