Maroubra Beach, Sydney, Australia

Trying to dodge the draft? Rumor has it that Maroubra Beach is the perfect spot. According to legend, during World War II, surfers would take their boards out from this beach and hang out in the ocean for hours while draft officers combed the coast for recruits. Even if you're not avoiding the army, Maroubra Beach is a great option for a sunny day while you're vacationing in Sydney.

To get here, drive or take one of the many buses along Anzac Parade (one of the main thoroughfares out of Sydney). Maroubra is located about 10 kilometres south-east of Sydney's Central Business District, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even bike it on a nice day.

Most people come to Maroubra for the surf. Maroubra is only the second beach in Australia (after Bell's Beach) to be named a National Surfing Reserve, ensuring that the breaks and reefs here will remain unchanged by man for perpetuity. That means the great surfing here isn't in danger of being affected by any dredging or port building. If you're a beginner, start off with a lesson from the Sydney Safer Surf School and Safaris. Lessons are available 365 days a year.

If you get bored of Maroubra, take a stroll to Coogee and Clovelly Beaches along the beautiful coastal walk. Bondi is only a few kilometers further. You can spend an entire day ambling along this fantastic walk, a great day to see the best of Sydney’s beaches on the cheap.

Many residents lament Maroubra's commercialization since the 1970's, with increased food prices and difficulty finding parking. We still enjoyed it, however, with our favorite section being the rock pool a bit further up the beach. Check it out along with Sydney's other beach spots.

Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia

Only a stone’s throw from Sydney, Manly Beach is a great option for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s largest city. Sydney residents often prefer it over some of the closer beaches (like Bondi), as it's quieter and less popular with tourists. Towards sunset on a weekday, you might even have the whole beach to yourself.

The quiet oceanside hamlet of Manley is only a quick thirty minute ferry ride from Sydney's main terminal at Circular Quay. The waves here are some of the finest in New South Wales, and on a sunny day, it's not unusual to see a substantial number of surfers waiting for that perfect wave. Even more than the surf, however, it's the white sand and huge Norfolk pines set Manly apart from the other beaches in the Sydney metro area.

Surfing isn't the only opportunity for fun in Manly, however. Other activities include kayaking, beach volleyball, and scuba diving. Numerous companies operate tours, including an informative nature cruise. There’s even an academy for volleyball, if you’re interested in improving your spiking and setting.

Within walking distance of Manly lies Shelley Beach, well known as the only beach in Australia to face inland. It's also a prime spot for scuba diving, offering you a great chance of finding your own little Nemo.

After a full day of fun and sun, retire to the town for a range of dining choices, along with a number of drinking establishments to take care of any of those surfing bruises. There's also an array of accommodations, from inexpensive hostels to the glamorous Manly Resort. Wherever you stay, Manly is sure to live up to its motto as a beach "seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care."

Coogee Beach, Sydney, Australia

One of your best beach options while in Sydney is Coogee Beach, eight kilometers and only minutes from the central business district. A number of buses shuttle back and forth, so combine shopping and surfing for the perfect sunny Australian day. The nearby city of Ranswick has many restaurants, along with hostels and hotels. Ranswick is also home to the University of South Wales, and the Sydney Football Stadium.

With a wide swath of perfect white sand, Coogee Beach is only one of the many beaches on what’s now commonly referred to as “the Sports Coast”. With ample opportunity for sailing, snorkeling, and horseback riding, there are activities to be found for all. Body boarding is also a popular way to spend time enjoying the beautiful warm water.

Coogee Beach is also famous for its coastal walks. Clearly marked, each of the trails hugs the coastline, and the dramatic scenery provides for stunning pictures. The walks incorporate signs that share some of Coogee’s history. Even more impressive are the shipwrecks strewn along the beach, a testament to the tumultuous oceans habit of tossing ships around.

Nearby Botany Bay National Park offers even more opportunity for experiencing the unique natures scenes particular to this part of Australia. Botany Bay is also steeped in history, as it was one of the first sites visited by Captain James Cook. There is also a significant Aboriginal influence, with much evidence of their way of life before the European colonization.

There are also facilities for large groups of people, including picnic tables and barbeques. Kids will enjoy the playgrounds, with the ocean only steps away when it comes time to cool down. These convenient amenities make entertaining at Coogee Beach a great option for any special occasion.