Sydney's 10 best beach suburbs: Homely
GUEST OBSERVATION
Sydney is known for their beaches and lifestyle offerings. However, when it comes to find a suburb in Sydney, it can be hard to find one in your price range, that ticks all the boxes.
Homely present the best 10 beach suburbs in Sydney collected from hundreds of thousands of reviews from the people who know best, the locals.
Tumbi Umbi:Coming in at 10th position is Tumbi Umbi. The locals say that it is "Prime Family living that is close to beachfront offerings". It offers a relaxed family oriented lifestyle.
Encompassing semi-rural areas, fairly modern housing estates and some older holiday style homes this extremely popular area is only 10 minute drive to beaches and five minutes to Tuggerah lakes .
It is very popular for the fitness guru or for just a gentle stroll are the walking and bike tracks along the lakefront with breathtaking views across Tuggerah Lake. With Shelley Beach and Bateau Beach just moments away.
A famous Sydney suburb, Cronulla has been reviewed as a suburb on the improve. One Homely user says: "The style and atmosphere has improved markedly over the last 15 years, with two supermarkets, many choices for restaurants, cafes. The beach lifestyle is it's best asset.
"There is a wonderful promenade for strolling along the headlands to bass and Flinders point, or return via Gunnamatta bay along the sand. Rock baths and patrolled bathing areas on the beach, and surfing areas give many choices to cool off.
"At the back of the train station is a cute timber ferry to the Royal National Park. Great lifestyle."
Situated just south of Sydney's CBD- it is a great option for those wanting something a littler further out.
Frenchs Forest:Conveniently located close to the beach and the North Coast, Frenchs Forest has been described to have some of the most relaxed and friendly people.
Most people have strong relationships with others in their local area through school activities, walking the dog, or just seeing each other around.
There are five different parts of Frenchs Forest, as it is divided up by Forest Way, Warringah Road and Wakehurst Parkway. Each section developed differently and has a different feel.
Being two minutes away from Manly or Curl Curl beaches definitely has its upside.
Coogee:Waking up on the beach has its positives, especially in Coogee. Once a seaside resort town in the early 1900s, has now become one of Sydney's most desired coastal suburbs.
Offering crystal clear waters, some of the most breathtaking coastline, parklands and aquatic reserves, it offers one of the finest family friendly sandy beaches in Sydney.
The Famous Coogee Pavilion has just undergone a full refurbishment by Merrivale turning the headlights on Coogee food fun and nightlife options. A definite option for families wanting a beach lifestyle
Early morning runs on the beach are one of the upsides of living close by.
Terrigal:The locals say that Terrigal is a "a great beach town" and it also has incredible outdoor living offerings.
The best things about Terrigal are the many shops and Cafes (Close to Erina also) and the "outdoorsy" things to do like climbing the skillion, water activities (boating, skiing), running and walking (parks and oval), loads of swimming etc. The beach here is gorgeous.
The top five are on the next page. Please click below.
Manly:"Beautiful Seaside location!"- On top of the beach, Manly offers little coves like 'Little Manly' and Delwood Beach. Restaurants are fantastic and neighbours have been highly spoken of.
Parking can be a nightmare especially on weekends and hot days when people flock to the beach, so look for a place with parking!
Dee Why:Described as an "Absolute Winner" Dee Why offers great beach front living with top cafe's and places to eat without the influx of tourists or pretentious people.
You don't have to surf, but locals say they might have to learn because the beach has some great waves! Shopping, beach,and a great RSL are all features that locals speak highly of.
Bateau Bay:Described by an agent as "The best value beachside suburb around".
Whether you want to relax under a shady umbrella on the golden beaches, viewing panoramic scenery from Crackneck Lookout or riding the mighty surf this suburb has so much to offer and is central to everything.
The many reserves have some great BBQ facilities most with adequate parking areas and Bateau Bay Reserve has an off the leash dog area.
And its not all sun and surf. There are outstanding sporting facilities for footy, croquet, basketball, tennis, tenpin bowling, gym and a golf range all at The Entrance District Sporting and Community Centre.
Many cafes, clubs and restaurants in the area and great shopping at Bay Village Shopping Centre plus smaller centres at Cresthaven and Bateau Bay Road.
Bondi:The most iconic and famous beach in Australia only comes in at number two in our list for the best suburbs Sydney has to offer.
The locals have said: "Bondi is a beach suburb in Sydney, not far from the city. Excellent public transport, huge shopping centre at Bondi Junction, great mix of people and everyone is in a relaxed mood."
It's an easy commute to the City, close to Randwick races, plenty of schools, a great Aussie suburb, however the parking and cost of living have put it down slightly, keeping it out of first position.
Umina Beach:Umina Beach is an hour on the train to Sydney and a world away from the hustle and bustle.
People still wave as they drive by, show courtesy in their cars, their are no traffic lights, the kids play cricket in the street and lots of those things that we remember from our child hood are still prevalent.
You can still always find a quiet spot on the beach. You have pretty much everything you need here and because it is mostly flat it is easy to walk or ride anywhere.
South Umina has also been touted as a hotspot due to its closeness to the beach, and the leafy and quiet offerings it provides.
TODD SCHULBERG is marketing engagement and digital strategy executive at Homely.