Hey there lovely mums and dads! Spring has finally sprung, and if your kiddos are itching to ditch the screens and dig their toes into some sunshine and sand—you're not alone. I've rounded up ten of the best family-friendly beaches in NSW that tick all the boxes: toilets ✔️, lifeguards ✔️, parking ✔️, cafés ✔️, and that sweet combo of fun + chill that makes for a magic day out.
Let’s dive in!
Why it’s a fave: Sea caves to explore, a safe patrolled zone (hello, peace of mind!), and plenty of shaded spots for a picnic. Plus, there's a cute café on site for that mid-morning muffin or post-swim ice block.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, BBQs, café, parking
Best for: Mini adventurers and beach-loving families
Fun fact: The caves are best explored at low tide—perfect for a little treasure hunt!
Why we love it: It’s like a beach postcard come to life—2.5km of soft white sand, gentle water, and cafés just a short stroll from the sand.
Facilities: Toilets, beachfront cafés, seasonal lifeguards, parking
Best for: Beach walks with the pram and full-day family chill-outs
Why it’s perfect for little ones: Tucked away in a calm curve of the bay, it’s like nature’s wading pool. Great for toddlers still finding their beach feet.
Facilities: Toilets, occasional lifeguards, parking
Best for: First-time splashers and low-fuss beach days
Why it’s a crowd-pleaser: A great all-rounder with waves for the bigger kids and a calm end for littlies. Lifeguards keep watch, and there’s space to picnic, boogie board, or just soak up the sun.
Facilities: Lifeguards, toilets, parking, picnic areas
Best for: Mixed-age families and beach games
Why families rave about it: You’ve got gentle waves, awesome rock pools, snorkelling spots and a playground just back from the sand.
Facilities: Toilets, playground, parking
Best for: Explorers, water babies, and little snorkellers
Why Sydney mums swear by it: It’s calm, netted, and right next to a shady park and café. Stroller-friendly paths and BBQs seal the deal.
Facilities: Toilets, BBQs, playground, café, parking
Best for: Picnics and babies’ first beach day
Why it’s a Northern Beaches gem: There’s an ocean pool, an awesome playground, plenty of café options and pram-friendly paths.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, playground, café, parking
Best for: Relaxed, easy-going days with all the extras
Why it’s so chill: This one’s a hidden riverside delight—calm waters, plenty of grass for the picnic rug, and an enclosed swimming area.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic shelters, playground, street parking
Best for: Younger kids and low-tide playtime
Why you’ll love it: Palm trees, an ocean pool, and everything within easy reach. Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to walk far with all the gear!
Facilities: Showers, toilets, café, shaded park, parking
Best for: Ocean pool lovers and snack-stop swimmers
Why it’s a Sydney staple: It’s beautiful, calm, and has some of the best beachside eateries around. Think morning paddle, lunchtime fish & chips, and a play in the park.
Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, restaurants, parking
Best for: Making a whole day of it with food, fun and sun
So there you go, 10 top picks for springtime splashing, digging, climbing, and memory-making across New South Wales. Whether you’re chasing a pirate adventure in the caves or a laid-back paddle with your baby, there’s a perfect beach day waiting for your crew.
Alright, beach mums and dads—let’s chat about the sun. NSW spring days are stunning, but those rays can be fierce. Whether you’re chasing waves at Caves Beach or setting up for a day at Clontarf, keeping your tribe protected is key.
Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide—yes, all five! And don’t forget your shade solution. Our go-to? The SunPlay Pop-Up Beach Tent. It’s super quick to set up (even if you're wrangling toddlers), offers UPF50+ protection, and gives you a breezy, sand-free base to store snacks, snooze in the shade, or take a break from the splash.
It folds up small, pops up fast, and gives you that peace of mind that your little beach babes are protected from harsh UV while they build sandcastles or nap under the sea breeze. Total win.
