25+ Best Kid-Friendly Beaches In New South Wales

We moved to Sydney with a 3.5-year-old just as summer was beginning. Fast forward two years, and this is our third summer in New South Wales—mostly in Sydney, but also driving and camping along the NSW coastline—happily pretending to be Aussies who have been doing this all their lives.

The highlight? Of course, the beaches! (And the coastal hikes and friendly kangaroos, but I’ll save those for another long post.) Australia has fabulous beaches, but being breathtakingly beautiful doesn’t always mean they’re safe. Or kid-friendly. Well, this post brings you my favorite kid-friendly beaches from all over New South Wales. This list is not complete, and I’ll keep adding beaches as we explore more of the coastline.

What kind of Australian beaches are kid-friendly, anyway?

Here’s the criteria I used to pick the best family-friendly beaches in New South Wales:

• They have lifeguards on duty, with clear signage that indicate water conditions and a designated swimming area (between the red and yellow flags).
• They have relatively shallow waters, gentle waves and a gradual entry.
• They’re directly accessible by car.
• They offer amenities for your convenience: toilets, drinking water, showers, picnic benches and shelters, maybe even a playground and a café.

Fulfilling all these criteria is a lot to ask. So not all of the listed beaches fulfill everything from the above list. I also have an obsession with remote beaches which make up for the lack of amenities (and occasionally the walk that’s required) with their unforgettable beauty, and some of them are very sheltered and calm. Let’s dive in!

Best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney

No city can rival Sydney when it comes to beaches (I’m ready to be challenged on that). It seems to have an endless supply of stunning beaches, each with its own charm. From long stretches of sand to cozy coves, some have strong surf, while others are calm and protected. You’ll find ocean beaches, harbor beaches, baths, and ocean pools.

I’ve already written a long and detailed guide about the best Sydney beaches for kids—and their parents! Here are my top 3 picks—click on any name to learn more:

• Clifton Gardens: a sheltered, sandy beach in Sydney Harbour with calm waters, netted baths, a large playground, and a grassy area equipped with benches, picnic tables and BBQs
• Clovelly Beach: the most kid-friendly beach in the Eastern Suburbs, with no surf, a rock pool for kids, and a small playground perfect for toddlers
• Little Manly Beach: just a 10-minute walk from Manly Wharf, this west-facing sandy cove in Sydney Harbour features netted baths, calm waters, picnic shelters, a few play equipment and the nearby Little Manly Point playground—great for babies and toddlers with its shaded, family-friendly design

Best kid-friendly beaches on the Central Coast

The Central Coast lies to the north of Sydney, bordered by the Hawkesbury River to the south, the Watagan Mountains to the west, and the southern tip of Lake Macquarie to the north. Home to gorgeous beaches, lakes, national parks, and relaxed coastal towns, it’s one of my favorite weekend getaways from Sydney.

We thoroughly explored its beaches in every season, and here are my favorite family-friendly beaches on the Central Coast (from south to north):

Patonga Beach

Patonga Beach is a serene seaside village situated at the southern end of the Central Coast, accessible via a well-maintained and scenic bushland road passing through Woy Woy. Patonga Beach also refers to the town’s main beach, a calm and sheltered bay with surprisingly shallow water that deepens gradually. While there’s no lifeguard service at Patonga Beach, this is likely because lifeguards are more essential on other, less sheltered beaches.

If you’re not the type to lounge on the beach all day (uhm… like me), you can hike up to Warrah Lookout through lovely eucalyptus woodland.

While swimming is quite enjoyable at calm Patonga Beach, kayaking on Patonga Creek is a similarly tranquil experience. This shallow creek winds through coastal heath forests and mangroves within Brisbane Water National Park and is a haven for wetland birds. We spotted flocks of ibis and spoonbills, as well as herons, egrets, and cormorants. If you’re fortunate, you might even see a sea eagle soaring above.

Patonga Beach is a favorite getaway for visitors from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, thanks to its regular ferry connection with Palm Beach. Stay for the weekend at the Beach Shack or The Patonga Hotel.

Pearl Beach

Located in Broken Bay and on the edge of Brisbane Water National Park, Pearl Beach is one of the best and safest naturally protected swimming beaches on the Central Coast.

The southern end of the beach is the most protected, perfect for boogie boarding. Here you’ll find an ocean pool, as well, and as the tide comes in waves splash into the pool—a thrill for many kids. While nearby Ettalong, Umina, and Patonga beaches are more well-known, Pearl Beach is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil and beautiful family-friendly beach on the Central Coast.

Pearl Beach also features a small playground with swings, climbing equipment, and a spider web, along with benches, a café, and toilets. The parking area is directly behind the beach, and I never had problems finding a free spot.

Maitland Bay Beach, Bouddi National Park

Maitland Bay Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Australia, and it’s also among the safest swimming beaches. It’s not a typical kid-friendly beach, but it’s worth the effort and will make the whole family satisfied.

Maitland Bay is located within Bouddi National Park and is accessible via a 2-kilometer return walk. The trail is relatively steep on the downhill section (and uphill on your way back) and includes numerous stairs, but it’s also wonderfully scenic, winding through shaded, dense, and lush green bushland.

The 600 meters of golden sand is tucked between two dramatic headlands and surrounded by the stunning bushland. Sheltered by reefs and headlands, the waves are typically gentle, making it a relatively safe spot for swimming. However, the beach is not patrolled, and there are no facilities—just you and the beauty of nature. Even on a summer weekend, you’re likely to share Maitland Bay with only a handful of people.

The rocky platforms at both ends of the bay offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities. In fact, you don’t even need to dive beneath the surface to enjoy the ocean life. At low tide, you can spot large crabs, oystercatchers, and herons feeding in the rock pools, while cormorants perch on the rocks to dry their wings. Little ones can safely splash and play in the shallow, sheltered natural rock pools during low tide.

Maitland Bay is magical year-round. In summer, it’s perfect for swimming, while at other times, it’s ideal for walking, playing in the sand, or exploring tidal pools. Photographers will appreciate the stunning rock formations at the headlands, and the scenic walking tracks add to its allure. For more walking, continue along the Bouddi Coastal Walk in either direction.

Above all, it’s a place of tranquility and solitude—what more could you ask for? Just remember to bring plenty of food and water, and I recommend wearing proper shoes while carrying your flip-flops in your backpack.

Umina Beach

Umina Beach is a favorite among local families. This beautiful 4-kilometer stretch of sand overlooks Broken Bay and the Bouddi Peninsula, and despite its popularity, it rarely feels crowded. (However, the beach parking lot can fill up quickly, so you may need to park along the street.)

Umina Beach has calm and shallow water, lifeguards, a dog-friendly section and one of the biggest playgrounds on the Central Coast.

The NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, located right behind the beach, offers a range of accommodations, including cabins, villas, townhouses, cottages, caravan spots, and tent sites, allowing you to extend your stay for the whole weekend.

Ettalong Beach

Ettalong Beach is one of the most popular spots on the Central Coast for families with young children. Its calm, shallow waters make it a very safe place for swimming. The beach is also equipped with amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a café, all conveniently located near the shore.

There’s no lifeguard service on Ettalong Beach, but the water is very calm. The beach stretches unbroken for 4 kilometers, connecting to Ocean Beach and Umina Beach, offering the perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll across all three beaches.

Terrigal Beach and Terrigal Haven

Terrigal Beach, a 2-kilometer stretch of golden sand, is one of the Central Coast’s most popular beaches. With powerful waves, great amenities, a natural rock pool, and scenic walks, it’s perfect for a relaxing beach day, a coastal stroll, or family fun.

The beach isn’t fully sheltered, but swimming is safe when conditions are calm. A shallow rock pool at the southern end is ideal for kids at low tide, though it floods at high tide—creating an impressive sight as waves crash into it. For calmer waters to swim or snorkel, walk along the picturesque Terrigal Boardwalk to The Haven, a sheltered bay with a boat launch.

You find a beachside restaurant and café, a playground and ample parking with several parking lots by the beach. For more adventure, explore the Terrigal Haven coastal walk, a loop around the headland with stairs and stunning viewpoints.

Bateau Bay Beach, Wyrrabalong National Park

The 200-meter-long Bateau Bay Beach is a beautiful, relatively sheltered golden sand beach surrounded by lush green bushland. It’s easily accessible via a short stairway from the parking lot on Reserve Drive, where you’ll also find toilets.

Kids will love exploring the rock pools at both ends of the bay. The southern rock platform is especially large, creating a vast knee-deep natural rock pool at low tide. For swimming, the northern end of the beach is a better option, as it offers a more sheltered and sufficiently deep area during low tide. The southern rock pool isn’t ideal for swimming, even at high tide when the water is deeper, because there are quite a lot of submerged rocks.

the huge southern rock pool

The lovely Coast Walking Track in Wyrrabalong National Park begins at the southern end of the beach. At the northern end, the Bateau Bay walking track offers a short loop trail with a viewpoint overlooking the bay.

Bateau Bay is a delight to visit year-round. In summer, you can swim and splash in the shallow rock pools, while spring brings stunning wildflowers along the Coast Walking Track. The surrounding pretty walking trails are enjoyable in every season.

Toowoon Bay Beach

the sheltered pool at the southern sandpit

Often called the bluest bay on the Central Coast, the vibrant teal color of Toowoon Bay is truly unforgettable. Toowoon Bay Beach is also sheltered enough to make swimming safe, especially in the southern part of the beach, where a sandpit and natural reef provide protection. Families love the end of the sandpit, where the water around the rocks gets super shallow and so calm that it feels like a natural rock pool. It’s the perfect spot for kids to splash and play!

The sheltered part of the bay is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, especially at low tide, while kite surfers flock to the less protected areas for a bit more action. 

I love this beach for its calm water and the huge park right behind it. There’s a fenced playground, sheltered picnic tables, toilets, and barbecues, making it super family-friendly. There’s a handy food kiosk near the beach to grab a bite if  you didn’t bring lunch.

Norah Head rockpool

The Norah Head rockpool is a half-natural gem and one of the best kid-friendly rock pools around. It’s a shallow, protected corner of Cabbage Tree Bay, fenced off by large rock boulders, making it ideal for water play, though too shallow for swimming.

You can also combine your visit with an easy, scenic walk to the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse. As you walk toward the lighthouse, you’ll discover countless other rock pools filled with sea snails, crabs, and small fish. Keep an eye out for herons and cormorants that often feed in this area.

Parking is available off Bush Street or at Young Street Reserve, with a staircase leading down to the rock pool and beach. Toilets are located just behind the beach and near the parking area.

Frazer Beach

Located in Munmorah State Conservation Area at the northern end of the Central Coast, Frazer Beach has incredibly white sand and a remote feel. It’s perfect for those who love wild beaches that are easy to access yet still offer basic facilities.

The beach has direct access from the parking lot, along with toilets and shaded picnic shelters. Stretching 400 meters, Frazer Beach is a popular surf spot for locals, though it’s not ideal for swimming. However, the turquoise water is captivating, and at low tide, shallow sand islands emerge, creating a fun water playground for families.

The rocky plateaus on either side of the bay are fascinating to explore—but only at low tide to ensure safety! There are about ten rock pools in different shapes and sizes on the rock platform to the right of Frazer Beach.

Frazer Beach is the place to fall in love with beach camping, too. The Frazer Campground, nestled in the bushland just a few meters behind the beach, offers a peaceful retreat where you can fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves.

Best kid-friendly beaches on the South Coast

Saying that the South Coast of New South Wales is the most amazing stretch of coastline in the state would be both true and false at the same time. Every part of the New South Wales coast feels like “the most amazing,” and I can’t quite pick which one deserves that title. However, with its treasures like the Royal National Park, Jervis Bay, Murramarang National Park, countless calm, shallow coves, exciting rock pools, and beautiful sandy shores, the South Coast will certainly sweep you off your feet. It has something for every family—let’s take a look:

Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park

a winter picture of empty Wattamolla Beach

Wattamolla Beach in Royal National Park is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Sydney, particularly bustling on weekends during summer. By Australian standards, it might even feel overwhelmingly busy! Not without a good reason: it’s the most protected beach in Royal National Park.

Situated at the end of a long bay, Wattamolla Beach is ideal for swimming—an exception along the otherwise open coastline. However, the waves can be quite strong, and it’s not suitable for toddlers to safely play in the shallows—partly because there aren’t any true shallows. If you’re looking for very calm, shallow water, the Wattamolla Lagoon is a better spot to settle.

Also, it’s more than just a stunning beach that you find here: there’s the sheltered lagoon, a pretty waterfall, a scenic swimming hole, a huge lawn and BBQs, amazing viewpoints and hiking opportunities. In this post, I’ll share all the best things to do at Wattamolla.

A friendly heads-up: while the beach never really feels crowded, the Wattamolla parking lot can fill up. When it does, park rangers close Wattamolla Road to cars, leaving you with no choice but to park along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. This means a long walk along a paved road with passing traffic to reach Wattamolla Beach. This is a common issue on summer weekends, so I recommend arriving before 9 am to avoid any hassle.

Brighton Beach at Belmore Basin, Wollongong

The small sandy beach at Wollongong Harbour is known as Brighton Beach. It’s very sheltered, has beautiful golden sand and the water is calm most of the time, but it’s an unpatrolled beach.

Finding parking can be a bit of a hassle since there’s no dedicated beach parking lot. You can park on the residential streets where signs don’t restrict parking.

There’s a nice little park and a scenic waterfront promenade behind the beach. You find toilets, picnic tables and playgrounds along this promenade.

Beware that it can have water quality issues, particularly after rain.

Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

While Hyams Beach often steals the spotlight, the beaches of Jervis Bay are all pristine stretches of white sand, and my personal favorite is Murrays Beach. The combination of snow-white sand and vivid azure waters creates a breathtaking, otherworldly scene. Backed by a hillside of ancient eucalyptus forest alive with parrots, kookaburras, songbirds, and shy wallabies, the land is just as amazing as the sea.

Protected by Governor Head and Bowen Island, it’s one of the safest and most sheltered beaches in Jervis Bay, making it ideal for swimming—though keep in mind it’s unpatrolled. A reef just offshore provides great snorkeling opportunities, and you might even spot playful dolphins, as they frequent the waters of Jervis Bay.

A short 300-meter walk through a shady forest leads to the beach. It’s manageable with a beach cart, though you’ll encounter a few stairs and some tree roots. If you’re eager to explore further, take the trail to Governor Head through the beautiful coastal forest or complete the 5.4-kilometer Murrays Walking Trail loop.

Here’s our guide to spend the best day at Murrays Beach!

Murrays Beach is located within Booderee National Park, which requires a park pass for entry. This isn’t covered by the NSW Parks Pass but by a separate pass managed by Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. Be sure to purchase it online in advance and print(!) your ticket.

Boat Harbour Beach, Bendalong

What makes the sheltered, sandy bay of Bendalong’s Boat Harbour Beach truly special is the stingrays! I love nothing more than seeing animals in the wild, and this shallow, sandy bay is known for the friendly stingrays. It didn’t disappoint. Five or six stingrays swam gracefully around our legs as we entered the water, fascinated.

Remember to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and letting them move freely. It’s a privilege to observe these stingrays up close, but avoid pursuing or disturbing them. Stay still and quiet, and they’ll glide around you naturally. The bay is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling, with opportunities to spot other amazing sea creatures.

Bendalong is one of the coastal small towns, a short 45 minute drive from Huskisson. Boat Harbour Beach is equipped with facilities, including toilets and a boat ramp. However, there’s no lifeguard service, so be mindful while enjoying the water.

Maloneys Beach, Murramarang National Park

Maloneys Beach is another one that’s naturally sheltered and great for swimming, but its unique draw is wildlife. This time, it’s kangaroos.

At the southern tip of Murramarang National Park and inside Batemans Bay, Maloneys Beach is ideal for swimming, paddling and snorkeling. There’s no lifeguard service, but the waves are usually low and the water relatively calm. 

A road runs along the beach, with car parks at each end. Then there’s a grassy foreshore reserve to cross on your way to the beach, and that’s where you find the friendly resident kangaroos. Lazing and grazing on the grass, we saw about 60 of them!

While the kangaroos are quite friendly and may allow you to get close, it’s important to maintain a safe distance (safe both for you and them), avoid disturbing them, and never feed them.

Maloneys Beach is the end of the spectacular Murramarang South Coast Walk that starts at Pretty Beach. A shorter section of this multi-day track is the South Durras walking track, also ending (or beginning) at Maloneys Beach.

Best kid-friendly beaches on the Mid North Coast

The Mid North Coast sits halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, offering over 200 kilometers of pristine beaches, with the main hubs being Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. I camped at various places along this coastline and found beaches which are both mesmerizing and naturally sheltered.

Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour

Jetty Beach is one of the most well-protected beaches in Coffs Harbour, shielded from big swells by the marina’s breakwall. It’s not one of those secluded beaches I’m so obsessed with, but it offers all the amenities (toilets, changing rooms, showers, drinking water and picnic shelters) that made our beach day convenient. I do appreciate its calm bay, which is perfect for a leisurely swim. No wave splashing into your face here (most of the time).

The waves are often gentle and the water gets deep very gradually, so it’s ideal for young kids to venture into the ocean here. Teenagers seemed to enjoy the adrenaline rush while jumping off the jetty.

It was delightful to take a walk on the jetty and even more so to walk over to Muttonbird Island. The Jetty Foreshores Park behind the beach offers plenty of picnic shelters, huge lawns, paths for roller blades and bikes, and a playground.

Coffs Harbour Beach, Coffs Harbour

Okay, this one is a bit of an exception, since Coffs Harbour Beach is on Coffs Creek, it’s not an ocean beach. But it’s so close to the river mouth and has the incredible turquoise hues of the ocean that it has a place on this list. It’s quite special, too!

First of all, Coffs Creek gets very shallow at Coffs Harbour Beach during low tide, and several large sand islands appear in the middle of the river where you can simply walk over. As you can imagine it’s a fun water playground for kids! However, the current is quite powerful, so keep young kids within arms reach. Older kids love drifting downstream with the current, then climbing out using the ladders or stairs placed along the promenade for easy water access.

Speaking of the promenade, it’s one of the highlights of Coffs Harbour in my eyes. This creekside walkway starts at Coffs Harbour Beach, and you can walk all the way to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, about 3 km away. It’s flat and pram-friendly. If you prefer a short walk only, do the Mangrove Boardwalk, which is only a few hundred meters away from Coffs Harbour Beach along the creekside walk.

Coffs Creek Park is right behind the beach, and it has plenty of shaded picnic tables and BBQs, as well as a small playground.

Urunga Lido, Urunga

Urunga was such a delightful surprise on the Coffs Coast! I had planned a brief stop there on our way to Coffs Harbour, but we ended up spending almost a full day there—an evening at low tide and a morning at high tide. Tide times matter here because they shape the landscape: the Urunga Lagoon and the tidal wetland. This is also where two rivers—the Kalang River and the Bellinger River—meet before flowing into the ocean.

the difference between low tide and high tide

Hence, the Urunga Lido Beach is greatly affected by the tide. During high tide, it becomes a nice, protected, and shallow series of lagoons and bays, while at low tide, some areas become too shallow and muddy.

The Urunga Boardwalk is a fascinating wetland walk that allows visitors to experience this diverse landscape. It’s especially exciting to do the short walk (2 km return) at both low and high tide. I’ve seen many boardwalks through tidal wetlands and mangrove forests in New South Wales, but the Urunga Boardwalk is my absolute favorite! It offers an up-close view of the wetland, along with a picturesque panorama of the two rivers, the river mouth, the hinterland, and the windswept ocean beach, with its seemingly endless blue water.

The lido is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, and kids can safely splash in the shallows. While there isn’t a true sandy beach, there are a few small patches of sand here and there. However, a large grassy park by the water offers plenty of picnic shelters, BBQs, water taps, and showers. Inside the washroom block, there are even warm showers!

It’s everything families could ask for—naturally protected, shallow water, a short and easy boardwalk, excellent facilities, and direct car access. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery and the magical hues of the gradually deepening water.

Trial Bay Beach, Arakoon National Park

Trial Bay is one of the largest and shallowest sheltered bays I’ve come across in New South Wales. It is protected from the swell by a purpose-built break wall at Laggers Point, making the southernmost section of the bay particularly calm. During low tide, the water only reaches my waist across more than half of this vast bay, and the shoreline features a long, gently sloping entrance. As a result, the water in the bay is also warmer.

Trial Bay Beach is a long, sandy stretch with a smaller, separate patch of sand nestled at the foot of the headland in the south. This was our favorite spot, offering a few trees for natural shade, gentle waves, and very shallow water—perfect for families with young kids.

The large Trial Bay Gaol campground is located right behind the beach, with public amenities available, including toilets, picnic shelters, and cold outdoor showers. The beach is part of Arakoon National Park, which offers a variety of coastal walks and is home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol, now operating as an open-air museum. We visited it and found its history quite shocking!

Laggers Point is also one of the few places on the East Coast of Australia where you can watch the sunset over the ocean.

Connors Beach, Hat Head

Connor’s Beach is one I discovered by chance—and what a lucky find it was! We had planned to hike in Hat Head National Park, but after completing the 3.2 km Korogoro walking track, which loops around Hat Head, we decided it was too hot for more hiking. Instead, we set out to find a beach—a nice, protected spot where I could swim and my son could safely splash around.

That’s how we ended up at Connor’s Beach, at the foot of Hat Head. The most protected—and also the most exciting—area is the southern end, where Korogoro Creek flows into the ocean, creating large sand islands near the river mouth. This spot is a fantastic place to let yourself float with the current, especially as the tide goes out. It’s also the perfect place to have fun with your floaties!

The creek becomes too shallow for swimming at low tide, though—you’ll need to watch out for rocks and logs at the bottom of the shallow water. On the upside, the sand islands get even bigger at this time, and the shallow water is quite warm.

The ocean beach at Connor’s Beach is quite large and can get windy. However, Hat Head provides significant protection, making the southern end of the bay ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling is especially popular near the base of Hat Head.

Unfortunately, public facilities are limited since a holiday park sits right behind Connor’s Beach. There are dedicated parking lots open to the public and outdoor showers, but we couldn’t find any public toilets.

The Tank (at high tide), Forster

The Tank is a popular swimming spot along the Bicentennial Walk, with convenient parking located directly behind it for easy access. Its name is instantly clear upon seeing it: a rock wall forms a sheltered area perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

low tide and high tide at The Tank

It’s essentially a natural, elongated swimming pool, but swimming is only possible during high tide (water is too shallow at low tide). However, low tide offers ideal conditions for beginner snorkelers to practice. As the tide rises, waves begin to crash over the rocks – free entertainment for all!

This rock pool is quite popular and can get busy. Just south of it, Pebbly Beach Park offers picnic shelters, electric BBQs, a large lawn and a great playground.

Elizabeth Beach, Booti Booti NP

Elizabeth Beach is nestled within Booti Booti National Park, offering a sense of seclusion and natural beauty, despite being easily accessible by car. This 600-meter stretch of sandy bay is surrounded by lush, rainforest-covered hills, and its unique orientation offers protection from winds and strong currents, making it an ideal spot for families.

The pristine white sand and stunningly clear waters make anyone fall in love with this beach! Families will appreciate the calm, relatively shallow waters perfect for young children to splash around in.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the 7.3 km loop trail of Booti Hill and Wallis Lake offers excellent views. It takes you through a picturesque coastal rainforest, and you’ll pass Seven Mile Beach and the tranquil shores of Wallis Lake on the way.

Jimmy’s Beach, Hawks Nest

If you’re spending a few days in Nelson Bay (or heading north toward Brisbane), consider taking a trip across the Port Stephens harbor to the Hawks Nest area. Why, you ask? To discover some of the most stunning white sand beaches in New South Wales! One of them, Jimmy’s Beach, is an ideal choice for young families.

Jimmy’s Beach is a 5 km stretch of fine white sand, from the mouth of the Myall River to Yacaaba Headland. The water here is crystal clear and relatively shallow, with a smooth, gradual entrance. The best area for swimming is roughly in the middle of the beach. Towards Yacaaba Headland, the water becomes very shallow, and seaweed is often washed up along the shore. While the beach is well-protected, it is not patrolled, though the surf is usually gentle.

Behind the beach, Jimmy’s Beach Reserve provides convenient amenities, including picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets, playgrounds, and even outdoor showers. Be sure to locate the reserve on the map before you park, as the long stretch of beach means you might have to walk quite a distance to find a toilet.

Best kid-friendly beaches on the North Coast

I have to admit that the North Coast is the coastal area I know the least in New South Wales. That’s why we’re planning our next coastal road trip there! In the meantime, I’m sharing my favorite family-friendly beaches from Byron Bay, the only destination I’ve visited on the North Coast so far:

Wategos Beach & Little Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

Wategos Beach and Little Wategos Beach are two secluded, sheltered, north-facing beaches that look straight out of a postcard.

As its name implies, Wategos Beach is the larger of the two, featuring free electric barbecues and picnic tables. However, it’s not a very long stretch of sand, and at high tide, it can nearly vanish.

Little Wategos Beach is accessible only on foot, via a short walk from Wategos Beach along a wooden boardwalk. It’s the smallest of the Byron Bay beaches, measuring just about 150 meters, but it’s incredibly charming and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing.

Fun fact: Little Wategos Beach is Australia’s most easterly mainland beach.

Looking for ways to get your family off the couch and into the great outdoors?