Best beaches NSW: Where to find Parsley Bay Beach in Sydney

Aussies leave the hustle and bustle of Bondi to head to this spectacular secret beach with crystal clear waters hidden in the middle of the suburbs

  • Beach lovers flock to Parsley Bay Beach
  • The bay is tucked away in the eastern suburbs of Sydney

Beach lovers have left the crowds at Bondi behind to head to a little-known downtown swimming spot before the winter weather hits.

Parsley Bay Beach is tucked away in a sheltered cove in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse, just over 7 miles from the city centre.

Visitors can settle on the white sand bar or along the rocky shoreline to take a dip in the bay’s shimmering blue waters.

Adding to the scenic landscape is the 100-year-old suspension bridge that spans the water.

There is also a shark net to protect swimmers.

Beach lovers have flocked to a little-known beach tucked in the middle of Sydney’s eastern suburbs

Parsley Bay is tucked away in a sheltered cove, protected from the choppy seas, in the suburb of Vaucluse, just over 7 miles from the city center

Parsley Bay is tucked away in a sheltered cove, protected from the choppy seas, in the suburb of Vaucluse, just over 7 miles from the city center

Visitors can settle on the white sandbar or along the rocky shoreline to take a dip in the shimmering blue waters of the beautiful bay

Adding to the scenic landscape of the suburban oasis is the 100-year-old suspension bridge that spans the water

Visitors can settle on the white sandbar or along the rocky shoreline to take a dip in the shimmering blue waters of the beautiful bay

For those who don’t feel like taking a dip, there’s a short 20-minute trail that takes hikers to a rippling waterfall at the head of the gully.

Some lucky hikers may even be able to spot the area’s resident eastern water dragons who like to bask in the sun.

There is also an extensive green space with plenty of shade and a children’s playground.

Beachgoers rave about the suburban secret, with some calling it an “absolute gem.”

For those who don't want to get their hair wet, there is a short 20 minute trail that takes hikers to a rippling waterfall at the head of the gully

For those who don’t want to get their hair wet, there is a short 20 minute trail that takes hikers to a rippling waterfall at the head of the gully

Being a popular seaside resort since the 1930s, there is a shark net to protect swimmers from lurking marine life

Being a popular seaside resort since the 1930s, there is a shark net to protect swimmers from lurking marine life

Beachgoers rave about the secret of the Eastern Suburbs, with one calling it an

Beachgoers rave about the secret of the Eastern Suburbs, with one calling it an “absolute gem.”

“It’s a fantastic swimming spot with a path along one side of the shore to the shark net, with a nice wooden stepladder half way up and a ramp at the far end,” said one woman.

‘These enable you to enter the bay where the water is the cleanest, clearest and deepest… and it’s so clear there! You can see every detail on the seabed and the fish that seem to like to follow you.’

Our favorite beach in Sydney. Safe swimming and snorkeling. Very clear water that merges with life,” wrote another.

How to find Parsley Bay – one of Sydney’s best kept secrets

With the bus

Catch a bus from Town Hall station towards Watsons Bay & The Gap. Buses 324 and 325 will take you there.

Get off at Fitzwilliam Rd at Parsley Rd (Bus 325)

Get off at New South Head Rd near Serpentine Pde (Bus 324)

By car

There are two access points to Parsley Bay Beach:

  • Parking garage Horlerlaan
  • Street parking at Crescent and Hopetoun Avenues (via bushwalk)

A small car park is available from Parsley Road (Horler Avenue). The parking lot opens at sunrise. It closes at about 6pm (non-summer time) and 8pm (summer time).

Source: roamthegnome.com