Mrs Jackaroo

As much as I love to watch an ocean with great surf I dont consider it to be particulary safe for myself (not a strong swimmer) and our 6 year old daughter (obviously). The weather isnt really beach weather right now (not when you have to drive an hour plus to reach it anyway) but I want to get prepared for when the weather changes.

So do any of you have any recommendations for nice 'calm' beaches please on the NSW Coast? We've been to Whale, Mona Vale and Newport - all were beautiful but very 'surf'!

Thanks Guys!

Big Galah

I think Balmoral is your best bet - no real waves to speak of. Very family-orientated, and a nice area too.

It's just to the north of Manly, so closer to the city than the ones you listed.

Cheers,

Big.

chels

This beach is surf free and netted to keep all the sharks out (despite the name!). It is surrounded by a park so if it gets too hot on the beach you can escape to some shade. And parking is free (though hard to find on a hot day). Should be keeping it a secret really...

http://www.sydneymate.com/travel_syd...ey_beach_1.htm

NickyC

If you don't want any surf at all, then you'll have to go to a harbour beach (like Balmoral, Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay etc) because all ocean beaches have surf of some description.

Bronte is a good ocean beach for families and little kids - the southern end of the beach has a large natural rockpool that's always flat. Clovelly is also good - it's a strange shape which means that the waves never get that big on the beach.

Avoid Tamarama, it's the most dangerous beach on the southside.

poppet

I agree - Balmoral is definitely a good choice.

Mrs Jackaroo

Thanks ever so much guys! Looks like its gonna be Balmoral first and then Shark!

Mrs Jackaroo

Thanks ever so much guys! Looks like its gonna be Balmoral first and then Shark!

Cant wait!

NickyC

Hint: It's not known locally as Shark beach - that beach is called Nielson Park. If you talk about Shark beach no-one will have a clue what or where it is.

Mrs Jackaroo

PMSL!

Thanks for that