With its shores shimmering with every shade of blue, sandy beaches, coral-laden coves and pounding surf, Sydney’s coastline is a natural playground with adventures and dining for every taste. It’s where the locals go out to play and connect with one another over great fresh produce.   

“Sydneysiders are famously laidback – and we can thank our beach lifestyle for that, with epic surfing, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing adventures all within easy reach of the city,” says Hayden Quinn, foodie and host of Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn: Sydney Edition. 

“And whether you head south of the Harbour to Bondi or across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Northern Beaches, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, matched with some of the city’s freshest produce, in everything from beachside bakeries to chilled-out alfresco eateries.” 

While it’s tempting to just kick back and top up your tan on Australia’s most famous stretch of sand, Bondi Beach offers adventures aplenty – and a tasty array of refuelling stops to enjoy along the way.  

Get your saltwater fix with a twist of adrenaline in a two-hour lesson with Let’s Go Surfing, where friendly instructors will teach you how to catch a wave or five. Go with the Vinyasa flow and perfect your Sun Salute in a morning session overlooking the beach with Yoga By The Sea, or try a KAAIAA session with Leah Simmons at her Circa BC studio. Or, pack your towel for the 6km Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, where you can cool off at Bondi Baths, Tamarama and Bronte beaches and spot humpback whales (May to November) from the clifftop trail. For a deeper look at the area’s rich cultural history, a walking tour with Aboriginal elder Walangari Karntawarr reveals ancient art hand-carved into sandstone, as well as traditional bush tucker and medicines growing wild in the area. 

For a change of pace, head to the Bondi Farmers Markets and stock up on just-picked seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic meats, artisanal breads, cheeses and gourmet eats. Afterwards, cross the road for a casual brunch at The Depot – a laidback café by acclaimed chef and Bondi Harvest founder Guy Turland – famous for its coconut pancakes, barramundi burgers and inhouse patisserie. At nearby Porch & Parlour, local ingredients star in colourful dishes and green smoothies, the vibes are chilled eclectic, and the ocean views are jaw-dropping. 

As the sun sinks behind the horizon, laidback Bondi lets its hair all the way down, with countless watering holes offering memorable brews and views. Order a share plate and a Bondi In Bloom cocktail from Bondi Hardware (or, if you’re already feeling delicate, try their Breakfast Martini hangover cure). At Vue Bar, directly across from the beach, the cocktail list features home-made spirits and infusions of chilli, black pepper, saffron, lavender and in-season fruit. At The Anchor Bondi, you can sip margaritas and tuck into fish tacos as you watch the waves crash beneath peachy sunset skies.  

Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and you’ll discover the relaxed coastal vibes and outdoor adventures continue from Manly and along the Northern Beaches, all the way to Barrenjoey Headland – where Sydney ends and the New South Wales Central Coast begins.  

A memorable way to experience the beauty of this saltwater playground is to get amongst it with Pittwater Kayak Tours. Starting out at first light, you’ll paddle through a spectacular natural wonderland as the sun rises over the Tasman Sea, casting its golden glimmer over Pittwater, Palm Beach and the stunning bushland of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. Prefer a morning session a little closer to Sydney Harbour? Book a stand-up paddleboarding yoga class with Manly Kayak Centre – an invigorating way to start your day and connect with the ocean. 

An experience with the local wildlife will deepen that connection even further – at Cabbage Tree Bay, you can dive headfirst into Manly’s saltwater lifestyle on an Eco Treasures snorkelling tour of the aquatic reserve. Renowned for its diverse marine life, the bay starts at the southern end of Manly Beach and wraps around rocky shores and golden beaches to Shelly Beach. Here you’ll find more than 150 fish species, including the endangered blue grouper, giant cuttlefish and weedy sea dragons, with your local guide sharing stories and highlights along the way.  

Whether you choose an active day or take it slow and breezy, the Northern Beaches’ breakfast game is strong –particularly around Manly with everything from clean-eating cafés to decadent bakeries on offer. For a healthy fix, head to Bare Naked Bowls, where the Manly Bowl is a standout thanks to its blend of organic acai berry, Irrewarra nut and raw bee pollen. Ready to treat yourself? Stroll around the corner and visit Jimmy at Rollers Bakehouse, where the house specialty is croissants made with everything from truffle-coated ham to zesty spiced apple compote.  And if you want to keep your options open, pull up a chair at Bluewater Café Manly, where healthy options like peaches and ricotta granola feature alongside treat-yourself favourites like buttermilk pancakes with mascarpone – all topped off with stunning views of Manly Beach.  

In between surfing, swimming and snorkelling, grab a takeaway meal for a feast on your beach towel, or pull up a pew with a view at any one of the casual alfresco eateries scattered from Manly to Avalon. Highlights include the Boathouse Shelly Beach Kiosk (try the beer battered fish and chips); Daniel San at North Steyne (the king salmon crispy tacos and karai kingfish ceviche are standouts); The Collaroy, for oysters and grilled Hervey Bay scallops, and the Whale Beach Deli, for their rainbow trout plate.  

Can’t decide between Bondi or Manly? Experience the best of both on the Bondi to Manly walk – an 80km stretch of undulating trails through some of Sydney’s most scenic wonderlands. Wherever you venture along Sydney’s coast, the relaxed atmosphere, fresh salty air and memorable meals will whet your appetite for laidback adventure in nature. 

Make a weekend of it; in Bondi, spend a night at Hotel Bondi’s recently renovated boutique accommodation; QT Bondi for beachside luxe, or make yourself at home at the Adina Apartment Hotel. Over the Bridge, unpack your bags at the Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific; The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach or Quest Manly.