Shark Beach, Vaucluse – Sydney’s best kids beach
I take back everything I’ve said about Sydney’s beaches and beaches for kids. Shark Beach is the best beach for kids. It may even be the best beach in Sydney. It’s definitely the best harbour beach in Sydney. A combination of the location, the water and the sand make it absolutely stunning.
I’m now going to have to go back and re-write all those posts I wrote about Sydney’s best beaches. I can’t in good conscience leave this off the list. It’s just too good.
The only problem is that it is popular so parking can be a nightmare.
Shark Beach, Vaucluse – Sydney’s best kids beach
We found Shark Beach quite by accident when I got the date wrong for a function we had in Vaucluse. Desperate to try win back my family’s favour I suggested going for a swim at the nearest beach. The nearest beach turned out to be Shark Beach.
Everyone loved it so much we visited it twice in one weekend. That’s a mean feat considering we live an hour away. I wouldn’t drive that distance again on a weekend to visit, knowing how busy the area gets but on a week day – I may just!
Where is Shark Beach
Shark Beach is in the very fancy suburb of Vaucluse. I dare say it is one of the most expensive suburbs in Australia. That aside, it is also home to this magnificent beach and the historical icon that is Vaucluse house.
Shark Beach itself is set inside a reserve. The gorgeous 12 hectare park behind it was developed in the 1910s. Big open areas with beautiful trees. It’s a stunning spot to picnic or even to let the kids run around on. And that’s before you even see the sea.
Come to think of it, it would be a great place to do a family photo shoot. If you could find a quiet day in the middle of the week.
Address
The official address for Shark beach is Nielsen Park, Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse, NSW 2030.
Parking
There is parking along Nielsen Park and also along Greycliffe Avenue.
It does get very very full on summer weekends so you may have to park in the neighbouring streets. I would expect to have to walk quite a way to get to the reserve and then on to the beach.
What makes Shark Beach Incredible
Shark Beach is 220m of pure sand with aquamarine water. It’s big enough to not feel crowded but small enough to be able to keep a eye on the kids at all times.
It’s a harbour beach so it is sheltered from strong rips and currents. The water is generally quite calm and perfect for little swimmers.
Most of the swimming area is protected by a large shark net.
Oh and the views. The beach faces North into Sydney harbour. You can watch the boats or marine life go by while swimming in the clear water.
From the beach there is a stepped seawall that rises up to the grassy embankment. With plenty of shade, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic or an ice cream after having spent the morning on the sand.
I think it would be impossible to visit without taking a least one photograph! Even on a grumpy or overcast day it is still really very pretty.
Shark Beach Facilities
Food
With all the picnic spots around, it would be perfect to take a picnic lunch with you. There are however options available if you don’t feel like dragging heavy bags around with you.
Neilsen Park is also home to the elegant The Nielsen where you can enjoy a long lazy lunch. It is not child friendly though.
Next door to The Nielsen is the kiosk which has take away meals like fish and chips, coffees, ice creams and drinks.
Bathrooms
There are bathrooms and change rooms up from the beach. Set in old buildings it really is an interesting place to visit.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Nielsen Park is also the start of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. This is a 1.8 km* (one way) walk that is known to be one of Sydney’s great coastal walks.
You don’t need to be an experienced walker to enjoy this walk but there are some steps along the way.
The walk goes South towards the City along a walking path and ends at Bayview Hill Road. It’s apparently a great way to see more of the city as it gives you views of Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the grounds of Strickland House along the way.
* There is some dispute about the length but not a serious difference between the two, other walkers have measured it at 2.2kms.
