This Lesser-Known Sydney Beach Was Rated Cleaner Than Bondi

Planning to visit Sydney? The annual State of the Beaches report was just released, revealing the best stretches to swim based on an assessment of water quality at 249 different sites. 

Nielsen Park, located in Sydney Harbour National Park, was ranked “Very Good,” making it the cleanest beach you’ll find for swimming near the city center, outranking famous Bondi Beach, which received a “Good” grade.

Located just over 5.5 miles from the Central Business District (CBD), the beach’s official name is Shark Beach, which might immediately cause you to scratch it off your list. But despite its moniker, this stretch of sand that fronts the park is actually protected by a shark net. Swimmers won’t have to worry about encountering “Jaws” while enjoying a refreshing dip here. Plus, the water is typically calm and clear, protected from big surf in the sheltered Vaucluse area, an eastern Sydney suburb. 

While many of the popular beaches in Sydney are not the best for families with children, lacking shade, with few amenities and large crowds, Nielsen Park is something of a hidden gem. It will be at its most tranquil on a weekday when you’re likely only to encounter a handful of retirees and moms with kids. No matter when you go, you can take advantage of a family-friendly place to swim while admiring the Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Of course, beachgoers of all types are sure to appreciate the iconic Sydney views. 

Before or after time in the water, Nielsen Park offers a wealth of other things to do. There are expansive parklands with sheltered picnic areas and vast, lush lawns. You might bring supplies for a picnic and enjoy it beneath one of the fig trees, or grab a bite at The Nielsen cafe, which serves tasty seasonal cuisine. If you’re looking for a scenic stroll, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk is one of the city’s great coastal walks. The picturesque coastal trail spans nearly 1.5 miles, providing more harbor vistas, hidden coves, and lush bushland. 

Those interested in history will find interesting places to explore in the park too. That includes the neo-Gothic Greycliffe House, dating to 1851, military fortifications, convict-built structures, a heritage lighthouse, and Aboriginal sites.