From most parts of Sydney, you are never much more than half an hour away from one of the city’s beaches.  It is almost always beach weather (apart from some wet wintery days) and weekends are the most popular times when the crowds flock to Sydney’s beaches.  On a cold day you can sit by the window of a beachside cafe and enjoy a hearty brunch, or don your wetsuit and try a spot of surfing.  If the sun is shining, try a game of beach volleyball or just lie on the beach and relax.

Bondi is one of Sydney’s best-known beaches and easy to get to by bus or train.  Head for the ‘restaurant row’ of Campbell Parade, or head away from the beach to escape the crowds of hungry beach-goers.  Check out the art gallery at the Bondi Surf Lifesaving Pavillion, and if you are lucky a free display on the al fresco performance area.  The Bondi Icebergs Club is at the southern end of Bondi Beach with cafes, a fine dining restaurant and the adjoining Bondi Baths (if you dont like swimming in the ocean).

Stay at the Swiss Grand Resort and Spa which overlooks one of Australia’s most famous stretches of beach at Bondi.  All the suites have private balconies, with the ocean view suites featuring panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and Bondi Beach.  The onsite restaurant, Epic Brasserie showcases modern Australian cuisine with a focus on the finest Seafood available.

Take a ferry from Circular Quay and head north to Manly.  Walk through the mall and shopping area of The Corso to reach the spectacular palm-lined Manly Beach.  It is a great area for families – shops, cafes, weekend market stalls and a protected swimming beach with rockpools to explore.  You can also visit Oceanworld Manly and see sharks, stingrays, turtles and fish being hand fed in the 5million litre Oceanarium.  Or take the plunge and book in for an Xtreme Shark Feed or Shark Dive.

If you are with the family, stay at the Quest Grande Esplanade Manly, in a 2 bedroom apartment for up to 5 guests.  Located adjacent to the Manly ferry terminal and within easy walking distance to the world-renowned Manly Beach, Pedestrian Plaza, Restaurants and Shops.

If you are trying to impress your loved one, the 4star Sebel Manly Beach is a chic, boutique hotel with a relaxed, seaside atmosphere.  Dine at Will and Tobys, a unique ocean front restaurant and bar offering stunning views of prestigious Manly Beach in a relaxed alfresco style-dining atmosphere.

If you are only in Sydney for an overnight stay, forget the airport hotel and head for Brighton-le-Sands (about 5 minute drive).  Stay at the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach which has direct beach access to the area once known as Seven Mile Beach via an overhead walkway.  Try out kite-surfing, sailing or the local restaurants and cafes.

Sydney is a great lively city during the week, but once the business have closed for the weekend the CBD is pretty quiet.  Head out to one of the beach areas and relax for the weekend – then return to the city refreshed and ready to hit the shops and the sightseeing!