Sydney's Top Ten Beaches

During the months of September to May, backpackers and residents in Sydney, make sure they take time out to enjoy two of its greatest assets - its sunshine and immaculate beaches.

But with so much choice so close to the many hostels in Sydney, here's a small guide separating the prime wheat from the less exciting beach chaff travelers are likely to stumble across in the city.

Palm Beach
One of the most well-known beaches in the city, Palm Beach is a long stretch of faultless sand flanked on one side by lush evergreen bush, and on the other the crystal clear water of the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea.

Barrenjoey Beach
Officially discovered by Arthur Philip in the 18th century, this 1.5 kilometer stretch of sand is the lesser known partner of Palm Beach, which is located nearby. Both are within close proximity of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House - and hence the most popular Sydney hostels.

Great Mackerel Beach
Backing onto Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Great Mackerel Beach is generally only accessible by water taxi or neighboring Palm Beach. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it is a great place for backpackers seeking a bit of peace.

Currawong Beach
For tranquility it's hard to do better than Currawong Beach, whose lapping shores are savored by visitors and treasured by locals as an excellent place for couples and families to take some time out from the throng.

Bondi Beach
Perhaps the most popular tourist beach in Sydney, Bondi Beach is renowned the world over for its supreme surf and well-policed waves. Located close to the city centre, Bondi Beach is often the natural choice for new arrivals in Sydney hostels.

Balmoral Beach
Located in the Mosman suburb, the area is as much renowned for its views from the surrounding Balmoral Slopes as for its cool waters and golden sands. However, Balmoral Beach also boasts a number of excellent restaurants.

Avalon Beach
Avalon is most popular among surfers - and rightly so. It enjoys some of the best tides and waves in Sydney, and was also a onetime star of US TV show, Baywatch.

Cronulla Beach
Another great beach for families with children, well-patrolled by lifeguards and with a selection of toddler-friendly rock pools to play in.

Manly Beach
One of Bondi Beach's main rivals for travelers' affections and a great place for travelers to meet each other and exchange travel tips.

Long Reef Beach
The name says it all for this activity hotspot. A 200 meter long stretch of reefs and a good coastal breeze have made this a hotspot for wave-jumping, wind surfing and kitesurfing.

Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for Hostelbookers . Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Australia, he checked out a variety of the country's budget accommodation, including a number of most hostels in Sydney .