Chinamans Beach

This 250 metre stretch of sand is at the northern perimeter of Mosman, one of Sydney’s most genteel residential enclaves. Chinaman’s Beach is well inside Middle Harbour so there’s nary a wave to be seen, making it a great place for a relaxed swim, picnic and a splash about for the kids.

The better known and much busier Balmoral Beach is a one kilometre walk around the rocks to the south, so a visit to both is easily done on the same day. The bay in front of the beach, known as Shell Cove, is a popular spot for yachties to pull in and throw an anchor over before diving in for a swim.