Fact Sheets & Video - Sydney

Best Family Beach - Nielsen Park

Shark Beach in Nielsen Park is a scenic harbour-side beach protected by a shark net during the summer months, and there are no big ocean waves which makes this spot a safe haven for kids.

If your idea of a picnic area is a patch of grass, or a flat rock to sit on, you'll be able to picnic all over the park, but if you need picnic tables and other facilities, you'll find picnic tables, a kiosk, toilets and dressing sheds just beside Shark Beach.

Best Kept Secret Beach - Resolute Beach Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is where the Hawkesbury River produces a tight cluster of secretive, winding creeks, sheltered beaches and hidden coves.

Here you'll find the remote and isolated Resolute Beach. It's best accessed by boat, or the downhill Resolute Walking track. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a haven for daytime picnickers, and Sydneysiders flock to the park's many picnic areas on weekends. If you're driving into the park, you will need to purchase a vehicle day pass.

Best Action Beach - Manly Beach

Manly's main beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays throughout summer. There are rips along the entire length of the Manly Beach, so always swim between the flags.

Manly Beach is still one of the most popular surfing beaches and there are a number of Beach Volleyball courts on the sand. Hiring a bike and using the cycle-ways is a great alternative for taking in the sights.

Rollerblading is an extremely popular past time in Manly where there is easy access to kilometres of smooth skating and for those not yet acquainted with this sport, lessons are available.

Best Surfing Beach - North Narrabeen

The barreling left handers of the Narrabeen have long been mythologised into Australian surfing folklore. One of Australia's most consistent breaks, it's at this very beach that generations of aspiring professional Aussie surfers have cut their teeth smacking lips and developing a passion for tunnel time!

North Narrabeen Beach and Narrabeen Beach (2km south) are both patrolled by lifesavers during the summer months. A 50m rock swimming pool and children's wading pool is at the entrance to the lagoon on the northern side.

Best Beach for People Watching - Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach does boast homes belonging to several Australian celebrities and it has a reputation for its 'beautiful people'. More than just the beach, most people end up in one of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants that line the promenade and Campbell Parade overlooking the coast for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Swimming areas are designated by red and yellow flags, which are moved according to surf conditions. The northern end and the centre of the beach is usually the safest for swimming.

There's a rip at the south end that's ominously named 'The Backpacker Express'. Bondi's popular coastal walk follows the cliffs from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach - around 3.4kms. The Bondi Trattoria is open every day and is right opposite the beach.

FURTHER INFORMATION

2 nights at Manly Pacific Sydney from $189 a person. Includes breakfast daily for 2. Twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 20/10/06.

Save $122 a person: Valid 15/11/06 to 29/12/06 and 6/1/07 to 28/2/07. First 100 callers. Deals held for callers not on AEDT. Call NSW Holidays on 1300 737 222