Ask a Sydney insider where they go to escape city life, and chances are they'll point you to a sleepy little beach town on the north or south coast.
These getaways have a few things in common: secluded beaches for swimming and surfing, bottlenose dolphins and migrating whales to watch, or simply a spot to soak up the sun.
Most of these seaside homes sit a few hours' drive from the city. From romantic coastal cottages to lavish waterfront mansions, here are seven of the best destinations:
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Rock House in Bundeena
It's just an hour's drive south of Sydney, but the pace of life in the coastal town of Bundeena is far slower. There are only a handful of cafes, a small supermarket and a laid-back community club where you can grab a cold beer and a steak.
Ringed by the Royal National Park, the beaches here are pristine: eucalyptus trees line the shore, walking trails lead down to the water, and Aboriginal rock engravings can be spotted on the cliffs. There's plenty to explore, so head to Garie Beach for surfing, the sandy cove of Jibbon Beach for a lazy swim, or the rock pools of Gunyah for snorkelling.
Rock House sits right above Gunyah Beach. This secluded beach cottage clings to a rocky ledge and has everything you need for a self-contained weekend. The highlight is the floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a terrace with breathtaking 270-degree views across the water, over Port Hacking and out to the Pacific Ocean.
Rock House +61 (0)2 9706 3389
Pretty Beach House at Tallow Beach
Around 100 kilometres from Sydney, the Bouddi Peninsula is home to a protected national park, surf beaches and the aptly named Pretty Beach House. It's a favourite of the Sydney elite and visiting celebrities, who can reach it in 15 minutes by helicopter from the city.
The property sits above the Tallow Beach escarpment, sheltered from prying eyes among swaying eucalyptus and angophora trees. The main house displays works by leading Australian artists such as Arthur Boyd and John Olsen. Guests never have to lift a finger, as every luxury touch is taken care of, including a personal chef, a round-the-clock butler and a sommelier.
Each of the three villas is deeply private, with its own pool and timber deck, perfect for couples wanting to be alone.
Both beaches, Tallow and the 100-metre strip of sand known as Little Tallow, can be reached by following a trail from the house. As an added bonus, the staff will put together a gourmet picnic basket for you.
Pretty Beach House +61 (0)2 4360 1933
Jonah's at Whale Beach
New Yorkers have the Hamptons, and Sydneysiders have the Palm Beach peninsula, where anyone who loves to splash out chooses to stay at Jonah's at Whale Beach. This five-star boutique hotel perches high on the cliffs above Whale Beach, with an award-winning restaurant and sweeping views of the Pacific.
That uninterrupted view over the endless blue is best enjoyed from a wicker lounger on the terrace, where you can sip a martini while trying to spot a humpback whale on its annual migration. Each of the 11 ocean rooms is private and faces the sea.
Getting down to the beach is a fair hike, but it's well worth it to admire the surrounding multimillion-dollar mansions.
Jonah's, Whale Beach +612 9974 5599
Nor'easter at Pacific Palms
Just three hours' drive north of Sydney, it's easy to see the appeal of Pacific Palms. This boutique coastal district is surrounded by gorgeous beaches such as Blueys, Boomerang and Elizabeth. There's also Shelly Beach, tucked away in the bushland of Booti Booti National Park, a favourite with local skinny-dippers.
All of them are a 10-minute drive from Nor'easter, a three-bedroom home with truly stunning views over Smiths Lake and the shimmering ocean.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a large timber deck that makes the most of the water views, guests who can tear themselves away from the scenery can enjoy a host of water sports just seconds from the door. Rent windsurfers and kayaks on the lake, or simply grab your surfboard and take a small motorboat across the lake to reach Sandbar Beach.
Nor'easter, 9 Lauff Road, Smiths Lake, New South Wales
Bells Beach House and Bungalow at Killcare
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Palm Beach, Killcare is an easy weekend escape from Sydney, with gentle waves for board and body surfing, beachside campgrounds and a few secluded, unpatrolled beaches such as Putty Beach and Little Beach.
Bells Beach House and Bungalow oozes style. Owned by Australian advertising guru John Singleton, the interior blends luxury with the classic Aussie beach shack; think surfboards mounted on the walls, driftwood and coral, along with plenty of modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs.
As a final nod to Australian culture, there's not one but two barbecues for grilling steaks and sausages.
Best of all, you can cross the road for a pre-breakfast surf, since the house sits right on Killcare Beach, just a few sandy steps from the local surf club.
Bells Beach House and Bungalow +61 (0) 2 4349 7000
Seaside Cottages Hyams Beach at Hyams Beach
About two and a half hours' drive from Sydney, Hyams Beach is said to have the squeakiest, whitest sand in the world. It's just one of many beaches in Jervis Bay, but it's a firm favourite as a weekend spot for well-heeled Sydneysiders.
The water is crystal clear for swimming and snorkelling, and you can even join a whale-watching tour. Or wander the forest trails through Booderee National Park to reach a rugged shoreline like Cave Beach and Berrara Beach, where you're more likely to spot a kangaroo than another sunbather.
Stay in complete seclusion in one of the sweet, candy-coloured Seaside Cottages Hyams Beach, perfect for couples after a romantic weekend. Designed with the homely charm of the 1920s, each one has beach views from the veranda, and while most don't have a kitchen, it's just a short stroll to a juicy burger at the local shop.
Seaside Cottages Hyams Beach +61 (0)2 4441 7838
The House on Pacific Road at Palm Beach
Palm Beach and the surrounding peninsula are the permanent filming location for the Australian soap opera "Home and Away". Its relaxed lifestyle, beach cafes and swish multimillion-dollar homes along the shore make it a popular weekend beach getaway for Sydneysiders.
Set high on a hillside reminiscent of the Hollywood Hills, south of the beach, the glamorous House on Pacific Road has everything for a stylish self-catering break. The spacious 1950s mansion has a huge northeast-facing terrace with ocean views, perfect for warm summer nights. Palm Beach's ocean pool, surf and trendy cafes are just a 10-minute walk away.
Join the beautiful bodies working on their tans, or set off on a hike through the bush to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, where breathtaking views open up over the northern coastline.
The House on Pacific Road, Palm Beach, +61 (0)2 9331 2881
Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2011. It was reformatted and republished in 2017.
