Hot bodies and big crowds

Noteworthy for: Sydney's beach culture was immortalised in then-17-year-old Kathy Lette's explosive 1979 novel, Bruce Beresford's subsequent film, and a 2012 TV series, all titled 'Puberty Blues'.

Tipple of choice: Enjoy one of the most iconic views of Sydney by indulging in an 'iceberg sunset' cocktail at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at dusk.

If it's sun, sand and beautiful people you're after, you'll find it all here. But while most visitors flock to world-famous Bondi Beach to stake their summer turf between the bronzed lifeguards, sunburned backpackers and territorial surfers, it's worth exploring the surrounding Eastern Suburbs beaches like Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra, which exude more of a relaxed, local vibe - on weekdays, at least.

You'll find pubs, cafes and nightmarish weekend parking at all beaches, and saltwater pools for lap-swimming at Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra and a smaller pool at Clovelly. Across Botany Bay lies Sydney's most southerly surf beach, Cronulla, which provided the backdrop of ill-fated 2012 "dramality" show, 'The Shire'. You guessed it: the locals here are a different breed to your typical eastern suburb'er.

Regular buses and the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra train line connects the CBD with both the eastern beaches and Cronulla.