Calm and secluded pockets of sand

Noteworthy for: Tucked into small coves, most harbour beaches are protected from northerly winds that can ruin coastal beach-going during summer.

Talk of the town: A 2008 call to de-legalise topless sunbathing on Sydney beaches was swiftly quashed. If you'd prefer to get your whole kit off, head to legal harbour nudist beaches.

If you're not big on waves and value your privacy, Sydney's harbour beaches are just the ticket. Tucked away on each side of the harbour, some only accessible by foot, these patches of sand are ripe for relaxing.

To the south, popular spots include Camp Cove (Cliff Street, Watson's Bay), Milk Beach (Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse), Nielsen Park (Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse), Lady Martin's Beach (Wolseley Road, Point Piper) and the city's most famous legal nude beach, Lady Bay/Jane (Cliff Street, Watson's Bay).

North of the Harbour Bridge, Balmoral Beach (The Esplanade, Balmoral, pinned on map) is the most accessible and picturesque harbour beach, complete with its own island. Other goodies include Little Manly Cove (Marshall Street, Manly), Store Beach (Collins Beach Road, North Head) and the north side's favourite clothing optional hangout, Obelisk Beach (Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Road, Mosman).