Sydney is the nation’s beach capital, featuring scenes of unparalleled beauty on every part of the coast line - but these gorgeous spots also come hand in hand with flocks of tourists. Here’s six hidden gems scattered around the city that will allow you to enjoy some sand and surf without the pesky crowds. Often upstaged by its incredibly popular neighbours to either side - Bondi and Bronte –Tamarama Beach is regularly overlooked by tourists, which makes it much easier to grab a spot on the sand. This little beach is wedged between two enormous cliff edges which form part of the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk - so if you’re taking on the trek, it’s the perfect place to stop off between those glorious Instagram shots. Tamarama is also an ideal group beach day spot known for its top tier surfing conditions, not to mention the many outdoor volley ball set-ups that are free for public use, and the Tamarama Beach café that sits right on the water to fulfil all your foodie needs. Nestled on the harbour in the north of Watson’s Bay, Camp Cove is a narrow but beautiful haven of golden sand and gentle tides. And while the peaceful shore itself is the ideal place to enjoy the sunshine and catch a glimpse of the city skyline, this hidden gem isn’t just about the beach. Walk up through the quiet, tree-lined trail of Lady Bay Road towards the headland where you’ll find the historic Hornby Keeper’s Cottage and Lighthouse, not to mention breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney harbour. Then, treat yourself to some lunch from the bespoke local kiosk down at the beach, and spend the rest of the day soaking up the beauty of the water. Camp Cove offers everything you need for a day out in the Australian Summer. PARSLEY BAY Yet another highly underrated and under visited spot in Sydney’s beautiful suburb of Vaucluse is Parsley Bay - only a few minutes’ drive south from Camp Cove. This quiet little spot could only just be considered a beach considering the petite size of its shore, but the beautiful, open park that sits directly behind it makes Parsley Bay one of the best picnic spots in the city. The space is dog-friendly and comes complete with a playground and swings for kids, so it’s an ideal spot to take the family. This lovely scene is made all the better by the old-style bridge that arches over the bay, framing the perfect view for a day by the water. Little Bay is the perfect spot for those not looking for a dive amongst the waves this summer. It’s a lovely, calm swimming spot shielded by rocks at either end - including the remnants of a century-old rock pool - making it the ideal option if you’re looking to bring kids along, or just want an easy dip in the ocean. This often-forgotten bay is less than a 10min drive south from Maroubra Beach, easily the busiest beach in this patch of South Sydney, and will provide a much more tranquil experience. Set up here with a picnic following an afternoon of exploring the area, and watch the sun go down over the water. A little further south from Little Bay, tucked away in the headland, Congwong Beach is a beautiful, shallow inlet perfect for snorkelling and exploring. In addition to the beach itself, Congwong is surrounded by tonnes of sightseeing opportunities, including La Perouse Museum, Bare Island, Frenchmans Bay, Browns Rock and Henry Head Lighthouse. You can also take a short stroll down the Congwong Walking Track to find the beach’s smaller but equally-delightful little sister, Little Congwong Beach. With plenty of cafes, restaurants and amenities nearby, Congwong Beach provides everything you need to enjoy a typical Australian summer day in Sydney’s South. While this one is admittedly further outside central Sydney - about an hour’s drive north away from the CBD - Whale Beach is well worth the trek. Tourists will typically flock to its neighbour, Palm Beach – known most famously as the setting of popular Australian soap opera, Home & Away – so Whale Beach’s incredible summer scenery of pine trees, rock pools and blue sea is often a little easier to enjoy. This beach is also home to some of the most enviable real estate in Sydney, and only a short trip from the scenic Barrenjoey Lighthouse coastal walk at the northern most point of the headland. If you’re heading up to the Northern Beaches for the day, Whale Beach is an unmissable stop.