Store Beach
Manly, New South Wales, Australia
Store Beach sits inside Sydney Harbour National Park near Manly, tucked between Quarantine Beach and Collins Beach, and there's no road in. It's reached only by kayak, paddleboard, or small boat, which is exactly why it stays one of the harbour's quieter beaches, and why the mainland's only breeding colony of little penguins in New South Wales nests here.
It's treated as one of Sydney's genuine hidden beaches, valued specifically because it's hard to reach, though that same difficulty means it's simply not an option for anyone without a kayak or boat.
How we score beachesRent a kayak at Manly Wharf and paddle over, it's about two kilometers and twenty to thirty minutes each way, and plan to be off the beach before dusk since that's when the penguins come ashore.
There's no vehicle access or parking lot, arrival is strictly by water. Kayak and paddleboard hire is available right at Manly Wharf.
Since the only way in is by kayak or small boat, this isn't a beach for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone who can't manage a short paddle across the harbour.
Sydney Harbour stays mild year round, so this isn't a seasonal swim beach the way an ocean facing spot would be. The penguin breeding season runs roughly May through February, and dusk access is restricted through that stretch to avoid disturbing the birds.
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