Balmoral Beach, Mosman

If you like variety in your beach experience, then Balmoral could be for you. It has, obviously, a beach, but the beach is divided by a concrete bridge and a narrow piece of land - Rocky Point. One end has a members club, the other a small harbour and more restaurants. The beach has some natural rock pools to splash around in and shells to collect. Family friendly swimming. When we went the water didn't seem as clear as other beaches.

There are some great views to be had from the headland and walking trails if you want to explore further.

What we found:
- Best toilets/shower block of the beaches so far
- Additional showers on the beach (in the sand)
- Harbour area
- Sandy, rocky and shell beach
- Wide green areas
- Good views out to sea
- Variety of cafe's and restaurants
- Expensive parking if you don't find a spot to park on the street
- Members Beach Club

Dee Why Beach

The first time we visited Dee Why beach it captured a fraction of our hearts. We contemplated living there but decided it would be too far to commute into the City. It is still a lovely place to visit. Great for families with a less tourist feel than the City beaches. Check before you go if there are any large special events on as parking may be a problem if there is.

What we found:

- long stretch of sandy beach

- waves good for paddling and surfing

- large playground, shaded under trees and sails

- beautifully clear rock pools, one for kids with a gentle slope into it, and the other with lanes

- rocks to climb over and search for shells

- beach side cafes and restaurants

- showers and toilets at either end of the beach, not the most glamourous

- lots of options for sitting overlooking the sea without having to go on the beach

Assembled songs

When I think back to my school assemblies, I think of long periods of time, sat in uncomfortable chairs, singing hymns with never ending verses and being lectured to.

Not so at my sons school. I'm loving hanging around for the assemblies held in the playground. They are as long or as short as they need too be and not protracted for the sake of it. Predominantly conducted by the kids, which not only helps give those kids experience of public speaking but they are really characterful. My highlight is the song of the day. Yesterday we had 'Uptown Funk', billed as a winter warmer to get everyone moving. Today it was 'Doe a deer'. 

Such an upbeat way to start the day for all of us and it must have a positive effect on the kids as they set off for their classrooms, ready and switched on for a new day of learning. 

Wolfing down the wine

One of the things we were looking forward to when living is Australia is wine tasting!

Why is it our favorite wine, which is from an Australian vineyard, is more expensive in Sydney than at home in England? 

UPDATE. Liquorland has Wolfblass on offer 40%off so we're good for a week!

Bronte Beach

It was a windy Sunday morning when we arrived at Bronte. You can immediately see why the beach is highlighted as a family one. The beach is wide with golden sands. Scattered along the water line are little seashells. The rocks form a natural paddling area for little legs; Above the rock pool is a large 30 meter size swimming pool cut into the ocean. Its the type of endless pool you see hanging over the ocean in the most glamorous of holiday resorts. I shivered as I watched people throw off their towels and jump in on this winters morning.  Over their heads you could see the seal like bodies of surfers waiting for their wave.

Not as brave in these temperatures as the locals obviously are, we opted for sand play rather than paddling. When the first spots of rain appeared we walked across the grass area, past the numerous picnic tables and BBQ area to the playground, . 

The playground had natural shade and the added protection of sun sails. There is different play equipment to suit different ages and a beautifully decorated octopus house. 

What you can expect: 

Sandy beach

Grass area

Free BBQs

Picnic area

Playground  

30 meter swimming pool
Rock pool

Toilets in different areas

Surf club

Beachside cafe kiosk

Row of restaurants on the street alongside the park which all looked like they served a good brunch

Benches overlooking the beach

A long coastal walk route