Avalon Beach is a postcard-pretty surf beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches, cradled between two sandstone headlands at the bottom of laid-back Avalon village. It's 500 metres of golden sand with breaks for every level, but for families the real draw sits at the southern end.

Why We Love It

• Free ocean rock pool tucked into the rocks at the south end, so little ones get calm, contained water to splash in while the surf does its thing a few metres away.

• A whole day in one spot with Des Creagh Reserve behind the sand holding a small playground, picnic and BBQ spots and the Avalon Beach Skate Park, so a swim can roll into lunch and a play without packing up.

• Surf for every skill level from easy beginner waves at South Avalon to the longboard-friendly north end, handy as kids graduate from the rock pool to the breakers.

• Avalon village right behind it for an easy coffee, ice cream or bakery run between dips, no driving required.