"Don’t let the toothsome name put you off—like most of Sydney’s harbour beaches, lovely little Shark Beach is protected by shark nets, so Jaws won’t bother you here. This 220-metre sandy strip is in leafy Nielsen Park, in the upscale Sydney suburb of Vaucluse, right between Rose and Watsons Bays. It’s also part of Sydney Harbour National Park, and has some wildly beautiful coastal walks. The soft sand is perfect for lounging, and there are plenty of grassy knolls that beckon a picnic—so pack up the family and head out." - Sophie Davies