Best Northern Beaches spots for families: where to go when you need coffee, grass & toilets
- Tess Connelly
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 31
You know those beach days where everything's a bit chaotic (who am I kidding...it's always a bit chaotic...) - you forgot the snacks, the kids are already cranky, and you just need a coffee before anyone melts down?
This one's for you.
If you're heading to Sydney's Northern Beaches and want somewhere that ticks the boxes for coffee, grass, shade, toilets, and easy-ish parking (let's be honest, it's never that easy, especially on the Northern Beaches!), here are my top 3 picks.
These are the beaches I'd go to if I was rushing out the door with kids in tow and just needed a spot that made life a little easier.
My top pick, especially if you've got little ones.
Why it's great:
Firstly, parking. There's actually a free carpark behind the shops between Bramley Ave and the set of lights at Coles Ave. This is always a good start. You'll also find street parking on all the side streets around Bramley Ave - Ross St, The Boulevard, Calvert Pde, Myola Rd, etc. These are particularly great if you're wanting to use the rock pool at the south end of the beach (just use the beach entrance at the north end of Calvert Pde).
If you don't mind paying for parking, there's a reasonably large paid council carpark at the north end.
And, if all else fails, you can park on the other side of Barrenjoey Rd. There's a free carpark on Foamcrest Ave behind BWS, Pizza Hut etc, or street parking along Foamcrest Ave, Neptune Ave, etc.
Secondly, toilets & showers. You'll find toilets & showers at the Newport Surf Life Saving Club in the middle section of the beach. You'll also find toilets at the south end near the rockpool, with showers at the Calvert Pde entrance to the beach.
Third - playground, grassy areas & shade. There's a huge enclosed playground behind the Surf Life Saving Club, with plenty of grassy areas nearby. You'll find BBQs, picnic tables, and open areas where you can kick a ball around. There's a little shade from early afternoon on the back end of the beach by the Surf Life Saving Club, and also down the south end by the rock pool.
Lastly, but likely the MOST important....coffee!! And food.
As someone who is very picky about my coffee, here are my recommendations.
If you're already down the southern end of the beach and don't mind a short walk, head to the Newport Bowling Club and you'll find Newport Garden Shed (previously Good Folk). They use coffee supreme beans (my personal fave), and have great takeaway food such as toasties, B&E rolls, burgers, etc.
Zubi. Across the road from the beach on the southern end of the shops. They use Campos beans and have some good food. The cafe itself is super eclectic with both indoor and outdoor seating (out the back), but they're usually incredibly busy, so I'd get takeaway and eat at the beach.
4 Knots Newport. Across the road from Zubi on the beachside of the main road, much smaller cafe - definitely get takeaway. They also do Campos beans. They have burgers & wraps and some good lunch food, but more expensive.
And if you want some quick & easy food, you'll find fish & chips on the corner of Barrenjoey Rd & Coles Pde - basically opposite the playground. There's also Crust & Pizza Hut, Bakers Delight, Honest Chicken, and other takeaway shops in that area.
Why it's great:
Apex Park just behind the beach carpark has a huge grassy area with a great playground, bike track, picnic tables, BBQs & toilets.
Toilets, showers & change areas are in the main beach zone by the rockpool (in the same vicinity as the park)
The Brightside Cafe is located right at the Surf Life Saving Club, and they use Nine Yards beans, so it's great coffee and cute vibes too! The food is tasty, but a little more on the pricey end. You can also head to the Armchair Collective on Darley St E, for coffee & food (though I personally think The Brightside has better coffee).
The Basin is usually much calmer water - which is great for toddlers to play in at the shore, though the water does get deep reasonably quickly.
There's a big paid council carpark next to Apex Park and the Surf Life Saving Club. You'll also find street parking along Seabeach Ave, Heath St, etc. I will say parking on a hot summer's day can be tricky, even on the side streets. If you're okay for a short walk, you'll be more likely to find parks on the north end of the Basin around Bassett St E, or Orana Rd.
Why it's great:
There's a big grassy area right near the beach with an enclosed playground, picnic tables & BBQs.
Two toilet blocks (one main one near the Surf Life Saving Club, and another toilet block next to the rock pools).
Two big rock pools, which are perfect for little ones to swim in!
Collaroy beach is generally calmer than the other beaches in the area (actually not sure why....maybe it's the banks? If you know, let me know!). If there's big ocean waves at Narrabeen or Dee Why, Collaroy will generally be at least a foot or two smaller.
There's food & coffee options directly opposite the beach.
COFFEE?
Two options. Stay Grounded is a great option. I can't remember the beans they use (soz), but coffee's reliably good. They're located on the southern end of the shops, next to Crento Italian (on the other side of the road from the beach).
Alternatively, Sloppy Tee's is on the beach side of the road, underneath The Collaroy. Yellow logo - you shouldn't miss out. They do Toby's Estate beans and have some great lunch options included burgers, rolls, salad, fries, etc.
There's a mix of food options - your best bet would be the Sloppy Tee's, Collaroy Bakehouse or Blessed Bowls if you're craving Acai!
PARKING?
If you don't mind paid parking, there's 2 council carparks - though they do fill up reasonably quickly. You'll find free street parking all around, but I would suggest going to the southern end around Beach Rd, Brissenden Ave, Cliff Rd etc. Parking does still fill up fast, but the streets are quieter and safer - you won't need to cross the road with kids, the area is flatter compared to the steep streets opposite the beach, and you'll be closer to the rock pools.
To be honest, I’m not sure where you’re based - but if you’re not locked into the Northern Beaches, I’d actually head over to Clontarf (Middle Harbour) or Parsley Bay on Sydney Harbour. Both are incredibly family-friendly and, in my opinion, they’re two of the best kid-friendly beaches in all of Sydney.
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Tess x
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