Discover the Nearer South Coast Beaches

Despite occasional rain, it's been mainly beach weather in and around Sydney. And, mate, these Sydney beaches get crowded really fast!

If you want uncrowded beaches not far from Sydney, try driving south on the Princess Highway and after Waterfall near the southern end of Royal National Park, look for the turnoff to Stanwell Park.

This brings you to Bald Hill, site of hang gliding and paragliding activity, which means you've just missed the right turn to the beach at Stanwell Park.

Backtrack a bit and turn into Lawrence Hargrave Dr to Stanwell Park, whose beach is one of many all along the start of the New South Wales South Coast into the Illawarra. Watch for signs that say BEACH and find one to your liking.

I was in this area just a couple of days ago and drove south past the new Sea Cliff Bridge to see friends in Coledale. And yes, there was this relatively uncrowded beach and tidal pool for a quiet, leisurely swim.

A fine fun day all around.

• Drive South from Sydney
• Do the Grand Pacific Drive
• The Beaches of Jervis Bay
• Melbourne Beaches: Close to the City Centre

Photo: Bald Hill overlooking Stanwell Park Beach © Larry Rivera licensed to About.com, Inc