Shark Beach, Sydney: Safe swimming at Nielsen Park, Vaucluse?

Due to its position on Sydney Harbour and large shark net, Shark Beach in Vaucluse is one of the safest Sydney Harbour beaches for swimming. Nielsen Park behind it is a great place for picnics, too.

Where is Shark Beach, Sydney?

Shark Beach in Vaucluse, Sydney, is not exactly blessed with the most fortunate name. But if you’re looking to explore a delightful section of Sydney Harbour, it makes for a fantastic reward at the end of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk.

This 220 metre-long beach is sometimes known as Nielsen Park Beach due to the large green space behind it. Shark Beach stretches between Whale Point and Shakespeares Point and faces north-by-northwest towards Georges Head on the north shore of the harbour.

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Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

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Is it safe to swim at Shark Beach, Vaucluse?

Despite the name, Shark Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches in Sydney. This is partly because it’s one of the harbour beaches, so it doesn’t get hit nearly as badly by the ocean swells. But it’s also because it is protected by a large, visible shark net.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

(💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
(Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
(🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.

Nielsen Park facilities

A great deal of Shark Beach’s appeal comes from Nielsen Park behind it. Here you’ll find toilets, outdoor showers and a changing block. There are also several shady picnic areas, plus a handful of heritage buildings. Greycliffe House, an imposing mansion from the 1850s, is the most impressive of these. It is open for tours.

You can also get food at the Nielsen café-restaurant, which also has a kiosk section. At time of writing in January 2023, this was temporarily closed while the council conducts repairs to the sea wall flanking the park.

Get your Aussie beach kit on the cheap
Fix up great deals on swimwear, beach towels and snorkelling gear now.
And look for discounts on sunglasses, sun cream or a really good book.