Which La Perouse beach is best? Frenchmans Beach, Congwong Beach or Little Congwong Beach?

The best La Perouse beach in Sydney boils down to personal taste. Frenchmans Beach, Congwong Beach and Little Congwong Beach all have their own distinctive vibes and qualities.

Had history gone differently, La Perouse would be the centre of Sydney. This is where the First Fleet of settlers from the UK initially landed in 1788. However, Captain Arthur Phillip decided to settle in Sydney Cove instead.

As a beach suburb, La Perouse is rather overshadowed by the Eastern Suburbs beaches to the north. That’s not because there is no La Perouse beach, but because none of the beaches in the suburb have reliably good surf. Cape Banks protects the waters of Botany Bay here.

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.

Best La Perouse beach: Frenchmans Bay?

The good news is that this makes for calm swimming conditions in La Perouse. The most visited beach is Frenchmans Beach, which happens to be the longest La Perouse Beach. It’s also where most of the suburb’s development is based around. That means Frenchmans Beach gets busier quicker, but there’s also a good roster of amenities.

The Frenchmans Bay Reserve behind Frenchmans Beach offers picnic tables, public toilets and a children’s playground. You’ve also got several options for eating out at Frenchmans Bay. These include the Bare Grill and Café on Anzac Parade and seafood specialist the Boatshed La Perouse.

Frenchmans Bay in La Perouse, Sydney. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Most other things to do in La Perouse, including the Macquarie Watchtower and the La Perouse Museum, are nearby.

Best La Perouse beach: Congwong Beach or Little Congwong Beach?

The other La Perouse beaches are part of the Botany Bay National Park. Congwong Beach is on the other side of La Perouse Point and Bare Island. It’s a family favourite because the water’s so calm and you’ve got a decent chance of seeing dolphins go past?

There’s no car park directly next to Congwong Beach, but it’s a short 100 metre walk down some steps from Cann Park. Congwong Beach is also a decent spot for snorkelling.

Little Congwong Beach is the third and smallest La Perouse beach of the trio. It’s a small cove beach, and not patrolled by lifeguards. You can get there via the walking trail from Congwong Beach.

Is Little Congwong Beach a nudist beach?

Little Congwong Beach is not as family-friendly as Congwong Beach. That’s because nudists often show up there. It’s not an official, designated nudist beach, but nudism is clearly tolerated there.

So what’s the best La Perouse Beach? Well, it depends on taste. Try Frenchmans Beach for activity, Congwong Beach for families and Little Congwong Beach for seclusion and the chance to let it all hang out.