Bronte Beach: Is this Sydney beach named after the Brontë sisters?

Bronte Beach in Sydney is named after Horatio Nelson, Duke of Bronte, not the literary Brontë sisters.

Bronte Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney – it’s relatively close to the city centre and makes a handy midway stop on the 8km Bondi to Coogee clifftop walk. It’s a family favourite, too, largely due to the big park and playground with public barbecue facilities behind it. The Bronte Baths are also great for swimming.

It may be fairly logical to assume that the beach is named after the literary Brontë sisters, but that’s not the case. There’s no link between the beach and Charlotte, Emily or Anne. Bronte Beach is not named after one of the Brontë sisters.

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Who is Bronte Beach named after?

But Bronte Beach is named after someone you’ve probably heard of. In 1799, the King of Naples awarded the title ‘Duke of Bronte’ to famous British admiral Horatio Nelson.

Nelson would sign his name “Nelson and Bronte”, and the bay the beach is part of was named ‘Nelson Bay’ in honour of his naval feats. Technically, it still is, but over time, the beach took on the name of the admiral’s awarded title.

So, Bronte Beach is named after Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Bronte.

Bronte Beach has fairly good surf, but it can be fairly tough for beginners. If you’re looking for surf lessons in Sydney, try Bondi or Maroubra Beach instead. There’s better accommodation in Bondi, too, although you’re better off staying in Sydney CBD.

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.