Queens Beach, Vaucluse: Hidden Swim on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Queens Beach is a small, hidden cove on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk between Rose Bay and Vaucluse. Most walkers hurry past on their way to Nielsen Park, which leaves this little strip of sand, framed by weathered sandstone and overhanging trees, for the few who know where the stairs are.
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The reward is a swim with one of the best ground-level views in Sydney: float in flat harbour water and look straight across to the Harbour Bridge and the city skyline, with yachts sliding past in between. It's one of the walk-in harbour swims in Swim New South Wales.
Swimming at Queens Beach
The water is usually glassy and flat, made for a gentle float rather than a workout. It slopes gently from the sand, and the sheltered harbour setting means there's no surf to deal with.
Tide is everything here. The beach is tiny and almost disappears at high tide, so time your visit for a low or dropping tide if you want somewhere to sit. At lower tides the rock platforms either side of the cove open up for a poke around.
Ferries and yachts are part of the view, and their wake can send a sudden run of small waves up the beach, so keep your things above the waterline. This stretch of foreshore is part of Sydney Harbour National Park, with remnant heath and woodland that's home to kookaburras and lorikeets, and the sheltered water is a nursery for young fish. Put sunscreen on well before you swim.
How to Get to Queens Beach
Queens Beach can only be reached on foot via the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, a signposted 1.8 km track that runs between Bayview Hill Road in Rose Bay and Nielsen Park in Vaucluse.
By car, follow New South Head Road into Rose Bay and look for parking in the residential streets near Bayview Hill Road. Parking limits are strict and enforced, so read the signs carefully. The walk starts at the end of Bayview Hill Road. Follow the boardwalks and stone paths along the foreshore for about 10 to 15 minutes, then take a short, unmarked set of sandstone stairs down off the main track to the sand. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours return.
Know Before You Go
- No facilities and no bins at the beach. The nearest toilets are at Nielsen Park. Bring water and sun protection, and carry all rubbish out.
- No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk and watch for boat wake.
- The beach almost vanishes at high tide. Check the tide times before you go.
- Stay on the boardwalks and stone steps to prevent erosion of the banks.
- Pets aren't permitted in Sydney Harbour National Park.
- The track has plenty of steps, and parts can close in bad weather or high fire danger. Check NPWS alerts.
- Harbour water quality can drop after rain. Check Beachwatch before swimming.
Queens Beach FAQs
Where is Queens Beach in Sydney?
On the Hermitage Foreshore Walk in Vaucluse, between Rose Bay and Nielsen Park on the eastern side of Sydney Harbour.
Can you drive to Queens Beach?
No. Park near Bayview Hill Road in Rose Bay and walk about 10 to 15 minutes along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk.
When is the best time to go?
At a low or dropping tide, when there's room on the sand. Weekdays are quietest.
Can you see the Harbour Bridge from Queens Beach?
Yes. The cove looks west across the harbour to the Bridge and the city skyline, right from the water.
More Eastern Harbour Swims Nearby
- Sydney Harbour Beaches & Netted Pools: The Calm-Water Swims
- Rose Bay Beach
- Parsley Bay, Vaucluse
- Strickland Estate, Vaucluse
