For many of you, it is time to get winter clothes from storage, unfurl quilts and blankets for a long cold winter. You need not though, as summer is just around the corner if you head down under to Australia and its golden beaches. Few grand cities can boast the beaches that Sydney does. Within 10 minutes you can be at world famous Bondi, add an extra few minutes, and you have choice of up to a half dozen other beaches. Invest half an hour and you can be on Sydney's northern beaches, where every beach provides its own unique experience.

Here are some of my picks!

* Bondi - After a visit to Sydney , inevitably questions would arise about the venture  to Bondi Beach. To many, Bondi is like our version of the Statue of Liberty or Eiffel Tower. If the sun is out, odds are Bondi beach will teeming with tourists and the local folk. With a big tourist presence at Bondi Beach, a range of amenities are available, so you will not have much trouble finding banks, doctors, and more importantly food and beverages. Bondi is about 7 kilometres from the city. Bus services operate directly from the city on a regular basis. If you are lucky you will even spot famous Aussie stars, as many make their home at Bondi or like to dine in the trendy eateries adjacent to the beach. Bondi actually serves up good sets of waves when conditions are conducive. Bondi is a long crescent shaped beach and is a great place to lay out a beach towel and spot beautiful people.

* Manly - About 12 km from the city is Manly beach. Manly beach is the northern equivalent of Bondi. Instead of sitting in traffic, an added advantage of Manly is, the ferry ride over. From Circular Quay in the city, it is a relaxing 1/2 ride through Sydney Harbour. If you are in a rush, there is always the Manly Jetcat, which will deliver you to the beach in 13 minutes. Manly beach stretches for about 1km, and if you are there on a weekday, the odds are in your favour of securing a good spot on the sand. Again, like Bondi beach, there is a full range of services available. Manly also boasts the famous Corso, with restaurants, cafes and retail stores. On weekends you can check out the markets where you can pick up art and other handicrafts.

* Maroubra - meaning like thunder in Aboriginal, describes the loud crash of the waves on the rocks. Maroubra is a suburban beach, yet it is only 12 kilometres from the city centre heading south east. Early last year, Maroubra become only the second beach in Australia to be dedicated as a National Surfing Reserve. So if you are up for a surf, Maroubra should accomodate you. As well, I have found on my visits, that atmosphere of the area is much more laid back than at Manly or Bondi, and is a nice place for families. There is a small cafe on the beach, which serves up fantastic food, but for other services, you will have to venture into Maroubra Junction which is a couple minutes drive. Maroubra is serviced by the Sydney buses.

* Located about 15 kilometres north of the city is Dee Why beach. Getting to Dee Why is quite easy as it is a major drop off point for express bus services from the city. It is about a 40 minute bus ride from the city.  In my mind,  Dee Why  has everything you need for a beach. Just recently, the council has upgraded the surrounds with timber decking, extended pathways and lush grassy areas for families. Towering Norfolk pines which are a feature of the Northern Beaches, line the street facing the beach to deflect the summer sun. Dee Why is part of the Northern Beaches which start out at Manly and stretch over 20 kilometres up to Palm Beach. A promenade has taken shape over the past few years and you will find cafes, restaurants and kiosks which cater to most budgets. On weekends though, you will have to get in early, as the area quickly fills with locals and visitors who flock down for the beach and breakfast. On a stormy day it can be spectacular as the waves crash into rocks and surfers look for the big wave.

* Turimetta Beach is located about 25km north of the city. For seclusion, it is incomparable. If you are looking to catch a bus up Turi way, you'll have to stop off at North Narrabeen and trek out Turimetta. Trust me, it's worth the toil. Turimetta is a beautiful beach, made all the more spectacular with terraced rock formations. Green moss growth over the rocks, paints a surreal picture. If you are a budding photographer, you'll get the oooos and ahhhs if you can get a shot or two of Turimetta. Turimetta beach is adjacent to North Narrabeen beach where there are a limited range of amenities. Pack a lunch, some beverages, I am sure you won't be disappointed with Turimetta beach.

So there a couple of beaches both north and south of the bridge that you can't go wrong with if you visit them. From December onwards, the water is warm, the weather hot and humid. Swim between the red and yellow flags, bring lots of suncreen, and enjoy some of the best beaches on earth here in Sydney!

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