Sydney named as one of the world's top 10 beach cities

Sydney has been named as one of the top 10 beach city destinations in the world in a new survey from National Geographic.

The release of the survey has prompted NSW Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay to point out that Sydney was the only Australian city to feature in the new National Geographic poll.

Minister McKay stated "the new survey shows what Sydneysiders have known all along - that Sydney boasts some of the best beaches in the world.

"Whether youâre a keen surfer or just looking to enjoy the beach lifestyle that only Sydney has to offer, thereâs something here for everyone.

"Famed beaches like Manly and Bondi are synonymous with Sydney around the world, and visitors soon discover secret harbour beaches, glamour spots such as Tamarama and Palm Beach and surfing hotspots such as Cronulla.

"For instance, more than 80% of visitors from the UK, Sydney's top source market, make a visit to one of the city's beaches a key part of their trip, and it's the third most popular activity for UK visitors, after eating out and sightseeing."

Minister McKay said the latest rating followed soon after Sydney was rated as one of the world's best cities by the readers of high profile US based Travel and Leisure magazine, adding "Sydney was also the only Australian city to win a coveted top 10 place as one of the world's best cities in the Travel & Leisure 2010 World's Best Awards earlier this month.

"Sydney ranked number six on this highly regarded annual list of the World's Best Cities, ahead of London, Paris and New York."

Sydney was also voted the number one city in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by the readers of Travel & Leisure, based on a range of criteria including sights, culture and arts, restaurants and food, people, shopping and value for money.

Minister McKay said that Sydney was named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beach destinations in the world alongside cities including Barcelona, Cape Town, Honolulu and Rio de Janeiro.

She concluded "this latest survey again confirms Sydneyâs position as Australia's only global city and a fantastic global travel destination."

For more on the National Geographic survey visit http://travel.nationalgeographic.com.

Image: Bondi Beach