The snorkelling at Clovelly Beach in Sydney is surprisingly good given the proximity to the city. So bring a snorkel and mask on the Bondi to Coogee Walk.
Sydney’s concrete-lined beach
There are far more glamorous spots on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk than Clovelly Beach. The walk strings together several of Sydney’s most magnificent beaches. And in the middle of them, like the runt of the litter, is Clovelly Beach.
The beach, and adjoining neighbourhood, is named in honour of Clovelly in Devon, England. It was originally called Little Coogee, but locals felt the need to imprint a distinctive personality.
Let’s not sugar-coat it – Clovelly is by far the ugliest of the eastern beaches. It is flanked by two long strips of concrete, the result of a Great Depression make-work scheme. The idea was for the beach to more accessible to bathers. And it certainly is that, if you happen to like lying down on concrete.
Five great things to do while you’re in Sydney
- Take a small group tour to the Blue Mountains – with a Parramatta River cruise thrown in.
- See the landmarks and secret beaches – on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
- Discover Sydney’s most historic neighbourhood – on a Rocks walking tour.
- Go on a whale-watching cruise – and admire migrating humpbacks.
- Learn to surf at Bondi Beach – with beginner surfing lessons.
Snorkelling at Clovelly Beach in Sydney
But the wanton vandalism does make Clovelly Beach easier to swim in. The surf is effectively channelled into breaking early, creating a long stretch of relatively calm water.
And it’s not just human swimmers that enjoy the calm water of Clovelly Beach in Sydney. Plenty of aquatic life does, too.
Clovelly Beach is the reason why you should pack a snorkel and mask for the Bondi to Coogee walk. The most famous inhabitant of these waters is the usually inquisitive blue groper, but there’s plenty more to see. Silver sweep, wrasse and damselfish are amongst the species on show.
It’s hardly diving on the Great Barrier Reef or swimming with whale sharks on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, but given you’re in Australia’s biggest city, Clovelly Beach offers a pretty impressive snorkelling experience.
Things to do in Clovelly
If even the tamed waters of Clovelly Beach are too much for you, there’s the Clovelly Ocean Pool right next door. Built into the concrete, this 25 metre, four lane pool is in the fine tradition of New South Wales’ ocean baths. It’s not quite as showy as Icebergs at Bondi Beach or as dramatic as Bogey Hole in Newcastle, but it does the job nicely.
While in Clovelly, you can also try your hand at barefoot bowls. The Clovelly Bowling and Recreation Club will let you have a go for a small fee.
More Sydney travel
Other Sydney travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Sydney’s top historic museums – including the Justice and Police Museum, Susannah Place Museum, Hyde Park Barracks and Museum of Sydney.
- 7 fantastic attractions in Sydney that most visitors overlook – including the Sirius anchor, the Macquarie Lighthouse, the Anzac Memorial, the Quarantine Station, the State Library of NSW and Elizabeth Farm.
- How to get into the Sydney Opera House without buying tickets.
- A first-timer’s guide to visiting Luna Park in Sydney.
- A practical guide to visiting the Australian National Maritime Museum.
