Castle Rock Beach, Sydney: Location, swimming & parking

In Clontarf, Sydney, Castle Rock is one of the most gorgeous harbour beaches. It’s safe for swimming, and the nearest parking is on Ogilvy Road.

Castle Rock Beach, Sydney, is one of those beautiful harbour beaches you feel immensely smug about discovering.

This tiny cove beach is in the suburb of Clontarf, and most visitors will encounter Castle Rock Beach while walking the Spit Bridge to Manly walk.

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Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
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Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
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Why visit Castle Rock Beach?

Much of Castle Rock Beach’s appeal is that it doesn’t feel like part of the city. You’ll know where you are, of course, as the harbour yachts are something of a giveaway. The south-facing beach also looks out towards much busier Balmoral Beach.

But providing the frame for the cove is a steep backdrop of native bush. It’s green and, after rain, there’s a small waterfall.

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The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

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Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
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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.

Is it safe to swim at Castle Rock Beach?

Castle Rock Beach is a secluded harbour beach. You’re not going to find big waves and deadly rips here.

Therefore, it’s about as safe as you can get for beach swimming in Sydney. However, there are no lifeguard patrols.

There are no other facilities, either – no kiosk, no toilets, no playground.

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Getting to Castle Rock Beach – and parking

If walking the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Castle Rock requires a very short detour off the Clontarf Track. This track begins shortly after Clontarf Beach.

Shortly after Castle Rock Beach, the walk enters Sydney Harbour National Park. You’ll find Aboriginal rock carvings and Grotto Point on this section of the walk.

If coming by car, then the best bet is to try your luck with the minimal street parking on Ogilvy Road. From here, look for the MSW sign – it means Manly Scenic Walkway, and will point you towards the track.

There are some steep, stone steps that’ll take you down to the beach.

Great activities to try while you’re in this part of Sydney include Middle Harbour kayaking tours. There are guided and self-guided options.