Clovelly Beach in Sydney: Why should I bring a snorkel?
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.
Clovelly Beach is not the most glamorous spot on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. 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. Originally named Little Coogee, locals felt the need to imprint a distinctive personality on their beach.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- 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.
Let’s not sugar-coat it – Clovelly is by far the ugliest of the eastern beaches. Two long strips of concrete flank it, 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.
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 the Ningaloo Reef, but given you’re in Australia’s biggest city, Clovelly Beach offers a pretty impressive snorkelling experience.
Get your Aussie beach kit on the cheap
Fix up great deals on swimwear, beach towels and snorkelling gear now.
And look for discounts on sunglasses, sun cream or a really good book.
Things to do at Clovelly Beach: Clovelly Ocean Pool and Bowling Club
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 $20 per person.
More great Australian swimming spots
The Kilsby Sinkhole near Mount Gambier in South Australia.
Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in Western Australia.
Streets Beach on Southbank, Brisbane.
Hamersley Gorge in the Karijini National Park, Western Australia.
The Fleurieu Peninsula beaches of South Australia.