A Slice of Serenity
Clovelly Beach, positioned between Bronte Beach and Coogee Beach in south Sydney, becomes an integral part of the immensely popular coastal walk originating from Bondi or Coogee. Situated 9 kilometres southeast of the Sydney central business district, this tranquil haven offers a welcome escape from the urban business.
For those in search of a quieter beach experience, Clovelly provides a serene alternative compared to the more renowned beaches like Bondi, Coogee, and Bronte. This tucked-away cove often escapes the notice of tourists due to its secluded nature and less built-up surrounds. You won’t find the selection of cafes, shops and other facilities, but if a quieter spot, is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.
However, don’t be deceived – during the summer months and holidays, a local crowd flock to enjoy its charm, making it advisable to arrive early to secure your spot.
Clovelly is one of Sydney’s smallest and most sheltered beaches, with its long narrow ocean inlet sand. This makes it a great destination for those looking for a safer swim, because it doesn’t have the rolling surf and rips like most other Sydney beaches.
Clovelly proves to be an excellent choice for families with young children or individuals who lack confidence in swimming, as well as those who prefer to avoid the challenges of rough surf. Many people gravitate towards this delightful spot for a more relaxed water experience. It’s worth noting, however, that during easterly winds, the waters may become choppy, presenting a temporary exception to the typically calm setting.
Known For…
Besides being known as a safer swim, Clovelly Beach is one of the best beaches for snorkelling and scuba diving. The variety and abundance of sea life that you’ll encounter is worth bringing your snorkelling equipment for! You might just spot blue and green groupers, stingarees, old wives, drummer, luderick, goatfish and mados, and very likely to see starfish, sponges, urchins, anemones and cuttlefish here.
Clovelly offers an ocean water pool, kids play area, café/kiosk, sheltered picnic tables, change rooms with showers and toilets and of course, a Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), which is open and maned between the summer months, September to April.
What’s Unusual?
One of the less attractive features of this beach area is the concrete foreshores at the ocean end. It may not look pretty but they do have a purpose. They were built to make access to the bay’s foreshores easier for swimmers. The cement structure has multiple steps and railings to help lower yourself into the water. And for those who don’t wish to get all sandy, the manmade structures allow sunbathers a convenient alternative.
Getting There
Just a short drive from the city centre or bus ride from Bondi Junction, you’ll find yourself transported to this cute little corner of Sydney. Because this beach is so tucked away, you really do feel like you can shut out the city buzz. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a traveller seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Clovelly is just a stone’s throw away. Buses 339 and 400 from Bondi Junction will get you there.
If driving, there’s a large carpark behind the surf club. Positioned on top of the hill and cliffs, the view of the coastline makes this no ordinary carpark. Until recently it was free all day long to park, but now there is a 4 hour limit, which is still quite resonable.
During my winter stay in Sydney, I took advantage of taking my lunch (usually bought from one of the very good sandwich shops or bakeries on Clovelly Road) and parked, overlooking the cliffs with amazing coastal views. If you visit on a quiet weekday, it’s easy to park front row. I found this an enjoyable experience, even on stormy, rainy days.
Great Finds Nearby
A 15 minute walk or short drive will get you to Clovelly Road’s cosy little strip of cafés, bakeries and shops. If you want a coffee though, you’ll need to get there before 14.30 for the cafés, as they close around this time.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet escape, a worthwhile snorkelling experience, a safer swim or a new perspective on Sydney, this charming little beach in my opinion is worth the experience.
At the very least make sure you explore the Cliff Walk which will take you through this area.
Clovelly Beach Summarised
- Clovelly beach is a smaller, tucked-away beach with more of a local crowd.
- Excellent snorkelling experience. One of Sydney’s best!
- Protected by rolling waves and rips, which makes it a safer swim than most beaches.
- Protected by westerly, northerly and southerly winds and is only susceptible to easterlies.
- Surf Life Saving Club is manned in summer, between September and April.
- A kiosk, toilets, showers and change areas are available.
- Has a few sheltered picnic tables (on the north slope).
- Not too far from Coogee Beach and Bronte Beach.
- Great views from the North and South points/cliffs.
