Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach
4.5
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The area
Neighbourhood: Coogee
Very accessible by public transport, Coogee is the smaller, friendlier, more intimate version of Bondi Beach. Coogee is the only beach in the Eastern suburbs that does not have big waves, making it an excellent family beach. The Coogee Bay Hotel, located right across the beach, has one of the biggest beer gardens in Australia and plenty of entertainment every night of the week. Be on the lookout for celebrity footballers! A little further south is Wylie’s Baths, offering sweeping 180 degree views over the Pacific Ocean, and it is perfect for a swim or a few laps. Plenty of dining choices surround the beach, including the famous fish and chips.
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4.5
173 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
58
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
1
S4nnyBunny
Melbourne2,035 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Great beach depending on what you want. The pros; it’s more of a non sandy beach, so if you prefer not to get sand but still want to chill and dip in the water, this is for you. It’s family friendly, there’s a swimming pool for kids on the side and it’s very picturesque.
The cons; it gets very crowded, too crowded for my liking. Not ideal if you want some space & privacy. Not a lot of sand if you prefer that style of beach.
The cons; it gets very crowded, too crowded for my liking. Not ideal if you want some space & privacy. Not a lot of sand if you prefer that style of beach.
Written 12 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadyLaen
Horsham, Australia1,825 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Clovelly is one of my favourite beaches in Australia, because it is in Sydney. In the east. And most importantly I feel safe swimming there.
The water is deep and a terrific place to learn to snorkel, you’ll always see fish and sometimes the blue grouper.
The bay of Clovelly is flanked by cement paths perfect for those that hate getting sand everywhere. If you want sand, head to the west tip of the bay/beach.
There is an ocean pool -far from impressive as Icebergs but none the less good for kids or people wanting to swim short laps.
Clovelly does is manned by surf life savers and does have a nippers club.
People swim laps in the beach. Sometimes the water here could be a lot cleaner. You’ll see a lot of green moss and plant matter when swimming and on busy hot summer days just a film in the water.
The beauty is you will not get dumped by waves at Clovelly.
Free public toilets and showers that are cleans. Also there is a cafe sit down or take away. In the peak of summer & summer weekends the lines are long.
Highly recommend.
The water is deep and a terrific place to learn to snorkel, you’ll always see fish and sometimes the blue grouper.
The bay of Clovelly is flanked by cement paths perfect for those that hate getting sand everywhere. If you want sand, head to the west tip of the bay/beach.
There is an ocean pool -far from impressive as Icebergs but none the less good for kids or people wanting to swim short laps.
Clovelly does is manned by surf life savers and does have a nippers club.
People swim laps in the beach. Sometimes the water here could be a lot cleaner. You’ll see a lot of green moss and plant matter when swimming and on busy hot summer days just a film in the water.
The beauty is you will not get dumped by waves at Clovelly.
Free public toilets and showers that are cleans. Also there is a cafe sit down or take away. In the peak of summer & summer weekends the lines are long.
Highly recommend.
Written 30 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lowping
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
Clovelly is a great beach for snorkeling as it has a protective wall that keeps the man eaters out. Concrete runs along both sides making Clovelley more of a huge ocean pool than a beach. Lots of marine life to see. Great for swimming with plenty of parking.
If you're experienced in the water head around to the south carpark area and give Gordon's bay a try.
If you're experienced in the water head around to the south carpark area and give Gordon's bay a try.
Written 24 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjm19622019
New South Wales, Australia459 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
This is the best spot in the eastern suburbs for a snorkel. You can drive and park here but it does get crowded on weekends, you can also get the bus here from the city. There are many types of fish to see, including the blue groper. You can choose to sit on the sand and paddle and wade on the edge, ( great for children) or sit on the concrete platforms that line the bay. Be careful, though it looks calm, it can be a bit tricky to get in and out and there are some deep pockets. Hope you enjoy beautiful Clovelly.
Written 1 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneyJed
Sydney5,730 contributions
Feb 2012 • Friends
A fatal mistake many visitors to Sydney make is to only visit beaches and locations such as Bondi Beach when out on the tourist trail.Nothing wrong with that but there are so many 'hidden gems' around Sydney town and Clovelly Beach tucked in the eastern suburbs is one of them.There are a couple of ways to get to Clovelly...you can catch the bus to Bondi(380) and take the coastal walk around past the Bondi Icebergs,Tamarama,Bronte beaches and then walk through what must be the best location of any cemetry you're ever likely to see..Clovelly cemetry.The ocean views from here are breathtaking and locals swear on a good day they can see New Zealand(after a few beers of course).. Exiting the cemetry and a short look in front to the left is another little gem nestled within the area..Clovelly Bowling club.Walking into this club for a refreshing beer/lemonade on your way through is like stepping back in time to the early sixties..nothing has changed and definitely worth a visit if just for the stunning views of the Pacific from their ballroom.Walking down the hill and the first thing that hits you is the open natural ocean swimming pool that really is a sight to behold..This really is an hidden gem in Sydney and the little beach and surroundings here make this an ideal place to bring all the family for a barbecue picnic and of course swim.Parking around here can be a bit of a problem but the surf club has a car park and you could always just leave the car at home and ride the 360 bus from Bondi Junction bus station(every 20 minutes).For those feeling a wee bit peckish there is a cafe called SeaSalt just up from the swimming pool which sells fish n chips and other refreshments.Up the hill to the right is the famous Clovelly hotel..known to the locals affectionately as 'the Cloey' and is well renowned in the area for it's hotel pub meals and family friendly attitude..A real hangout for the younger crowd in the evenings around Sydney with bands playing every weekend.Happy hour during the week here is from 4-6pm and Friday afternoon goes off bigtime!
Just across the carpark and following along the coastal walk another hidden gem awaits you...Gordons Bay(http://randwickcitytourism.com.au/sights/gordons_bay.html)This little cove is a protected aquatic reserve and is Sydneys only underwater marine nature trail used by divers and snorklers alike..you can feel the karma everytime you walk/swim this area..you just can't describe it but just something about it.So that is Clovelly folks...well worth the effort and time to visit around here.You can also access Clovelly via the Coogee beach coastal walk if you want...just a really good location if you are in town..Enjoy!
Just across the carpark and following along the coastal walk another hidden gem awaits you...Gordons Bay(http://randwickcitytourism.com.au/sights/gordons_bay.html)This little cove is a protected aquatic reserve and is Sydneys only underwater marine nature trail used by divers and snorklers alike..you can feel the karma everytime you walk/swim this area..you just can't describe it but just something about it.So that is Clovelly folks...well worth the effort and time to visit around here.You can also access Clovelly via the Coogee beach coastal walk if you want...just a really good location if you are in town..Enjoy!
Written 15 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz023
Wollongong43 contributions
Great place to start a walk to Bondi, along the coast, past Bronte and Tamarama. An easy walk, with ample palces to swim or have a coffee along the way. Clovelly is easily reached by a 20 minute bus ride from Central Station, (Bus 335, Stand C, Eddy Ave) which makes it a good day trip option for tourists and locals alike.
Written 14 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rami R
Winnipeg, Canada53 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
If you want to people watch, go to Bondi. If you want to swim, snorkel, scuba or just relax on the rocks and watch the waves crash on the shore, Clovelly is the beach for you. There is a location for everyone here. A small white sand beach. A natural basin "the pool" for kids of all ages, and further along Gordons Bay, great shore diving and snorkelling sites with a concrete ramp for easy entry. No this aint the great barrier reef so don't expect to see clown fish dancing in anemones but there are gropers, sea perches, leatherjackets,and bulleseyes galore.
Written 9 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlb186643
Wexford, Ireland305 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Safe bathing for small kids from a sandy beach . Good swimmers can enjoy swim out along narrow outlet to the sea. Both sides of inlet are concreted where people lie down to sunbath . There is a cafe and toilets here. During busy times there is lifrguard cover . Only drawback for Clovelly is the limited parking
Written 19 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nutto36
Granville, Australia129 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
It's amazing snorkeling place. I spent a quality time with my mom, She really loved it !!!
Clear & Bright
How to go : You can take Bus No. 370 from Hyde Park to Clovelly Beach by 30 minutes.
Toilet : Clean
Fees : No charged !!
Wanna come back : Yessss !!!
Clear & Bright
How to go : You can take Bus No. 370 from Hyde Park to Clovelly Beach by 30 minutes.
Toilet : Clean
Fees : No charged !!
Wanna come back : Yessss !!!
Written 13 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrandmrsbeas
Sydney, Australia533 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
I love to visit Clovelly Beach to o snorkelling with my family. It is usually easy to find a park with a huge free carpark adjacent to the surf club (gold coin donation to the surf club on weekends). Clovelly is not what I would describe as a 'normal' Sydney beach. It is a narrow bay with a cement boardwalk on either side. At the far end is a small stretch of sand. It is patrolled every day by Randwick City lifeguards with patrols by the surf club as well on weekends.
It is a great place to snorkel with plenty of fish including big grophers. For those wanting to challenge themselves - try 'the circle of death' - swim across the bay then run up the hill and around to where you started the swim and repeat over again and again! Most people wear old sneakers to save your feet on the run stage.
There are clean toilets and a cafe to buy coffee and food after a dip in the water. Highly recommended
It is a great place to snorkel with plenty of fish including big grophers. For those wanting to challenge themselves - try 'the circle of death' - swim across the bay then run up the hill and around to where you started the swim and repeat over again and again! Most people wear old sneakers to save your feet on the run stage.
There are clean toilets and a cafe to buy coffee and food after a dip in the water. Highly recommended
Written 23 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snorkellers,
Hey everyone! I want to do snorkel but I don’t know which month is better? Now, October, can I see fish or other animals? I need to pay to do snorkel or to swim in this beach?
Thanks!!
Written 21 October 2018
Hi,
There is no charge at this beach, it is a beautiful, free public beach. There are fish all year round, it is safe and clean. This is the first month I would swim after winter. The sea temperature is warming up to about 20 degrees Celsius. It will continue to warm up to about 24 in January and you can swim comfortably until the end of April. Enjoy
Written 21 October 2018
Is there free BBQ facilities at Clovelly beach? I have read on multiple websites that there are BBQ facilities but not a single photo or proof, even the map in one of the photos does not show whether there are BBQ facilities there or not.
Written 19 August 2016
Yes there is! It's slightly above and beside the beach/rock pool on the northern side, a great location for a party of friends.
Written 29 October 2016
Is there snorkel rental at or near Clovelly? Thanks
Written 27 December 2014
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