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Provided by: Lawrence Furzey/Destination NSW

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Oceania Australia Sydney Beach Lifestyle Snorkelling in Sydney

Overview

Snorkelling in Sydney

The guide was updated: 2024-05-21

With a snorkel, mask and flippers, you can explore a huge range of marine life from starfish and sea anemones to spotted goatfish and cuttlefish, coral and more, at Sydney's many sheltered seaside coves. Clovelly Beach is a natural rock pool, and one of Sydney's best snorkelling spots - keep an eye out for the famous blue gropers. Nearby, Gordons Bay is protected by a reef and is an ideal site for beginners and families. Great snorkelling can also be enjoyed around Coogee's rock pool at the northern end of the beach.

Useful Information

Website: www.sydney.com/things-to-do/beach-lifestyle/snorkelling-in-sydney

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Surf Beaches

Surf Beaches

Sydney is blessed with many surf beaches that cater to all levels of surfing skill, from small waves for beginners to big breaks for the more experienced and adventurous. Sydney beaches featured on the National Surfing Reserves, a list of iconic surfing locations in Australia, are Manly and North Narrabeen in Sydney's north and Maroubra and Cronulla in Sydney's south.

Surf Schools

Surf Schools

Need a lesson? Beginners can find accredited surf schools at many of Sydney's favourite surf beaches, each school offering its own unique techniques for teaching you how to catch a wave. For an iconic Sydney surfing experience with experienced teachers who know the waves, head to Bondi or Manly beaches. You'll also find accredited surf schools at Maroubra and Cronulla beaches.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

White sands, turquoise waters and perfect waves make Bondi Beach one of the most popular destinations in the world, and you'll discover plenty more to do beyond the great surf and fine sands. Gourmet dining, eclectic shopping markets, gorgeous coastal walks and a buzzing nightlife can all be experienced in Bondi. The promenade along the beachfront is a favourite track for joggers and walkers, and you'll find plenty of inviting cafés and wine bars on Campbell Parade and in Hall Street.

Manly Beach

Manly Beach

Manly is a delightful destination for the whole family. Near the wharf where the ferry arrives, there is sheltered swimming in the netted harbour pool at Manly Cove, plus Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary, cafés, restaurants and ice-cream shops. The paved Corso leads you past surf shops and pubs to Manly Beach. Walk or cycle along the Norfolk Pine tree-lined Steyne promenade from the white sands and rolling surf of Manly Beach to the neighbouring haven of Freshwater Beach.

Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach

With a shimmering bay, magnificent coastal walk and a protected Marine Reserve that attracts snorkellers and scuba divers, Coogee epitomises the classic Sydney beach scene. When you're not lying on the sand or frolicking in the waves, explore the parks and ocean pools. Grab an icecream, a coffee or look out for great clothing bargains as you wander up Coogee Bay Road. For cool drink, visit one of the beer gardens, or check out the latest movies in the Art Deco grandeur of the heritage-listed Ritz Cinema at The Spot in Randwick.

Ocean & Harbour Pools

Ocean & Harbour Pools

Sydney's coastline features a number of delightful outdoor pools, carved into rock platforms. These saltwater pools are a perfect complement to the surf — ideal for lap swimmers, families or those who just want to relax and float. You'll find many of the ocean pools tucked into the corners of Sydney's surf beaches or down a cliffside, such as the women's baths at Coogee, In Sydney Harbour, outdoor pools include the Andrew Boy Charlton pool at Woolloomooloo, near the Art Gallery of NSW, Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is Sydney's northernmost stretch of sand, featuring great surf and coastal walks. It's famous as the gorgeous setting in the long-running TV soap Home and Away, which has a huge international following. Known to locals as Palmie, the northern end of the beach is good for surfing and the southern end offers protected swimming, including a 35-metre ocean pool. Enjoy spectacular views of Palm Beach and Pittwater from the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, or fish from Palm Beach Wharf.

Manly Scenic Walkway

Manly Scenic Walkway

A great way to marvel at the beauty of Sydney Harbour and the enchanting bushland on the foreshore is on foot, and one of the best walking trails is the Manly Scenic Walkway. This 10 km path meanders through the bush around the harbour foreshore from Spit Bridge past gorgeous Clontarf Beach to Manly. Stop at the crest of Dobroyd Head and look straight out to sea through the Heads, the entrance of the harbour. There are six entry and exit points for shorter strolls, and the whole walk takes 3-4 hours. Enjoy a post-walk feast at Manly Wharf before taking the iconic Manly ferry across the harbour to Circular Quay.

Secret Spots

Secret Spots

Quiet, secluded beaches sprinkled around Sydney Harbour and along the coast, are charming spots to relax and unwind. Pack a picnic and head off to discover your own secret beach hideaway, many of which are accessible by ferry. The picturesque Milk Beach is a small stretch of white sand hidden within Sydney Harbour National Park, near Vaucluse, in Sydney's east. In Sydney's north, relax on Shelley Beach, near Manly, and Chinaman's Beach, near Mosman. In Sydney's south, the Royal National Park is home to Jibbon Beach.

Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay

Australia's oldest fishing village is Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour, and home to the famous seafood restaurant Doyles on the Beach. Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay Wharf, or take in spectacular views aboard a bus on the cliff-hugging drive down to Watsons Bay. Enjoy fish and chips at the wharf along with splendid harbour views. You can walk to the lighthouse at South Head and swim in the harbour pools. There's also a pub, Watsons Bay Beach Club, with great vistas, drinks and food - and jazz every Sunday. The sunsets from Watsons Bay are glorious.

Snorkelling in Sydney

Snorkelling in Sydney

With a snorkel, mask and flippers, you can explore a huge range of marine life from starfish and sea anemones to spotted goatfish and cuttlefish, coral and more, at Sydney's many sheltered seaside coves. Clovelly Beach is a natural rock pool, and one of Sydney's best snorkelling spots - keep an eye out for the famous blue gropers. Nearby, Gordons Bay is protected by a reef and is an ideal site for beginners and families. Great snorkelling can also be enjoyed around Coogee's rock pool at the northern end of the beach.

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