Bronte Beach & Clovelly

Bronte Beach

A lovely large green park with barbecue facilities and picnic tables makes Bronte Beach a great spot to spend the day. The beach itself is small and known for strong swell, making it popular with surfers. If you'd prefer something calmer, go to the southern headland and you’ll find Bronte Baths, a heritage ocean pool constructed in 1887, as well as the Bogey Hole rock pool.

Bronte Beach, Sydney

Clovelly Beach

This sheltered narrow bay is ideal for calm swimming, with an ocean pool cut into the rocks on the southern headland. There’s also concrete platforms and promenades on either side of the bay, creating a European feel, with many choosing to lay their towels on the warmth of the concrete rather than getting sandy via the beach. 

Clovelly beach, Sydney east - Credit: Andrew Gregory - Destination NSW

Things to do

Clovelly Bay is part of the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve and makes for a tranquil snorkelling spot, easily accessed via ladders into the ocean. You’ll discover an underwater haven teeming with colourful marine life such as blue groper, which locals nicknamed Bluey. It’s also a popular spot for scuba divers. Head further south to discover the gorgeous Gordons Bay. This secluded oasis is part of the aquatic reserve and protected by an offshore reef, making it a great diving and snorkelling spot. Follow the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail around the rocky reefs, sandflats and kelp forests.

Gordons Bay, Coogee

An easy way to explore Bronte and Clovelly is on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 6km track that takes in both beaches and their beautiful coastal surrounds. Waverley Cemetery is along the section between Bronte and Clovelly. Many eminent Australians are buried here on top of the cliffs, including literary figures Henry Lawson and Dorothea Mackellar, and aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney East

Eat & drink

You’ll find a handful of great cafes and restaurants in the two suburbs. Opposite Bronte Park, The Bogey Hole Cafe is a local institution, named after the beach’s rock pool. Just up the hill, pick up some of the best sourdough in Sydney at Iggy’s Bread or enjoy Modern Australian meets Creole fare at nearby Wet Paint Restaurant.

In Clovelly, Pizzavelly is known for traditional Italian cuisine and Sea Salt Clovelly offers brunch a stone’s throw from the water. The Clovelly Hotel is a beautifully restored pub with a fantastic beer garden, while Out of the Blue is a local favourite for takeaway burgers and fish ‘n’ chips.

Clovelly Hotel, Clovelly - Credit: Clovelly Hotel

Getting there

These two beaches are a little further south of Bondi, but they’re still easily accessible from the CBD by public transport from Town Hall Station in the city centre. There’s a bus direct from Bondi Junction Station near the Westfield to Bronte Beach, and other buses that link Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee Beach.