A bush-encircled slice of heaven you need to visit before summer ends.
Australia is hardly short on spectacular, unknown beaches – many scattered across far-flung corners of the coastline – but Castle Rock Beach proves you don’t need to venture into the wilderness to stumble upon something extraordinary. Tucked into a pocket of Sydney’s Clontarf just south of Manly, this pint-sized cove is less than 30 minutes by car from the CBD’s glossy buzz.
Accessible only by walking down a series of worn steps, the postcard-worthy bay is just 30 metres long and blissfully sheltered. It’s little wonder locals and in-the-know Sydneysiders have long kept their lips tightly sealed. The harbour beach is cradled by tall sandstone slopes thick with native bushland, plunging to where shelves of shortbread-hued sand fade into ultra-clear shallows. On sunny days, bronzed bodies scatter the sand and stand-up paddleboarders glide past shiny mini-yachts anchored for the afternoon.
Castle Rock Beach is a secluded cove embrace by native bushland. (Credit: Destination NSW)
The calm waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling or catching a sorbet-tinged sunset. But what truly makes Castle Rock Beach unique is that it not only has several large free-standing boulders, but also its own little waterfall. The cascade is about four or five metres tall and flows directly onto the sand after decent rainfall.
Castle Rock Beach is one of Sydney’s most beautiful, lesser-visited bays. (Credit: Eleanor Edstrom)
Be aware that the beach doesn’t have any facilities, shops or toilets, so remember to bring your own water and food. But that’s precisely the beauty of Castle Rock Beach – it’s secluded, quiet and unspoiled by man-made development.
Where is Castle Rock Beach in Sydney?
Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in Castle Rock Beach’s calm waters. (Credit: Adam Krowitz)
Castle Rock Beach is located in the northern Sydney suburb of Clontarf, around 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre and 10 minutes south of Manly. It sits at Stop 7 along the 10-kilometre Spit to Manly walk, making a picturesque pitstop for day hikers keen to cool off.
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How to get there
Park on Ogilvy Road in Clontarf and walk a few minutes down the steps to reach the sand. Alternatively, if you’re coming via public transport, you can take the 162 bus from Balgowlah Golf Club, which connects with buses from the CBD and Manly, and get off at Alma St at Woodland St. From there, it’s about a five-minute walk to the beach.
You’ll pass the beach if you are walking along the Clontarf Track segment of the Spit to Manly walk.
Are there toilets at Castle Rock Beach?
There are no toilets or change room facilities at Castle Rock Beach. The secluded spot doesn’t have any shops or running water either, so make sure to bring your own supplies.
Is Castle Rock Beach patrolled?
No, Castle Rock Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. While the water is usually very calm, it’s best to swim close to the shore and never leave small children unattended.
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.
Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.
But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.
Where to eat
What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.
Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.
Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison. From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.
Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s, is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.
Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.
Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery.
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.
Exploring nature
Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).
Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.
Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive.
Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa. Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.
Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).
For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.
Unique experiences
No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.
Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum.Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.
If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.
Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.
Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays, every week.
Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)
Where to stay
Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.
Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.
Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.
Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.
For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping. Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.
