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.
Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.
Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.
Where to stay
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.
Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.
Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.
Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.
Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.
The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.
Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.
Where to drink & dine
1. The Bar
Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.
Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.
Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.
The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.
On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.
Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce.
2. The Place
Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.
On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.
3. Local gelato
Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)
What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.
What to do/see
1. GPO Heritage Tour
Be awed by the building’s history.
Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.
From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.
2. Circular Quay
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)
An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)
Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.
It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.
4. Theatre Royal
Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)
Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).
