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This little-known Sydney beach has a waterfall and freestanding boulders 

Credit: Destination NSW

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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 Sydney
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 Sydney
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?

Castle Rock Beach 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.  

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.  

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Eleanor Edström
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.
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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.