When you think of a holiday in Australia, there are probably some very stereotypical sights that come to mind like the Great Barrier Reef, the outback, and Sydney’s signature skyline. What you may not know is that you can holiday in Sydney, see all of the cityscape and highlights but also do some amazing snorkeling and get to experience the marine life. Today we will be highlighting Sydney and covering five of Sydney’s top spots for snorkeling.
Sydney is a great city to visit. There is so much to see and do. Of course, the city has some of the most iconic sights in the world including Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.; however, there is much more than just that. You can visit some of New South Wales’ national parks – all within a short drive from Sydney, you can even see the mountains, they are just about a 30 minute drive west of Sydney’s CBD. Then, there are Sydney’s beaches and snorkeling spots, which are great, some are even perfect for children and beginners. So, hire a car from Budget Car Rental Sydney and you will be able to take yourself around to see all these amazing Sydney attractions.
- Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is located in Manly in the Cabbage Tree Bay protected marine reserve. That means that there is an abundance of unique fish to see there thanks to the protected status. The maximum depth is just about 12 metres, so it is shallow and the waters are calm. Swim with schools of mullet, trevally, hawksbill turtles, and smaller shark species like wobbegongs and dusky whalers. There are other things to do at Shelly Beach too like surfing or exploring the nearby walking tracks.
- Clovelly Pool
Clovelly Beach has a lot going for it that makes it a top spot for snorkeling. It is a small beach at the end of a narrow bay so the water is very calm. There is even a ramp for handicap access. The beach is home to one of Australia’s first lifesaving clubs in the world. The Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1906. When the waters are calm, you can even venture out over the pool’s edge where you can find some of the “locals”, fish that are always found hanging around the pool edge including Bluey, the 1.2 metre blue grouper, giant cuttlefish, and sponges.
- Fairlight Beach
Fairlight Beach is where the locals go for snorkeling. This little “insider’s secret” is literally located inside Sydney on the harbour side of Manly. That means a shallow reef and calm waters for easy swimming and great visibility. Look for marine life like kelp fish, John Dory, sea slugs, and many other varieties. In addition to the snorkeling, there are a host of other things to do and see here and also in nearby Manly Wharf including:
- Tidal Rock Pool
- Toilets: including disabled toilet and access
- Ocean lap pool
- Kayaking
- Safe swimming for kids
- Parking
- Lighting
- Bench Seating
- Water
- Fairlight Walk
- Paddle Boarding
- Nearby accommodations
- The Basin Campground at Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park
This is your chance to really get in touch with nature so close to Sydney. The Basin Campground is in Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park which is less than an hour’s drive from Sydney. The Campground is close to the beach where you will find a host of smaller sea creatures to explore. The estuary upstream has a shark net in place, so there are not any larger fish to worry about. The campsite facilities are open to swimmers, so even if you aren’t camping there, you will have access to the picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, public phones, showers, and toilets. One of the highlights of Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park are the walking trails, so don’t miss out on an opportunity for some Australian bushwalking in the beautiful nature this park has to offer.
- Kurnell
Located in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell is one of the best loved snorkeling spots in Sydney. It has earned this popularity because it is where the largest population of weedy sea dragons in Australia live. They look like magical creatures right out of a fairy tail and swim around so gracefully, they are fascinating and fun to watch! Of course, they aren’t the only sea creatures you’ll find in Kurnell, you might also spot moray eels, Port Jackson sharks, Antarctic fur seals, and plenty of other colourful fish. In addition to all that, there is a good bit of history here, as this is the spot where Captain Cook landed in 1770.
Comments are closed.