Sydney's only underwater nature trail, and the friendly blue gropers.
Clovelly
Clovelly is a long, narrow bay with a rocky breakwater across its mouth, which keeps the water unusually calm. It sits inside the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve, so expect schools of fish and, very often, an Eastern blue groper swimming right up to you.
Blue gropers are protected in NSW. You can swim with them, but taking one is illegal, and spearfishing is banned in Clovelly Bay and Gordons Bay.
Gordons Bay underwater nature trail
Tucked between Clovelly and Coogee, Gordons Bay has Sydney's only underwater nature trail. Concrete-filled drums about 20 metres apart, linked by a chain, lead you around the bay, with plaques about the sea life along the way.
The trail starts about 2 metres deep near the shore and drops to about 15 metres further out. Divers take around 40 minutes to follow it. On a clear, calm day you can see much of it from the surface with a snorkel.
Look out for blue gropers, cuttlefish, wrasse, rays, sea urchins and starfish.
Good to know
- Go on a clear, calm day. After rain or in a big swell the water turns murky.
- Gordons Bay is not patrolled by lifeguards. Snorkel with a buddy and only if you're a confident swimmer.
- There's a sign about the trail at the bottom of the steps on Cliffbrook Parade.
- Parking is at Clovelly or Coogee. The Bondi to Coogee walk passes right by.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach, and ask the lifeguards about conditions. Beach safety, with pictures
Walking Bondi to Coogee?Take the free audio walk: twelve stories that play as you reach each spot.More guides
Sources: NSW DPIRD: Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve · Randwick Council: Gordons Bay · Destination NSW: snorkelling in Sydney