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.
See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.
By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.
From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.
This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.
1. Share in ghostly tales
Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)
If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.
You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.
2. Wander art installations
See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)
Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.
For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.
3. Learn through lasers
Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)
Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.
The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.
4. Light up the lake
Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)
Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.
You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.
5. Be captivated by local culture
Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)
Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.
Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.
6. Discover a winter glow
See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)
Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.
Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.
Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.
