Sydney's Top 5 Snorkelling spots

1 Clovelly Beach

Our top pick is the favourite among the Sydney snorkelling set. In Clovelly's sheltered inlet the choppy factor is low and the visibility factor high. Scalyfin, toadfish and octopi all mill about in perfect view, but there's no doubt about it: Bluey the groper is the Clovelly king. Say hello – he loves the attention. Access from Clovelly Rd, Clovelly or take the 339 from the city.

2 Gordon's Bay

Just around the corner from Clovelly is a lesser-known coral gazing spot. Gordon's Bay might sit lower on the popularity scale, but it ranks higher on adventure as the bay plays home to Sydney's only underwater nature trail. A chain on the sea floor guides snorkelers from one fishy hotspot to the next, making a 500-metre loop past reefs and kelp forests. Access via Major St, Coogee or take the X73 from the city.

3 Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach, just around the corner from the crowded sands of Manly, is decidedly fishier than its big sister. The protected marine reserve status of the beach ensures the small scaly delights are many and varied and a scuba school operates out of the beach. Access from Marine Pde, Manly or by ferry from Circular Quay.

4 Congwong Beach

For a south-side adventure, try Congwong Beach at La Perouse. Swim out along the Bare Island Bridge and circle Bare Island, spotting anemones along the way. Congwong is known for its nudibranchs – shell-less molluscs not to be confused with the nudi-beach around the corner at Little Congwong. Access via Anzac Pde, La Perouse or take the X94 from the city.

5 Bundeena

For those wishing to make a day trip of it, Bundeena is the place to go. Tucked away in National Parkland in the South of Sydney, Bundeena offers four beautiful beaches. Gunyah Beach is our pick for snorkelling and is significantly more secluded than the popular-with-the-tourists Hordens Beach that lies adjacent to the Ferry Wharf. Access via the Avenue, Bundeena or by Ferry from Cronulla.

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