Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens, Sydney - A river running through a lush green forest
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Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens Sydney

4.7
·72 reviews·, Australia

Sydney's picturesque Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens offer stunning harbour views, family fun, and waterfront dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens, Sydney - A river running through a lush green forest

Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens Sydney

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sydney's picturesque Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens offer stunning harbour views, family fun, and waterfront dining.

4.7
(72 reviews)

"A perfect blend of natural beauty, family fun, and delicious dining with iconic Sydney Harbour views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be pricey and fills up fast. Arrive early or consider public transport.

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a picnic to enjoy the views affordably. BBQ facilities are available.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chowder Bay Waterfront Dining

Chowder Bay Waterfront Dining

Chowder Bay

Enjoy French cuisine with stunning harbour views at L'Heritage or a long lunch at Ripples.

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Clifton Gardens Beach & Playground

Clifton Gardens Beach & Playground

Clifton Gardens

A family-friendly haven with a calm, sandy beach, excellent playground, and ample picnic areas.

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Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk

Chowder Bay to Bradleys Head

A picturesque coastal walk offering breathtaking Sydney Harbour vistas and a connection to nature.

InstagramReddit
Shore Diving at Clifton Gardens

Shore Diving at Clifton Gardens

Clifton Gardens

Explore marine life with a shore dive, known for its macro critters and unique underwater encounters.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Prime Views

Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens are popular Sydney spots, especially on sunny weekends. Arrive early, particularly if you want to snag a BBQ spot or a parking space. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Dining with a View

While there are dining options like L'Heritage and Ripples at Chowder Bay, booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for waterfront tables. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy the scenery affordably. InstagramReddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, family fun
Crowd
High
When
Winter evenings
Why
Cozy dining, special offers
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Authentic seafood Chowder. if you use a creamy seafood soup mix YOUR NOT MAKING CHOWDER. #chowder #seafood #kai #reka #nz
@jah_jah_33
9.4K likes • 182.5K views

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be pricey and fills up fast. Arrive early or consider public transport. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a picnic to enjoy the views affordably. BBQ facilities are available. Instagram

Ever had a clam chowder bread bowl?! 📍Half Moon Bay 🍞 🥣 #tiktokmunchiez #Summer2020 #clamchowder #fyp #foryoupage #food
@tiktokmunchiez
4.8K likes • 155.8K views
Step into this Mosman’s gorgeous French dining restaurants @lheritage_bistro, situated in a historic building on the edge of Chowder Bay which beautiful view of Sydney’s water. 🥂⛵️
eclairpiya
0 likes • 7.8K views

🥽 Dive Gear

Clifton Gardens is great for shore dives, especially for spotting macro marine life. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for the scenic walks around Chowder Bay and Bradleys Head. Instagram

Winter dining at Ripples Chowder Bay. From seasonal flavours to that unbeatable view, enjoy a curated three-course set menu - now up to 50% off. It’s the perfect excuse to escape the chill.
rippleschowderbay
20 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be pricey and fills up fast. Arrive early or consider public transport. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a picnic to enjoy the views affordably. BBQ facilities are available. Instagram

🥽 Dive Gear

Clifton Gardens is great for shore dives, especially for spotting macro marine life. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for the scenic walks around Chowder Bay and Bradleys Head. Instagram

🍽️ Book Dining Ahead

Restaurants like L'Heritage and Ripples are popular; reservations are a must. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning harbour views and the family-friendly atmosphere at Clifton Gardens, with its beach and playground being major draws. Chowder Bay offers a more upscale experience with its waterfront dining. Some find parking expensive and crowds can be significant on weekends.

"Went there on a summer Sunday. Quiet and serene place to spend quality time. Can do fishing here. There is a park next to the beach and has plenty of rides for children. There is also a basketball court for people who enjoy sports, and an ice-cream parlour. Good cafes just next to the beach."

Neer D

"Looking directly at Nielsen Park from the southern edge of Middle Head, Chowder Bay is a charming swimming spot. Despite growing up in Sydney it’s my first visit to this idyllic beach with netted swimming area and a wharf to jump off. I chose to swim outside the nets between the luxury boats. As a conservation effort, they breed seahorses under the wharf in little open cages.

In face only negative I could find here was lots of transparent jellyfish in the harbour at the moment, but I also saw them on the southern side beaches yesterday. Parking is at a premium in this affluent suburb, with the paid parking in Clifton Garden Reserve totally full when we arrived. We drove around to Chowder Bay Road and parked near the restaurants, enjoying a little taste of the Manly to Bondi walk to get to the crystal clear, aquamarine water. Can’t wait to return!"

Jackie McMillan

"Very beautiful and pleasant place to spend some time with your loved ones. It is at Clifton Gardens. The park has good seating, restrooms and playing facilities for kids. We can go for swimming, fishing and also for a nature walk from chowder Bay to Bradley's Head. There is 12P paid parking at the Gardens. For free parking, we need to find space up the hill."

Bharath chandrA

What People Like

Spectacular harbour views
Family-friendly amenities
Scenic coastal walks

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens via bus. From the city, take a bus towards Mosman. For Clifton Gardens, consider routes that pass through the area. It's advisable to check live transport apps for the most current routes and schedules. Reddit

Yes, parking is available, but it can be limited and expensive, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

Driving is an option, with parking available. However, be prepared for potential congestion and parking fees, particularly during peak times. Reddit

These two locations are relatively close. You can walk between them, or if you've driven, you might be able to use the same parking spot for both. The walk offers scenic views. Instagram

While there isn't a direct ferry stop at Chowder Bay or Clifton Gardens, you can take a ferry to Taronga Zoo and then connect via bus or a scenic walk. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general access to Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens is free. You only pay for parking or if you dine at the restaurants. Reddit

The parks and beaches are generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Restaurants have their own operating hours, which vary. Instagram

There are no entry fees for the parks or beaches at Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens. Enjoy the natural beauty for free. Reddit

Yes, booking a table at restaurants like L'Heritage and Ripples is highly recommended, especially for weekends and evenings. Instagram+1

The BBQ facilities at Clifton Gardens are typically free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, picnicking, BBQs, scenic walks (like to Bradleys Head), shore diving, and dining at waterfront restaurants. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Clifton Gardens boasts a fantastic playground, a calm sandy beach perfect for paddling, and plenty of space for kids to play. InstagramReddit

Shore diving is best done in the morning before the area gets too crowded, and when visibility is often better. Look for livies or cast jigs. Reddit

Dogs are generally allowed in the park areas on a leash, but check local council regulations for specific restrictions, especially near the beach. Instagram

Clifton Gardens is known for its macro marine life, including various small fish, invertebrates, and other unique critters. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Chowder Bay features popular restaurants like L'Heritage, offering French cuisine, and Ripples, known for its waterfront dining experience. Instagram+3

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a great option, especially for picnics. There are BBQ facilities available at Clifton Gardens. Instagram

While the main dining is at the restaurants, there might be smaller kiosks or ice cream trucks, particularly at Clifton Gardens during peak times. Reddit

Dining at L'Heritage and Ripples is generally considered mid-range to upscale, reflecting the quality of food and the prime waterfront location. Instagram+1

It's best to check the current menus directly with L'Heritage or Ripples, as options can vary. They often accommodate dietary requests with advance notice. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots from the waterfront restaurants, the jetty at Clifton Gardens, along the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, and the beach areas. Instagram+2

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers great views of the harbour. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in Sydney. Always check with the relevant authorities (e.g., CASA and local council) before flying a drone. Instagram

Landscape photography of Sydney Harbour, waterfront dining shots, family portraits, and underwater photography during dives are popular. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, you can take photos inside the restaurants, but be mindful of other diners and ask permission if focusing on specific patrons or staff. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Clifton Gardens is your go-to! It features a safe, sandy beach perfect for paddling and a fantastic playground that kids will love. InstagramReddit Pack a picnic to enjoy the spacious grassy areas, and keep an eye out for the ice cream truck on warm days. The calm waters make it ideal for a relaxed family outing. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Enjoy the stunning scenery for free! Pack a picnic lunch to savor the views at Clifton Gardens or along the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk. Instagram+1 While parking can be costly, consider using public transport to save money. The natural beauty and walking trails offer incredible value. Reddit

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

For a romantic experience, book a table at L'Heritage or Ripples in Chowder Bay for a meal with breathtaking harbour views. Instagram+2 Alternatively, enjoy a sunset stroll along the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk for stunning vistas. Instagram

🐠 Scuba Divers

Clifton Gardens is a prime spot for shore diving, especially if you're keen on spotting macro marine life. Reddit It's known for its unique underwater critters and offers an accessible dive experience right from the shore. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk

The Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk is a highly recommended Sydney coastal trail, offering spectacular views of the harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. This relatively easy walk is perfect for a leisurely stroll and is often cited as a favorite by locals and visitors alike. InstagramReddit

Starting from Bradleys Head, you'll meander through bushland and along the foreshore, passing by historical military structures and enjoying panoramic vistas. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way. Instagram

Upon reaching Chowder Bay, you can reward yourself with a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants or simply relax by the water. This walk is a fantastic way to experience Sydney's natural beauty and iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. InstagramReddit

Shore Diving Adventures at Clifton Gardens

For underwater enthusiasts, Clifton Gardens offers a compelling shore diving experience, particularly favored by those interested in macro wildlife. Unlike open ocean dives, this location is known for its abundance of smaller, more unusual marine creatures, making it a 'muck diving' haven by Sydney standards. Reddit

Divers often recommend heading out very early to catch livies or casting jigs, hoping to encounter fish before the area becomes busy. The dive site is situated near Cabbage Tree Bay and is considered one of the go-to spots for finding a decent variety of critters in Sydney. Reddit

While it might not offer dramatic shark encounters, the reward is in the intricate details of the underwater world. It's a great option for those looking for a unique and accessible dive experience right from the shore. Reddit

Family Fun at Clifton Gardens

Clifton Gardens is a gem for families, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for children. The calm, sandy beach is perfect for little ones to paddle and build sandcastles without the worry of strong waves. InstagramReddit

Beyond the beach, a well-equipped playground provides hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. The expansive grassy areas are ideal for picnics and games, and the presence of an ice cream truck on sunny days adds to the appeal. InstagramReddit

With ample space and a relaxed atmosphere, Clifton Gardens is a top choice for a family day out, allowing everyone to soak up the Sydney sunshine and harbour views. InstagramReddit

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