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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens Sydney
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sydney's picturesque Chowder Bay & Clifton Gardens offer stunning harbour views, family fun, and waterfront dining.
"A perfect blend of natural beauty, family fun, and delicious dining with iconic Sydney Harbour views."
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Clifton Gardens Beach & Playground
Clifton Gardens
A family-friendly haven with a calm, sandy beach, excellent playground, and ample picnic areas.

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.

Shore Diving at Clifton Gardens
Clifton Gardens
Explore marine life with a shore dive, known for its macro critters and unique underwater encounters.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Views
Dining with a View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🥽 Dive Gear
Clifton Gardens is great for shore dives, especially for spotting macro marine life.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for the scenic walks around Chowder Bay and Bradleys Head.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
🥽 Dive Gear
Clifton Gardens is great for shore dives, especially for spotting macro marine life.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for the scenic walks around Chowder Bay and Bradleys Head.
🍽️ Book Dining Ahead
Restaurants like L'Heritage and Ripples are popular; reservations are a must.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, parking is available, but it can be limited and expensive, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Driving is an option, with parking available. However, be prepared for potential congestion and parking fees, particularly during peak times.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The parks and beaches are generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Restaurants have their own operating hours, which vary.
There are no entry fees for the parks or beaches at Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens. Enjoy the natural beauty for free.
Yes, booking a table at restaurants like L'Heritage and Ripples is highly recommended, especially for weekends and evenings.
The BBQ facilities at Clifton Gardens are typically free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, picnicking, BBQs, scenic walks (like to Bradleys Head), shore diving, and dining at waterfront restaurants.
Absolutely! Clifton Gardens boasts a fantastic playground, a calm sandy beach perfect for paddling, and plenty of space for kids to play.
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.
Dogs are generally allowed in the park areas on a leash, but check local council regulations for specific restrictions, especially near the beach.
Clifton Gardens is known for its macro marine life, including various small fish, invertebrates, and other unique critters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Chowder Bay features popular restaurants like L'Heritage, offering French cuisine, and Ripples, known for its waterfront dining experience.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a great option, especially for picnics. There are BBQ facilities available at Clifton Gardens.
While the main dining is at the restaurants, there might be smaller kiosks or ice cream trucks, particularly at Clifton Gardens during peak times.
Dining at L'Heritage and Ripples is generally considered mid-range to upscale, reflecting the quality of food and the prime waterfront location.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers great views of the harbour.
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.
Landscape photography of Sydney Harbour, waterfront dining shots, family portraits, and underwater photography during dives are popular.
Yes, you can take photos inside the restaurants, but be mindful of other diners and ask permission if focusing on specific patrons or staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
🐠 Scuba Divers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk
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.
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.
Shore Diving Adventures at Clifton Gardens
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.
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.
Family Fun at Clifton Gardens
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit