Clontarf Reserve
A sheltered harbourside reserve and beach near Manly, rated 4.6 across more than 1,500 reviews.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Why it's worth checking out
Clontarf Reserve sits on Sandy Bay Road at Clontarf, on the shores of Middle Harbour near Manly on Sydney's northern beaches. A lovely harbourside reserve with a sheltered beach, it's a much-loved family destination — combining calm, netted swimming waters with grassy picnic and barbecue areas, a playground and lovely views across the harbour.
The appeal is that combination of safe, sheltered swimming and relaxed parkland: the calm harbour beach is perfect for families and young children, while the lawns, picnic spots and the Spit to Manly walk passing nearby make it a versatile day out. It's a peaceful, scenic alternative to the ocean beaches.
With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,500 reviews, it's a firm favourite. The reserve is free and open, but facilities, the swimming area and parking vary, and it gets busy on warm weekends and over summer, so it's worth checking conditions before you go — and taking sun protection and arriving early for a good picnic spot, while enjoying one of the harbour's loveliest family beaches.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- WednesdayToday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 00:00 – 23:59
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 84
- Popularity
- 97
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues
Manly Pavilion
$$$Restaurants in Manly, Sydney.
The Espy, Manly
Bars in Manly, Sydney.
Hugos Manly
$$$High-end cocktail bar and club with an outdoor terrace and chic furniture, plus wood-fired pizza.
Felons Seafood
Restaurants in Manly, Sydney.
More parks in Sydney
Centennial Park
A sprawling 467-acre Victorian park in Paddington featuring ponds, three playgrounds, cycling paths, sports fields and gardens.
Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve is a waterfront park in Sydney CBD offering walking and cycling paths through landscaped grounds with scenic harbour views.
Observatory Hill Park
Grassy harbour-view park in Millers Point with public artwork, a rotunda and tennis court.
Manly Beach
Iconic Manly beach with patrolled swimming and surfing areas, plus an ocean pool and playground.
