Sydney is home to an impressive collection of ocean pools and beaches each with a surprisingly distinct feel: Washaway Beach disappears at high tide, Kutti Beach offers a crowd-free escape, Collins Flat Beach has its own little waterfall and Milk Beach boasts some of the best skyline views in the city. And what of the Instagram-famous Gordons Bay? The seemingly tiny patch of beach tucked between Clovelly and Coogee hides a secret often overlooked by the average tourist. The beautiful bay with unbelievably blue waters is home to Sydney’s only underwater nature trail. It’s an off-the-beaten-path adventure but easy to reach, offering swimmers and snorkellers a pristine underwater adventure. Here’s everything you need to know before planning a visit.
Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail
One of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, the self-guided scuba diving and snorkelling adventure is teeming with marine life and protected by an offshore reef. True to its name, the nature trail offers an underwater sanctuary essentially functioning as an underwater pathway encircling the bay. Spanning 600 metres, the trail is marked by a series of concrete-filled drums, 20 meters apart, and connected by chains, each featuring informative plaques about the local sea life.
Sunny days present a vibrant underwater landscape for swimmers, with a variety of local fish visible in the sparkling blue waters. Divers can also expect to encounter a variety of underwater species along the trail, including blue gropers, cuttlefish, wrasses, and rays.
Named after Lewis Gordon, an important contributor to the area’s development, this small and secluded bay could be mistaken for a remote island.
Key features
Where: North of Coogee Beach and south of Clovelly Beach
Access via: The beautiful Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Parking: Parking is available at either Coogee or Clovelly Beach
Best time to visit: Clear, sunny days
Read more about the unique Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail here.