Clontarf Beach

An ice cream truck, but make it a BOAT!

Clontarf Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is one of those spots that has everything you need for a day out with kids. Calm water, a playground, a beachside café and, if you’re lucky, an ice cream boat that pulls right up to shore!

Located on Middle Harbour, this sheltered beach is particularly great for families with younger children, thanks to its gentle water and netted swimming enclosure.

What Makes Clontarf Beach So Good for Kids?

🍦 The Ice Cream Boat: Forget chasing down the ice cream truck! A boat cruises around the harbour selling ice creams and drinks, occasionally pulling up to Clontarf Beach. It’s such a novelty for the kids, but appearances aren’t guaranteed.

🏖️ Calm, Shallow Water: With no ocean surf and a netted swimming area, it’s a lovely spot for little ones to splash, paddle and build sandcastles. The beach is not patrolled, so close supervision is essential.

🛝 Playground: Right beside the beach is a fantastic playground, perfect for breaking up the swimming and sandcastle building.

☕️ Sandy Pantry: No need to pack everything! Sandy Pantry is a handy beachside kiosk serving coffee, food and snacks, just steps from the swimming enclosure.

🌳 Picnic Areas: There’s plenty of grassy space to spread out a picnic rug, along with shady spots, picnic tables and BBQ facilities.

Our Tips for Visiting

🚗 Parking: There’s parking at Clontarf Reserve, but it can fill quickly on sunny weekends. Arriving early is your best bet.

🍦 Ice Cream Boat: It’s a bonus rather than a guarantee! You’re more likely to spot it on busy, sunny days.

🚿 Facilities: Public toilets, showers, BBQs, picnic tables and drinking water are available.

👶 Best Ages: All ages, particularly toddlers and younger children who enjoy calm water and playgrounds.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: Clontarf Reserve, Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf NSW 2093

💰 Cost: Free entry, parking fees may apply

🕐 Opening Hours: Reserve accessible daily

☕️ Café: Sandy Pantry

🏖️ Facilities: Beach, swimming enclosure, playground, café, toilets, showers, BBQs and picnic areas

If you’re looking for a Sydney beach where you can swim, play, grab a coffee and spend hours without having to move the car, Clontarf Beach is definitely one to add to your list.

And if the ice cream boat happens to pull up while you’re there? Even better! 🍦🚤