Clovelly Beach parking remains free while several Sydney beaches charge hourly fees of up to $11.60, according to a survey comparing parking costs across 25 coastal locations.
The comparison identified the highest parking rate at the Bondi Beach Parking Area, where the hourly fee is listed at $11.60. A number of Northern Beaches locations, including Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl, North Curl Curl, Dee Why, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon and Palm Beach, were listed at around $10 per hour.
Balmoral Beach was listed at about $8 per hour, while some parking areas near Coogee were listed at $5.50 per hour.
Despite these charges at several locations, a group of Sydney beaches continues to offer free parking. The list includes Clovelly, Tamarama, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay, La Perouse, Brighton-Le-Sands, Ramsgate, Kurnell and Cronulla.
Clovelly Beach Parking And Facilities
Clovelly Beach provides free on-street parking around the beach and a large free car park on the southern side of the bay.
The beach is located at 3–25R Eastbourne Avenue and sits at the end of a narrow bay. Concrete promenades and platforms line both sides of the beach and are commonly used for swimming access and sunbathing.
A 25 x 6 metre saltwater pool is located on the lowest southern platform. The northern side of the beach includes a ramp that provides disabled access into the water.
Facilities at Clovelly Beach include public toilets, showers, change facilities and nearby food outlets. The Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club is located on the southern side.
Clovelly Beach is patrolled year-round by lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers. Patrol hours operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during daylight saving and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside daylight saving.
The beach is located within the Bronte–Coogee Aquatic Reserve, where restrictions apply to protect marine life. Spearfishing is prohibited and fishing for blue groper is not permitted.
Visitor Parking Proposal Includes Clovelly Beach
A separate report outlined a proposal to introduce paid parking for non-residents at several beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including Clovelly Beach.
The proposal applies to seven beaches: Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay, La Perouse and Yarra Bay. The concept includes a resident permit system that would allow locals to remain exempt from parking fees.
About 9 million people visit beaches in the local area each year, with 84 per cent of beachgoers travelling from outside the local area. Annual beach-related services and maintenance costs have been listed at about $23.5 million.
A six-week consultation period has been opened to gather community feedback about the proposal.
Published 4-Mar-2026
