Travellers obsessed with Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve in Sydney

Travellers have been left in awe over a secluded Aussie beach – located just 60 minutes from a major city – that costs $30 to enter.

Travellers have been left in awe over a secluded Aussie beach that costs $30 to enter.

Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve is located in Sydney’s south and has captivated locals and tourists alike for its crystal clear waters and glistening diamond sand.

The relatively isolated location is off Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Kurnell and is just a 60 minute drive from the CBD with the reserve encompassing the whole of Pimweli Rocks and Merries Reef.

It’s most popular for spearfishing, snorkelling and of course sunbathers who just want to soak up its magnificent beauty.

Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve is located in Sydney’s south – just a 60 minute drive from the CBD.

“This is my absolute favourite beach in Sydney,” one tourist said in a now-viral TikTok.

She described it as a “hidden gem” with her clip showing off the reserves sandstone shore.

“Wow! How lucky are we in Sydney!!??” another person commented.

Tourists and locals alike are raving about how stunning it is.

“Need to be on our to do list!!” a third said, tagging their friend.

Others mentioned the best time to visit is in the morning or on a weekday as it can get quite busy.

To get to the reserve, visitors enter via the private Boat Harbour 4WD Park off Captain Cook Drive or from the end of Sir Joseph Banks Drive.

The beach is most popular for spearfishing, snorkelling. Visitors will need a 4WD as there is limited access to the beach by public transport.

However, it will cost $30 for a daily pass or $160 for a six-month season pass.

It’s also a starting point for the Botany Bay Coastal Walk, a 13km track that takes you through the hanging swamps and Cape Bailey lighthouse. It also leads onto the dog-friendly Greenhills Beach.

@sianjessicadickson Summer in Sydney 🌺🐬🏄‍♀️ #cronulla #kurnell #boatharbour ♬ Evergreen - Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners

The area is home to various native species, including sooty oystercatchers, migratory waders, and rock lobsters.

But visitors are warned not to collect cunjevoi or any marine invertebrates, such as crabs, mussels, octopus and oysters, whether they are dead or alive.

“Empty shells cannot be collected in the reserve because they provide homes for living organisms. Marine vegetation cannot be collected except for sea lettuce and bait weed,” it states on the Department of Primary Industriessite.

“You can enjoy all sorts of marine activities such as fishing, snorkelling and it’s a great place to look in the rock pools along the intertidal reef.

“You can line fish, spearfish and collect blacklip abalone, rock lobster, sea lettuce and bait weed, subject to other NSW fishing rules and regulations.”