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What’s Changing at Clontarf Reserve as Stage 1 Works Get Under Way

Clontarf Reserve is set for another round of upgrades, with work starting on new recreation facilities, pedestrian access and changes to the car park.

Northern Beaches Council will begin Stage 1 landscaping and car park works on Monday, 21 September, as part of the broader Clontarf Reserve Landscape Masterplan. The project will be delivered in two phases and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

The reserve will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles during construction, although visitors can expect temporary impacts around work areas and sections of the car park. Council said pedestrian and traffic controls would be used to help people move safely around construction areas.

New youth recreation space planned

A new youth recreation area will be delivered as part of Stage 1. The first construction phase is scheduled to run from September until mid-December 2026.

Plans include casual walled seating, a basketball tower, outdoor fitness equipment and a performance platform.

Stage 1 will also alter parts of the existing car park, with changes intended to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Permeable paving will be installed in parking bays, while eight trees will be removed and replaced with suitable native species.

Three new parking bays are planned on Sandy Bay Road beside the reserve, requiring the removal of existing garden beds in that area.

Work will pause during the summer school holiday period before Phase 2 begins in February and continues through June 2027. Council has scheduled the break to reduce disruption during the reserve’s peak visitor period.

New pedestrian link from Sandy Bay Road

A new pathway will run from Sandy Bay Road along the southern side of the playground towards the café. Upgraded pole lighting is also included in the works.

Earlier consultation on the masterplan identified concerns about safe pedestrian access around parking areas and gaps in connections between facilities. The planning process also considered pedestrian links through the reserve and connections with the Manly Scenic Walkway.

Clontarf Reserve extends from Sandy Bay along Clontarf Beach towards Clontarf Point and is used for activities including picnicking, swimming and boating. It also connects with the Manly Scenic Walkway.

Masterplan dates back to 2019

The current works form part of a 10-year vision for Clontarf Reserve adopted by Northern Beaches Council on 27 August 2019.

Planning followed community consultation that began in 2018, when participants were asked how they used the reserve, what concerns should be considered and what improvements they wanted to see. Council said 1,200 people visited the project page, provided online comments or attended drop-in sessions during the initial consultation period.

Several parts of the masterplan have already been completed. The current landscaping and car park project is another component of the broader masterplan, with further works still proposed.

Stage 2 car park and landscaping works depend on future funding and completion of Sydney Water infrastructure work associated with the Middle Harbour Syphon. Council has not published a construction date for Stage 2.

Published 11-Sept-2026

6 of the Best Restaurants In or Around Clontarf

Clontarf might be a smaller pocket of the Redcliffe peninsula, but it’s flanked by some genuinely excellent eating in Margate and Woody Point, both just a few minutes’ drive away. Between low-and-slow barbecue, waterfront pubs and a waffle spot locals can’t stop raving about, this stretch of the bay punches well above its weight.

We’ve pulled together six of the best restaurants in and around Clontarf, keeping it tight to the closest, most established options with strong ratings. As always, this isn’t a definitive ranking, just a solid list based on what locals keep coming back for.

1. Smokin Butts & Racks

⭐ 4.4/5 (242 Google reviews)

A genuine Clontarf local, this low-and-slow barbecue joint has built a strong reputation well beyond the suburb — reviewers mention driving in from as far as Morayfield for a feed. Expect house-made rubs and sauces on melt-in-your-mouth brisket and pulled pork, served in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Try: Brisket Burger, Smoked Brisket Loaded Fries, Hawaiian Chicken Burger, Meat Taster

📍 Address: 45 Snook St, Clontarf QLD 4019

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · smokinbuttsandracks.com.au

2. Baywok Multi Asian Restaurant Clontarf

⭐ 4.5/5 (90 Google reviews)

Don’t let the modest shopfront fool you — this Clontarf local has built a loyal following on a genuinely huge menu and generous, reasonably priced serves. Reviewers consistently say the food outperforms the simple exterior, with the Chinese BBQ pork ribs and honey chicken regularly singled out.

Try: Chinese BBQ Pork Ribs, Bay Wok Special Fried Rice, Honey King Prawns, Combination Chow Mein

📍 Address: Shop 2/150 Maine Rd, Clontarf QLD 4019

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $1–40 per person · (07) 3825 6688

3. Waffle Crush (Margate)

⭐ 4.8/5 (112 Google reviews)

The highest-rated spot on this list, and a short drive into Margate confirms why — this dessert bar has built a devoted following on generous, beautifully presented waffles and genuinely warm service. Reviewers consistently praise the value and the passion the owner puts into the food.

Try: Dubai Pistachio Waffle, Lotus Custard Dream Sundae, Nutella Dream Waffle, Banana Butterscotch Waffle

📍 Address: Shop 2/122 Victoria Ave, Margate QLD 4019

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: Dessert-focused menu · wafflecrushonline.com.au or 0468 304 502

4. Butcher Baker Coffeemaker (Woody Point)

⭐ 4.6/5 (511 Google reviews)

An established Woody Point favourite since 2017, with a big enough reputation to draw a steady stream of reviews years on. Expect a genuinely well-run all-day breakfast and lunch cafe, with reviewers praising the quick service even during busy periods, plus solid gluten-free options.

Try: Eggs Benny, The Brekkie Burger, Avo on Sourdough, Le Petit Benedict

📍 Address: 40 Oxley Ave, Woody Point QLD 4019

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · Bookings via butcherbakercoffeemaker.com.au or 0467 718 435

5. Rib Witch (Margate)

⭐ 4.4/5 (125 Google reviews)

A takeaway specialist that’s built an outsized reputation for its ribs, with reviewers repeatedly calling them some of the best they’ve had anywhere. The owner gets a specific mention for being genuinely passionate and personable, which shows in the consistency reviewers describe visit after visit.

Try: Zeus Rack Pork Ribs, Beef Rib, Chicken Yiros, Cow Candy and Fries

📍 Address: Unit 2/295 Oxley Ave, Margate QLD 4019

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · Bookings via ribwitch.bitebusiness.com or (07) 3419 8300

6. The Belvedere (Woody Point)

⭐ 4.1/5 (5,834 Google reviews)

A genuine Redcliffe peninsula institution, standing on the Woody Point waterfront since 1901. With multiple dining decks over the bay, a big beer garden and a menu covering everything from oysters to pork knuckle, it’s the go-to for a group outing or a sunset feed with a view — reviews consistently praise the atmosphere and setting as much as the food.

Try: Waterfront Platter, German Pork Knuckle, Fresh Oysters, Chicken Parmigiana

📍 Address: Cnr Oxley Ave, Woody Point QLD 4019

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · (07) 3284 2245

That’s our pick of six standout spots in and around Clontarf — from a low-key backyard barbecue joint to a waterfront institution that’s fed the peninsula since 1901. Got a favourite we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line — we’re always keen to hear where locals are eating.

Ratings and review counts current as of September 2026.

August Brings a Run of Safety Incidents in Clontarf

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force

A series of emergency and safety incidents was reported in Clontarf during August, ranging from a serious boating injury at Sandy Bay to fires, a fallen tree and property reported stolen from a parked vehicle.

The most serious occurred on Monday, 3 August, when emergency services were called to Sandy Bay Road shortly after 1.30pm following a boating incident involving a spearfisherman.

NSW Ambulance paramedics and officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command responded after the man was reportedly struck by a boat propeller. He suffered deep lacerations to his back and was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The incident was reported separately at the time.

Two Fires Reported Within Nine Days

Firefighters were called to Cutler Road shortly before 5.00pm on Sunday, 16 August, following reports of an explosion and fire in bushland.

NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW Manly Station attended, with firefighters extinguishing a small fire using a rake. Youths were understood to have set fire to an aerosol can, causing the explosion.

Nine days later, firefighters were called to another small fire, this time at Castle Rock Beach.

Shortly after 4.30pm on Sunday, 23 August, Manly firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from the beach. They located a small campfire and extinguished it with a bucket of water.

Theft Reported at Cutler Road

Police also received a report of property stolen from a vehicle parked on Cutler Road.

The report was made just after 1.30am on Sunday, 16 August. The available incident information does not identify what was taken or provide further details about the circumstances.

Fallen Tree Blocks Sandy Bay Road

The month’s reported incidents included an early-morning road hazard on Tuesday, 25 August.

Shortly before 5.30am, NSW Police were called to a report of a tree fallen across Sandy Bay Road, creating an obstruction on the roadway.

Published 31-Aug-2026

Peninsula Motorfest Returns to Clontarf for its Biggest Year Yet

Photo Credit: Facebook / Peninsula Motorfest

Peninsula Motorfest is back — and this year, the beloved Redcliffe Peninsula car festival is celebrating its eighth edition with what organisers are calling its most ambitious event to date. Running from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August at Pelican Park on Hornibrook Esplanade in Clontarf, the three-day celebration is free for all spectators across every day of the event.

After seven successful years, the festival has grown into one of the Redcliffe Peninsula’s most anticipated annual events, drawing car enthusiasts and families alike to the bayside for a weekend of motors, music, and community spirit.

The event is run by founder Aarash Almassi alongside his family — brothers, mum, and sisters-in-law — as well as a close-knit crew of volunteers who give their time freely to make it all happen each year.

Three days, something for everyone

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a cruise night along the peninsula, followed by an exclusive entrant-only car show at the Belvedere Hotel on Saturday. Sunday’s Family Fun Day takes centre stage at Pelican Park, bringing together classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, modern V8s, lowriders, and bikes on display alongside live music, food vendors, trade stalls, and a dedicated Kids Zone.

Car owners wanting to take part in the Sunday Family Fun Day can simply arrive from 8am — no ticket required. For those who registered as three-day entrants, tickets have already sold out, underscoring just how much enthusiasm surrounds this year’s milestone event.

Giving back to the community

Beyond the chrome and horsepower, Peninsula Motorfest has always had a charitable heart at its core. Once again, the event has partnered with local not-for-profit Redcliffe Mums Inc., with all proceeds raised across the weekend going directly to support local families.

Redcliffe Mums Inc. is a small, passionate group that officially began fundraising in 2021, with a focus on helping children access essential school supplies — including uniforms, stationery, and food — so they can concentrate on their education. The organisation relies entirely on fundraising events and community donations to do its work.

Get involved

Peninsula Motorfest 8.0 runs from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August 2026 at Pelican Park, 103–145 Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf. Entry is free for spectators all three days. For more information, search Peninsula Motorfest on Facebook.

Published 24-August-2026

Spearfisher Seriously Injured in Boat Propeller Incident off Clontarf

A 20-year-old spearfisher has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a boat propeller in Middle Harbour near Clontarf on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm on 3 August following reports that a person in the water had been hit by a powerboat. The man had reportedly been spearfishing when the incident occurred and suffered several deep lacerations to his back.

After being pulled from the water, he was taken aboard the boat and brought to a wharf at Sandy Bay, Clontarf, where NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him.

He was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital shortly after 2pm in a serious but stable condition.

Police Investigating What Happened on the Water

Officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command attended the incident and spoke with the 60-year-old skipper of the powerboat. Police administered a breath test, which returned a negative result.

At the time of publication, police had not established publicly how the incident occurred or whether the two men knew each other. An investigation into the circumstances was continuing.

Sandy Bay, on the Clontarf side of Middle Harbour, is home to a marina and numerous moorings and is part of a stretch of harbour used by recreational boaters as well as people swimming, diving and fishing.

A Risk Boaters Are Warned to Watch For

NSW boating rules require powered vessels to keep at least 60 metres from people in the water and from a dive flag or float, except in circumstances where the minimum distance cannot be maintained and other safe-distance requirements apply.

Transport for NSW also advises boaters to take extra care within 200 metres of divers and spearfishers because they may be some distance from their float or flag. Skippers must maintain a proper lookout, including for swimmers, snorkellers, divers and spearfishers.

The blue-and-white Alpha flag is used to indicate that divers, snorkellers or spearfishers are in the water nearby.

Those rules provide general safety context only. Police have not said whether any boating or diving rule was breached in Monday’s incident, and no finding of fault has been made.

Anyone with information or video footage that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 3-Aug-2026

Northern Beaches Council Votes to Ban Animal Fur Sales at Markets

Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures

Northern Beaches Council has voted to ban the sale of animal fur products at market stalls and Council-owned venues following a divided debate during its meeting on Tuesday, 19 May.

The motion was introduced by Greens councillor Ethan Hrnjak, who argued the measure would be simple to administer because market compliance checks were already in place.

The new policy builds on other restrictions previously adopted by Council, including bans relating to live animal sales, single-use plastics and the use of 1080 poison.

During the debate, councillors heard concerns about the treatment of animals within the international fur trade, with supporters of the motion arguing Council should not facilitate the sale of products linked to animal cruelty.

Questions were also raised about how the policy would be enforced. Council’s administration noted it did not have the authority to seize products, though councillors supporting the ban suggested stallholders could instead be directed to remove suspected fur items from sale.

Supporters of the motion pointed to similar bans already adopted by several other NSW councils, including Canterbury-Bankstown, Inner West, City of Sydney, City of Newcastle and Blue Mountains councils.

Not all councillors supported the move. Pittwater Ward councillor Rowie Dillon argued the chamber was increasingly debating issues outside the core responsibilities of local government, particularly at a time when Council was managing budget pressures and a special rate variation process.

Despite the split debate, the motion passed after Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins used her casting vote to break a deadlock.

Animal welfare groups welcomed the outcome, describing the decision as part of a broader international shift away from fur products. Advocates pointed to growing global restrictions on fur farming and increasing numbers of fashion brands adopting fur-free policies.

The new ban applies only to Council-controlled markets and venues. It does not affect retail stores, as councils do not have the authority to regulate the sale of fur products in private retail settings.

The policy also includes an exemption for cultural practices involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Published 20-May-2026

The Scandalous History of Clontarf: Defamation and Orgies

Photo Credit: Narrabeen Reunions and the Northern Beaches/Facebook

Clontarf was at the centre of a scandal in the late 19th century when allegations of debauchery at its pleasure grounds led to one of the most sensational defamation cases in colonial Australia. The legal battle, fuelled by accusations of immorality, tested the limits of press freedom and exposed the social tensions of the time.

The Rise of Clontarf Pleasure Grounds

By the 1870s, Clontarf Pleasure Grounds had become one of Sydney’s most popular harbour picnic destinations. Situated on the northern foreshore, it was accessible primarily by ferry, attracting thousands of visitors—sometimes up to 5000 on a public holiday. The grounds offered games like quoits and skittles, but the main draw was the dancing, drinking, and live music performed in licensed halls, where rum and brandy were the beverages of choice.

However, as crowds of young people flocked to Clontarf, concerns grew over the behaviour fuelled by alcohol and excitement. By 1881, the venue’s reputation took a serious hit when The Bulletin published a damning report. The report sparked an intense defamation lawsuit.

The Defamation Case That Gripped Sydney

In December 1881, The Bulletin printed an article by journalist William Traill, who described the previous Boxing Day celebrations at Clontarf as nothing short of an orgy. He wrote of intoxicated men and women, their “blood warmed by alcohol and their passions inflamed,” engaging in “romping abandon” and indecent dancing, likening the scene to that of “satyrs and bacchantes,” describing them as being “in soiled suits and squalid finery.”

Enraged by these descriptions, Clontarf’s proprietors, William and Thomas Moore, sued The Bulletin for libel, demanding £1000 in damages.

The trial was a spectacle, drawing widespread public attention across Australia. Witnesses for the Moores—employees, friends, and junior policemen—acknowledged drunkenness and fights but insisted that it was not an orgy. However, The Bulletin’s defence presented lurid accounts of public brawls, swearing, underage drinking, and inappropriate conduct, including a man wearing a woman’s drawers and groups of naked bathers being watched by onlookers.

Senior policemen also weighed in, claiming that two-thirds of the prostitutes they knew had been led to ruin by pleasure grounds like Clontarf.

After heated legal arguments, the jury ruled in favour of the Moores, but in a symbolic move, they awarded only one farthing in damages, a moral victory for The Bulletin.

Clontarf defamation case — Caption: Jules Archibald and John Haynes
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Fallout and Press Freedom Debate

Despite the symbolic damages, The Bulletin’s proprietors, John Haynes and Jules Archibald, were ordered to cover the Moores’ legal costs of more than £1500. Unable to pay, they were jailed in Darlinghurst for a year, igniting a public backlash. A fundraising campaign quickly gained momentum, securing their release within weeks.

The case sparked a national debate on press freedom, particularly the right of journalists to expose social controversies and the broader implications for defamation law reforms in Australia.

While The Bulletin continued its fearless journalism, Clontarf’s reputation suffered. By the turn of the century, the pleasure grounds faded into obscurity, never fully recovering from the scandal that had once made them infamous.

Updated 8-Dec-2025

Clontarf Tidal Pool Undergoes Upgrade

Clontarf Tidal Pool will look similar to the upgraded tidal pool at Little Manly | Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Now at the end of its life, the 1940s-built Clontarf Tidal Pool undergoes rebuilding, making it longer, wider and better for present and future generations to enjoy.

Opened in 1949, Council said that the existing tidal pool is at the end of its life and hence needs to be rebuilt. Made possible by a grant under the NSW State Government Public Spaces Legacy Program, the $542,000 upgrade of the tidal pool at Clontarf Beach will be commencing this March 2023.

The upgrade will look similar to the upgraded tidal pool at Little Manly and will see the pool enlarged to improve user experience, cater for population growth and align with other elements in the park Masterplan. The pool will offer lap swimming in deeper water on lower tides as its width increases by three metres into the harbour.

Clontarf Tidal Pool will look similar to the upgraded tidal pool at Little Manly | Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

The pool’s length will also be increased to 64 metres to provide a more protected wading area and shoreline to cater for heavy use periods and future increases in usage.

Also, the pool enclosure finishes a minimum of 3 metres from the existing seawall to allow beach rake access into the pool and adjacent beach for cleaning, and also maintains pedestrian access along the beach.

Concept plan | Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

More durable materials will be used for the upgrade for less maintenance and less disturbance to the marine environment in the long-term, including the use of timber walers around the pool, HDPE-sleeved steel piles and high-strength shark netting.

Resident seahorses were relocated in late February to purpose made seahorse hotels following approval by the Department of Primary Industry (Fisheries). Construction is expected to be completed by September 2023, in time for the seahorse breeding season.

Published 16-March-2023

Exploring Contarf’s Grotto Point Aboriginal Engraving Site

Immerse yourself in Sydney’s rich Aboriginal heritage by visiting Clontarf’s Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site.

Have you ever wondered what life must have been from our ancestors’ point of view? Good thing there are a few remnants that have survived over the century that currently allow us to have a glimpse of the past. It is also fortunate that there are numerous Aboriginal archeological sites found within Sydney’s region, which makes it even more accessible for all.

At the Sydney Harbour National Park lies one of Sydney’s historic rock art with scenic views, the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site. This is located specifically within the park at Dobroyd Head.

Grotto Point Engraving — *Photo credit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au*

Grotto Point is considered to be one of the best places for locals and tourists to see historical rock engravings up close. The engravings are fascinating and well preserved. Even the site itself has added timber enclosures that surround all the engravings in order to further protect them.

Up close, you get to see various engravings such as people, animals- fish, sharks, and kangaroo, different geometric designs, and boomerangs. Also, there are informative signs found within the site to help you learn more about these Aboriginal engravings.

Aboriginal Engraving — *Photo credit: https://www.atnf.csiro.au/*

The engravings found at Grotto Point are said to be 1000 years old, and they were originally made by connecting a series of holes from sharp edges of hard rocks and other quartz tools.

The engravings found at the Grotto Point represent Aboriginal mythology and their spirituality. However, it must be noted that even though some of these engravings are quite similar to the ones found in other historical sites, the meaning of these engravings still varies.

Given the site’s close proximity to the available Grotto Point walking track, and as well as the high visitation of tourists each day, the site is no longer used for traditional ceremonial practices. But some of the remaining descendants of traditional families still maintain the site’s ceremonial significance up until today.

Enjoy a Relaxing Dining Experience at This Clontarf Beach Restaurant

Have a great dining experience along Clontarf Reserve at Clonny’s on the Beach.

Are you looking for a place to set up a casual brunch with your family and friends? Head over to Clonny’s on the Beach at Clontarf Reserve today and check out their delicious offerings.

Clonny’s on the Beach is a multi-cuisine restaurant managed by Chef Jo Bright and her colleagues, Steve Lee and Chris Dearberg. The restaurant is set against the beautiful backdrop of Clontarf Reserve, making it an ideal venue for catering large groups or functions for any special occasion. Walk-ins are welcome too at this restaurant.

The menu includes freshly produced entrees and dishes for breakfast and lunch only. Kids’ menu is available, as well as some vegetarian, vegan, and gluten- free food options.

Aside from the restaurant, Clonny’s also has a Kiosk that is perfect for those who are on the go.

The kiosk offers freshly served meals, snacks, and coffee that is ready for pick up for patrons who want to grab a quick food or drink, and enjoy it under the shade of an umbrella or over a picnic by the park or by the beach.

The kiosk offers salads, burgers, fish and chips, ice cream, coffee, and more!

Clonny's Kiosk — Burger and Coffee at the kiosk
Photo credit: Clonnys at Clontarf/ Facebook

Who would not want a quick snack whilst going around Clontarf Reserve’s facilities? It is a good thing that both Clonny’s on the Beach and Clonny’s Kiosk are nearby!

The operating hours for the restaurant and the kiosk are as follows:

Clonny’s on the Beach
Saturday & Sunday	8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Clonny’s Kiosk
Monday- Friday	9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday	9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For bookings you may send your request via email at bookings@clonnys.com.au.

Click here to know more about their latest offerings.