A NSW Police Force spokeswoman said they were notified just after 2pm by a member of the public who had spotted the body behind Burrows Park, off Ocean St, near where dozens of revellers were celebrating Australia Day.

It is believed the man fell 20m near the Clovelly Bowling Club. Police Rescue officers worked for hours to retrieve the body, which was taken away by a van just before 5pm.

Police said the death is not suspicious.

A NSW Police Force spokeswoman said the body had yet to be identified and it was unclear if the man’s death was the result of self-harm or misadventure.

It was also not known how long the body had been there.