Beaches

Our patrolled beaches and current patrol hours are listed below in order from north to south.

Avoid the crowds and stay COVID-safe

Before you head to the beach, we recommend you check Google Maps for information about popular times and how busy that location is in real time.

Please note however that crowd data may not be shown at all times or for all locations.

To meet NSW Health Orders and recommendations for social distancing, we’ve worked out the maximum number of people for each of our patrolled beaches.

The numbers below are a guide only, and are based on the estimated amount of sand space available at mid-tide allowing 4 square metres per person. If beach conditions change (for example due to erosion or large tides), these numbers could change at any time with little or no advanced notice.

Lifeguards will monitor crowd numbers regularly. We ask you to help by keeping a safe distance from other people, and following any instructions from our lifeguards or volunteer lifesavers.

Avoid the crowds and stay COVID-safe

Before you head to the beach, we recommend you check Google Maps for information about popular times and how busy that location is in real time.

Please note however that crowd data may not be shown at all times or for all locations.

As well as the rules below, all beach visitors must follow all NSW Public Health rules.

There are rules that apply at all of our beaches. Fines of more than $100 can be issued to people who do not follow these rules:

• No surfboards between the red and yellow flags (body boards are allowed)
• No littering
• No horses
• No vehicles
• No alcohol
• No dogs except in approved dog areas
• No fires.

Beachwatch regularly monitors water quality at local beaches and updates pollution forecasts daily.

Check the forecast for your favourite beach on the Beachwatch website.

Our Beach and Foreshore Access Strategy PDF, 13501.62 KB explains what Council does to support people of all abilities using our coastal areas.

We have beach-friendly wheelchairs available at Stanwell Park, Thirroul and Port Kembla beaches. These wheelchairs can be used during patrol hours.

People using beach wheelchairs must be accompanied by a carer.

To book our beach wheelchairs please call (02) 4227 7268.

We've also rolled out beach matting at Thirroul and Austinmer beaches to help people with disability, limited mobility or prams enjoy the beach.

Camping is not allowed in most of our parks, gardens, and foreshore areas.

Check for signs which will explain any activities that are not permitted. Council Rangers patrol these areas, and can issue fines to people who camp illegally in public spaces.