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Sydney Beaches

Beach life is part of the Sydney way of life and Sydney is famous for its excellent surfing beaches. Dozens of beaches are spread along of Pacific coast, and easily accessible to locals and visitors. Most of Sydney’s beaches are patrolled in daylight hours by volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards.

Always swim between the red and yellow flags mark the safest place to swim at the beach. Swimming outside the flags means that you might not be noticed by lifesavers if you get into trouble in the water. Look at the safety signs and never swim alone.


One of the dangers is the rip current that is known simply as a rip. A rip is a strong flow of water returning seaward from the shore. Such rips can all be extremely dangerous, dragging swimmers from the beach into deeper waters. Be aware that you can be dragged out standing in waist deep water! If you attempt to fight the current you find yourself exhausted still in deep water. You should swim parallel the shoreline in order to leave it as it is usually fairly narrow, or just float and signal for help sticking your hand up.

Sunbathing can be very hazardous in Sydney. The UV radiation level can reach Extreme in summer that is also announced on radio daily. The UV is the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer. Hundreds of thousands of Australians seek for professional help for skin cancer each year! Slip-Slop-Slap is the name for a health campaign exhorting people to "slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat" when they go out into the sun. Wear sunglasses that filter out 100 percent of UV rays! Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ water resistant sunscreen every 2 hours.

The Blue Bottle is common on Sydney beaches. They are sometimes blown into shallow waters, and often wash up onto the beach. Avoid them and don’t touch them even if you found them dead on the beach. Blue Bottles can deliver a painful sting. If stung, remove any part of the animal still sticking to the skin with tweezers or a gloved hand. Apply a cold pack or ice to relieve the pain. Do not rub, nor wash with alcohol or vinegar. Seek for medical attention if necessary.


Jellyfish can deliver a painful sting. If stung, wash the area with vinegar and apply a cold pack to relieve the pain. Seek medical attention if necessary. These jellyfish in Sydney are not as venomous as their relatives in Queensland.

Although sharks can be seen inside and outside the harbuor, these species are not typically aggressive toward humans. Many Sydney beaches are protected by shark nets, and the risk of attack is very low.



Smoking is banned on some of Sydney beaches. Look out for signs!