Waves at some beaches are forecast to reach five metres in height.
Share this @internewscast.com

Several beaches along the New South Wales coastline have been shut down due to the impact of massive waves, as the state grapples with rainy weather and dangerous surf alerts this weekend.

Following a scorching heatwave last weekend, Sydney is now preparing for what could be the rainiest weekend of the summer, with surf conditions becoming increasingly perilous.

Reports indicate that waves at certain beaches, such as Sydney’s Curl Curl Beach, are reaching heights of up to five meters today.

The tumultuous sea state has led to the closure of numerous beaches along the NSW coast, including Newcastle, Bronte, Tamarama, Coogee, Cronulla, and Maroubra, as noted by Surf Life Saving Australia’s Beachsafe website.

“We haven’t dared to enter the water today. It’s incredibly rough,” a beach visitor shared with Today this morning.

READ MORE: Sydney anticipates its stormiest summer weekend yet as a powerful storm system heads north

Waves at some beaches are forecast to reach five metres in height.Weather. Mikey and Patch May check out the wild surf conditions from the Cronulla rock pool. Saturday 17th January 2026. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

"People have gone in, they're mad. They're crazy.

"It's rough."

People are being urged to stay out of the water over the weekend after a hazardous surf warning was issued for large parts of the NSW coast yesterday.

READ MORE: 'No idea what's left': Holidaymakers left in limbo as Wye River flood clean-up begins

Sunrise on Cronulla Beach as waves continue to rise throughout the day.People flock to a waterfront cafe as wild seas pound Cronulla esplanade on Saturday morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology urged people to remain vigilant, warning that surf and swell conditions are expected to be a hazard for coastal activities, including rock fishing, boating, and swimming

The conditions have hit the NSW south coast and will continue to move up north, with swells expected from Batemans Bay to Newcastle and are expected to last all weekend.

Campers in low-lying areas have been told to evacuate because of the powerful weather and tides expected to roll in.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cathy Freeman crossing the finish line and winning gold in the 400 metres at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Comprehensive List of Honorees for Australia Day 2026 Announced

Sporting legend Cathy Freeman has been awarded Australia’s highest honour, a little…
School zone sign in NSW

School Zone Speed Limits Reinstate Early: Crucial Alert for Drivers to Avoid Fines

School zones will be enforced early in NSW ahead of students returning…

Unrelenting Flames: Southeast Braces for Scorching Heatwave Amidst Ongoing Wildfires

Health advisories have been issued for Melbourne due to deteriorating air quality…

Voice Architect Brands Jan 26 Debate as ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ Amid Blak Caucus Push to Abolish Australia Day

Across Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have come together for…
Alex Pretti tried to help a woman who was pushed to the ground by ICE agents.

Newly Released Footage Reveals Crucial Moments Leading Up to Alex Pretti’s Tragic Shooting

Warning: This article contains images and details that may be distressing for…
Julian Ingram

Manhunt Intensifies: Authorities Conduct Property Search Following Suspected Triple Killer Sighting

Warning: This article mentions the name and image of a deceased Indigenous…
Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia's first astronaut.

Australia’s First Astronaut Delivers Inspiring Message as Australian of the Year

When Katherine Bennell-Pegg was prompted at school to jot down three potential…
Residents in four zones east of the fire have been urged to evacuate, while those in Lorne and Anglesea should monitor conditions.

Over 1,000 Homes Evacuated as Otways Fire Poses Threat to Lorne and Surrounding Towns

Residents near a bushfire raging in Victoria’s south-west are being urged to…

Whadjuk-Yued Noongar Electrician Honored as Australia’s Local Hero of the Year

Content Advisory: This article discusses sensitive topics. Frank Mitchell’s early years were…

Unveiling the Mystique: Inheriting a 500-Year-Old French Countryside Castle

Catch the captivating series “Châteaux For Sale” streaming now on SBS On…

Trump Officials Justify Minneapolis Shooting Amidst Obama Critique: A Nation Divided?

High-ranking members within President Donald Trump’s administration have stood by the actions…
Protesters demand immigration agents leave US city after man shot dead

Protesters Rally for Justice: Immigration Agents Urged to Exit U.S. City Following Fatal Shooting

Democrats have demanded that federal immigration officers leave Minnesota after a US…