Waves at some beaches are forecast to reach five metres in height.
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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.

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