Bronte

Beach

Bronte Beach (NSW 323) lies 200 m south of Tamarama and is a slightly bigger beach at 250 m in length, but with a larger rips. The beach is set in a picturesque valley, occupied by 10 ha Bronte Park. The park and a moderate amount of parking in the... Read more

Bronte Beach (NSW 323) lies 200 m south of Tamarama and is a slightly bigger beach at 250 m in length, but with a larger rips. The beach is set in a picturesque valley, occupied by 10 ha Bronte Park. The park and a moderate amount of parking in the old tramway cutting, plus the government bus service make Bronte a popular beach. However this popularity keeps the lifesavers and year round lifeguards busy with an average of 130 rescues a year. The surf club was formed in 1907, though patrols commenced in 1903. The beach is fronted by a surf zone that is usually occupied by 2-3 rips, one at either end against the headlands (Fig. 4.242), and at times a third one in the centre, with a rock pool on the southern head adjacent to the surf club. The southern headland rip is known as the 'Bronte Express' and provides a fast ride out to sea. An additional hazard is the rocks off the southern end of the beach, an area favoured by board riders.

Swimming

If you are swimming at Tamarama or Bronte definitely stay between the flags. Check your location as rip feeder currents will be moving water and you toward the northern or southern headland rips depending on the wave direction. If you are caught in a rip, stay calm, raise your hand and await rescue.

Surfing

Both lefts and rights are found out amongst the rocks at McKenzies, while Tamarama is closed to board riders during patrol hours. Bronte Beach is open to boardriders and contains Bronte Reef at the south end, which can produce good rights during east to southeast swell, while a beach break left occupies the northern half.

Fishing

All three beaches offer rock fishing and good inshore gutters, when not too busy with bathers.