Mackenzies NSW

Beach

MacKenzies Beach (NSW 321) is one of the smallest beaches in the state, and it’s not always there. None the less its close proximity to dense residential areas makes it a relatively popular beach, when present. MacKenzies is located in a small tuck in the rocks on the south side... Read more

MacKenzies Beach (NSW 321) is one of the smallest beaches in the state, and it’s not always there. None the less its close proximity to dense residential areas makes it a relatively popular beach, when present. MacKenzies is located in a small tuck in the rocks on the south side of Mackenzies Point, 250 m west of the point and 100 m north of Tamarama surf club. At its best it is 50 m long, always backed by rocks and fronted by a rock strewn surf zone, usually containing at least one rip. So swimmers beware. MacKenzies is used by fishers, sunbathers and waders, rather than swimmers.

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.

General

A coastal walk commences at Bondi Beach and continues around MacKenzies Point and south past Tamarama and Bronte, all the way to Maroubra, a total walk length of 10 km. On the southern side of McKenzies Point is an 800 m wide east-facing rocky bay containing the three smaller MacKenzies, Tamarama and Nelson bays, each containing a small beach (NSW 321-323) (Fig. 4.240).