Tamarama

Beach

Tamarama Beach (NSW 322) is one of several deeply embayed beaches on Sydney's south side. It is only 80 m long, with the narrow sand filled valley behind the beach providing 3 ha of well maintained park and picnic areas (Fig. 4.241). The small beach is wedged between two protruding... Read more

Tamarama Beach (NSW 322) is one of several deeply embayed beaches on Sydney's south side. It is only 80 m long, with the narrow sand filled valley behind the beach providing 3 ha of well maintained park and picnic areas (Fig. 4.241). The small beach is wedged between two protruding sandstone headlands and the energetic wave climate ensures that at least one and often two rips are present on the beach, with one usually flowing out past the northern rocks. As a result there are 150 rescues each year, similar to North Bondi, but they are dragged out of the surf at a rate of 5.5 per 1000 swimmers, ten times the North Bondi average, and the highest on Sydney's southern beaches. The beach is patrolled by Tamarama SLSC, founded in 1907 and one of the oldest in Australia, and Waverley council lifeguards year round.

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.