Large swell along our coastline

Collaroy is closed for swimming today due to dangerous conditions – large and powerful surf. North Narrabeen, Narrabeen and South Narrabeen are closed for the same reason.

We are closely monitoring the impacts of recent large swells and very high tides along our beaches. This includes minor erosion at Collaroy and Narrabeen, where construction of a seawall is underway.  

This level of erosion is not uncommon during large swell and tide events of this nature. The beach will recover once conditions ease. Under normal conditions, sand will cover the majority of the front of the seawall and the beach width will return.

The recent high tides and large swell have exposed temporary rocks near the seawall. These rocks form the temporary rock bund which is protecting the seawall during construction. These rocks will be removed once construction is complete. The area is continually monitored, and the public is reminded to keep out of the rock bund and construction site.

The formal seawall works being constructed will enable the existing rock protection at Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach to be removed and ultimately improve beach access long term. Exposed rocks after strong swell events have made access to the beach unsafe for a number of decades and this will be improved once works are complete.

Our challenge, and that faced by many coastal areas around Australia, is to manage the impact of planning decisions made a century ago whilst also minimising threats to coastal processes and public beaches.

Contractors will be back on site from mid-January. 

For more information about the Collaroy seawall see our frequently asked questions.