Bondi and Bronte Beach Will Reopen to Surfers and Swimmers Only from Next Week
The eastern suburbs beaches will only open at specific times and "land-based activities" are still off-limits.
After hoards of beachgoers flouting mass-gathering rules forced the closure of Bondi Beach a month ago, the popular Sydney spot is preparing to reopen — with some restrictions.
Unlike Randwick City Council's Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra beaches, which reopened earlier this week for exercise purposes, Waverley Council's beaches will only open for the public to access the water for ocean swimming, surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking.
From Tuesday, April 28, Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama will be open from 7am to 5pm on weekdays, but will remain closed on weekends. Fences will remain in place around the three beaches, with specific 'Swim & Go' and 'Surf & Go' entry and exit points, which will be managed by Council Rangers. While Bondi and Bronte will be open for surfing and swimming, Tamarama and Mackenzies Bay will be surfing only. Lifeguards will patrol all beaches during the opening times.
In a statement released today, Mayor of Waverley Paula Masselos said that while the ocean is reopening, "land-based activities" remain off-limits. "Waverley's beaches remain closed to all land-based activities including social gatherings, sunbaking, walking and jogging," Masselos said.
As the government's two-person gathering rule is still in place, you can only go swimming or surfing with a maximum of one friend or the members of your household. Disobeying this restriction — and leaving your house for a non-essential reason — could still see you cop a $1000 on-the-spot fine.
If Sydneysiders don't follow the council's rules, Masselos said the beaches could close again. "If residents do not adhere to the conditions of these measures or follow the instructions of our Rangers or Lifeguards, then the Council will have no choice but to remove all access to the water," she said in the statement.
Elsewhere in Sydney, Manly, Shelly, North Steyne, Queenscliff and Dee Why beaches are currently closed until at least Tuesday, April 28, but other northern beaches spots are open for exercise only with some lifeguard patrolling — check here for the most recent updates. Sutherland Shire beaches, which temporary closed over the Easter long weekend, are also open for exercise.
All of the city's rock, ocean and regular pools are still closed.
Bondi and Bronte Beach will open for swimming and surfing only during 7am–5pm on weekdays from Tuesday, April 28. You can find out more over at the Waverley Council website.
