Overview
Sydney's autumn weather is looking to be mighty fine and while you can't picnic in a park or put back a pint in a pub, you can still enjoy the sunshine if you're exercising — while social distancing and in groups no larger than two, of course. And yes, swimming and surfing are exercise, meaning you might be able to hit up your local beach.
In March, some of Sydney's most popular beaches were closed after crowds packed out Bondi Beach despite mass-gathering rules being in place and the government encouraging social distancing. Earlier this week saw some beaches reopen for exercise only, but there are still quite a few that are off-limits.
Plus, not all open beaches have the same rules — some are opening for all exercise, some are only open for surfing and swimming, some are only open at certain times of the day. And of course, you must follow two-person gathering restrictions and maintain 1.5 metres between each other. If you disobey the restrictions, you'll risk an on-the-spot fine — in fact, Sydneysiders have already been slapped with infringements.
Although many Sydney beaches are currently open for exercise, the federal and state government's restrictions on all non-essential travel still apply, so travelling to a beach outside your local area is not advised. This includes heading to an out-of-town coastal spot. In essence, don't do a Don.
So where exactly can you exercise by or in the ocean? We've broken it down.
The below information is correct as of Friday, May 8. We'll update as any new announcements are made.
EASTERN SUBURBS
On Monday, April 20, Randwick City Council reopened Maroubra, Clovelly and Coogee beaches for exercise, but on Friday, April 24, they were closed again temporarily due to non-compliance. On Tuesday, April 28 the council reopened all of its beaches for surfing, swimming and jogging, including Gordon's Bay, Congwong, Little Congwong, Frenchmans Bay, Malabar and Yarra Bay beaches.
As of Wednesday, May 6, Woollahra Municipal Council has reopened its beaches and harbourside pools with 'Swim & Go' measures, including Camp Cove, Double Bay Beach, Kutti Beach, Lady Martin's, Parsley Bay, Seven Shillings Beach, Rose Bay, Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf) and Watson Bay Baths. Some Sydney Harbour National Park beaches are open, including Shark Beach, Milk Beach and Lady Bay Beach.
Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama are open from 7am to 5pm on weekdays only, with all "land-based activities" off-limits. While Bondi and Bronte is open for surfing and swimming, Tamarama and Mackenzies Bay will be surfing only. On May 1, Waverley Council announced that it "is likely" the beaches will be opened for periods of time on weekends, but has not made an official announcement yet. We'll let you know when it does.
NORTHERN BEACHES AND NORTH SYDNEY
On the northern beaches, select beaches are open for exercise only — that means surfing, swimming, running and walking — and two-person gathering restrictions still apply. Anyone sunbaking or gathering will be asked to move on. Dee Why, Freshwater, Manly, Shelly, North Steyne, Queenscliff, Paradise are all closed. Whereas Avalon, Great Mackerel, Claireville, North and South Curl Curl, Long Reef, Fairlight, Mona Vale, Newport, Palm Beach, Collaroy, Bilgola, Bungan, Clontarf, Fishermans Bay, Narrabeen, Turimetta, Warriewood and Whale Beach are open, some with lifeguard patrolling — check here for the most recent updates.
Mosman Municipal Council beaches are open for exercise.
A reminder here, though, that Sydneysiders are encouraged to stay local — and travelling across the city to exercise may not fly with police.
SOUTH SYDNEY
Sutherland Shire beaches are open for exercise, with restrictions on social distancing and maximum number of people in place.
Bayside Council beaches have reopened for any form of exercise that "involves continuous movement". Meanwhile, much of the Royal National Park is currently closed, including access to beaches, but walking tracks are open for local residents.
To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Top image: Maroubra Beach.