The Beach
Tamarama Beach in Sydney, NSW, Australia is a very pretty 80 metre long, deeply set, narrow sand beach with a lovely park and picnic area set behind the beach. This small beach sits between two sandstone headlands. It’s a very deep beach with steep steps leading down each side. I love the atmosphere of this cosy and charming area of Tamarama. This beach attracts mostly locals since it is not as well known as the larger beaches of Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach and Bronte Beach. At times, I love the buzz of the larger beaches, but there are days when you just need a more mellow, relaxing vibe such as Tamarama or Clovely Beach.
You won’t find this beach area graced with heaps of shops and cafés, but there is a café/kiosk right by the beach and park for cold drinks, coffee and snacks.
Ocean Conditions
Tamarama often has strong waves and at least one to two rips (under current, rip tides) at any time. The current pulls the water and potentially you, out past the northern and southern rocks, making it dangerous if you’re not careful. Due to these conditions, the rate of rescues is about 150 each year, making it ten times more than the North Bondi average and the highest on Sydney’s southern beaches.
Swimming at Tamarama
The beach is patrolled by Tamarama SLSC (Surf Life Saving Club) which is one of Australia’s oldest, founded in 1907. Waverley council lifeguards also help to patrol this beach year-round. If you are swimming at Tamarama definitely stay between the flags, and If you are caught in a rip, stay calm, raise your hand and await rescue. Never fight against the rip!
With that said, as long as you stay between the flags when the beach is patrolled by Life Savers and swim sensibly, it’s a beautiful spot swim.
Surfing
Tamarama is closed to board riders during patrol hours. If you want to surf during these hours, head to nearby Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach or even Bondi, as these are open to board riders. There are left and right waves out amongst the rocks at McKenzie’s.
Surf Club
Tamarama Beach has a small Surf Lifesaving Club which faces south, a few yards off the cliffs. I think it’s great, that even the smaller beaches are patrolled by lifesavers, to keep us safe. This allows us to relax and enjoy our swims, knowing they are watching out for us : )
Fishing
Tamarama offers rock fishing, when not too busy with bathers.
