Waverley's beaches closed until further notice

*Note: The Public Health Orders have changed since this was published.

Updated 9.14am Sunday 22 March

Waverley Council would like to remind all visitors that our three beaches (Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte) are closed until further notice.

The Council closed its beaches yesterday afternoon in an immediate response to the NSW Police Minister David Elliot's announcement at 2pm yesterday that beaches across the state can only have a maximum number of people on the beach at any one time.

The closure of our beaches will allow the Council to plan ways it can comply with the new restrictions effective immediately.

Queen Elizabeth Drive (Bondi Beach car park) remains temporarily closed to the limit the number of people accessing the beach.

Minister Elliot's announcement is in line with the Australian Government restriction of gathering in public spaces.

Waverley Council Lifeguards will now work with our four local Surf Life Saving Clubs to develop plans to allow our beaches to comply the government's guidelines.

Restrictions in place: an empty Bondi Beach this afternoon.

People have been asked to comply with the health measures in place across the country. This has been implemented in response to the large crowds seen across Sydney beaches on Friday 20 March.

The Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos said Waverley Council’s Lifeguards will do what they can to uphold these guidelines, working closely with NSW Police.

“We have only just found out about this announcement, and need time to work through how it translates to the practical day to day," Mayor Masselos said.

“Our beaches will remain closed until further notice as we plan for the future.

"If you're from across wider Sydney and are thinking to coming to Bondi, I welcome you to visit our local businesses but please don't plan on going to the beach as it is closed.

“I want to reiterate that this is a time to be kind, whilst being vigilant in maintaining social distancing recommendations, as well personal hygiene and staying home if you’re feeling unwell.

“If you are being asked to leave the beach, please be respectful to our Lifeguards and Surf Lifesaving volunteers. They are doing their jobs in keeping our beaches safe.

“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We all need to behave in a safe and responsible manner so that the spread of this virus can be slowed. No-one is immune to COVID-19 and behaving irresponsibly puts the entire community at risk.”

For information about how Council is responding to the evolving COVID-19 situation, click here: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/top_link_pages/news_and_media/corona