If you’re the kind of Sydneysider who times your morning swim to the tides or maps out your weekend around saltwater dips, this one’s for you. The 2025 State of the Beaches report has just dropped, and it’s giving us a clear picture (pardon) of where it’s safest to take a swim this season. The annual report, produced by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Beachwatch Program, monitors 249 swimming sites across NSW, from iconic ocean beaches to tidal lagoons and estuaries. Using national health guidelines, the data measures how suitable each site is for swimming – essentially, how much pollution you’re sharing the water with.
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The results? Pretty good news overall. According to the data, 76 per cent of NSW swim sites were graded Good or Very Good, meaning they were safe for swimming most or almost all of the time – a solid improvement on last year’s performance. Ocean beaches fared even better, with 95 per cent of the state’s ocean beaches making the top two grades, thanks to average to below-average rainfall over the past few months limiting stormwater runoff and pollution.
So, where should you dive in? The crème de la crème of Sydney beaches – those awarded a Very Good grade – include Nielsen Park, Maroubra Beach, Camp Cove, South Curl Curl, Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Newport Beach, Bilgola Beach and Avalon Beach. Crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and (statistically speaking) minimal risk of swallowing anything nasty.
Meanwhile, some of Sydney’s most famous swimming spots fell just short of perfection, landing a Good grade. Those include Bondi, Mona Vale, Warriewood, North Narrabeen, Mackenzies Bay, Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordons Bay – still great for a dip, but maybe worth avoiding after heavy rain.
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Not all beaches made the honour roll, though. Coogee, Rose Bay Beach, Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf), Shelly Beach, Bilarong Reserve, Bayview Baths, Narrabeen Lagoon, Little Bay and Brighton Le Sands Baths were rated Poor, with water quality that fluctuates after rain. And sitting at the bottom of the class, Botany’s Foreshores Beach was the only Sydney site to score a Very Poor rating.
Overall, the 2025 report paints a bright picture for ocean lovers – especially those sticking to the coast. Just remember: rainfall is the biggest culprit for pollution. If the skies have opened up, maybe hold off on that swim for a day or two. Your lungs (and your stomach) will thank you.
You can keep an eye on pollution levels at your local beach over here, or you can check out our guide to the city’s best outdoor pools to mix up your swimming fix.
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