Sydney beaches Archives

Kelp Recedes At Dee Why Following Summer Swells

Conditions at Dee Why have improved, with most seaweed clearing from the beach following a recent surge linked to large ocean swells along Sydney’s coast.

Recent Update At Dee Why

As of January 13, observations at Dee Why Beach indicate that nearly all seaweed has cleared from the shoreline. Swimming conditions were reported as favourable, with water temperatures at approximately 22°C.

The improvement follows several days where kelp had accumulated across sections of the beach, reducing usable sand and producing strong odours during hot weather.

What Led To The Seaweed Surge

The earlier build-up occurred after large swells over the New Year period dislodged offshore kelp beds. Seasonal growth through spring increased the amount of kelp available to be washed ashore once wave activity intensified.

Similar conditions were reported across multiple Sydney beaches during this period.

Dee Why seaweed — *Photo Credit: Gaida Rodgers/Facebook*

How Dee Why Responded

At Dee Why, the seaweed was left to break down and move naturally. Information published by Northern Beaches Council states that seaweed plays a role in sand recovery and supports coastal ecosystems.

Wave action and tides have since redistributed much of the kelp without mechanical removal.

seaweed wash-up — *Photo Credit: Gaida Rodgers/Facebook*

Different Outcomes Elsewhere

Other Sydney beaches experienced different outcomes. In some locations, seaweed was removed where beach size or access was limited. These decisions varied depending on local conditions and volume.

Outlook

The latest conditions at Dee Why reflect a return to normal beach use following a short-term seaweed surge. Natural coastal processes have largely resolved the accumulation as ocean conditions stabilised.

Published 13-Jan-2026

Dee Why Surf Instructors Fight for ‘Fair Go’ on Bondi’s Waves

Photo Credit: Dee Why Salty Surf School/ Facebook

A pair of Dee Why surf instructors are pushing to end a 30-year single-operator system at Bondi Beach, arguing that a lack of competition keeps lesson prices artificially high for the community.

A Local’s Long Drive for Safety

For some Eastern Suburbs families, learning to surf at Australia’s most famous beach is not an option. Resident Gloria Barton has sent her 14-year-old son to the northern beaches for lessons for the past five years. She said the hour-long trip to Dee Why is not by choice, as the instructors her son prefers are not allowed to teach at Bondi.

Barton explained it is important for kids’ safety to learn at their local beaches. This helps them understand the specific rips, rocks, and dangerous conditions unique to the waves they will surf most often.

Dee Why Duo Challenges Sole Operator

For the last three decades, Waverley Council’s licensing restrictions have meant that only one company, Let’s Go Surfing, is allowed to run a surf school at Bondi Beach.

This system is now being questioned by Dan O’Connell and Conrad Patterson, who run the Dee Why Salty Surf School. They are in a back-and-forth struggle with the council to open Bondi up to competition. Patterson described the situation as a “David and Goliath” battle, clarifying their issue is not with the other surf school, but with the system itself.

The duo argues that a second licence would create healthy competition and promote fairness. They believe this would also lead to cheaper lessons for families. Currently, a two-hour group lesson at Bondi costs $140. The same service at Maroubra, which is managed by Randwick Council, costs $100.

O’Connell and Patterson are not asking to flood the beach. They suggest the current cap of 20 students allowed on the beach at one time could simply be shared between two schools. O’Connell said this seems like an obvious solution to break up the monopoly and try things differently.

Council Decision Stays the Course

A confidential council report, obtained through freedom of information laws, noted that more competition could indeed make lessons cheaper and improve fair access to public land. However, the report also listed potential drawbacks. These included the risk of conflict between operators and extra pressure on the beach.

Waverley Council considered granting a second licence at its May 20 meeting. Less than two months later, councillors discussed the idea in a closed-door meeting and ultimately voted to maintain the single-operator model.

Waverley Council did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Let’s Go Surfing said the company is proud to have provided surf education at Bondi for nearly 30 years. They stated that the council has twice decided one licence is the best model for Bondi, and they respect that decision.

Published Date 06-November-2025

Dee Why Beach Among 9 Closed After Pollution Scare

Photo Credit: popejon2/CC BY 2.0

Hundreds of mysterious grey, marble-sized balls have washed ashore at Dee Why and eight other sites in the Northern Beaches, prompting immediate closures for public safety.

In coordination with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Council has launched an investigation to identify the nature and origin of the debris.

Impact on the Community

The affected beaches include Dee Why, Manly, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen. Council representatives have urged beachgoers to avoid these areas until further notice, advising the public not to touch the debris while clean-up efforts are underway.

Officials and EPA experts are working to collect and test the balls, described as grey or white, with most the size of marbles and a few larger. Results from sample testing would determine the next steps.

Residents who notice similar debris on other beaches are encouraged to contact the council hotline at 1300 434 434.

@emilyinoz
So no sharks today… yet (still bluebottles) but apparently most northern beaches are closed due to water pollution 😫
♬ Stereo Love – 𝑳𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂 🇧🇷

A Pattern of Coastal Pollution

This latest incident mirrors similar events along the Sydney coastline in recent months. In October 2024, thousands of black, tar-like balls were found along beaches in the city’s eastern suburbs, including Coogee and Bondi. Tests revealed that those earlier balls contained a mixture of human-generated waste, including petroleum hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and traces of organic materials.

While the exact source of the current debris remains unclear, investigators are exploring whether it could be linked to industrial or wastewater pollution, as seen in past occurrences.

Environmental and Public Health Concerns

Community members have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact and health risks posed by the debris. Previous findings have linked similar materials to pollutants like motor oil and wastewater discharge, which can harm marine ecosystems and potentially expose humans to hazardous substances.

Beaches will remain closed until authorities complete testing and confirm that conditions are safe for public access. Clean-up crews have been deployed to affected areas, and additional inspections of nearby beaches are ongoing.

Published 14-January-2025