Not All Beaches Are Made for Swimming: 14 Worst Beaches for Swimming in Australia

Australia’s beaches are breathtaking, but not all are good for swimming. Some are known for strong currents, dangerous marine life, or other hazards.

Here’s a heads-up on a few beaches where swimming isn’t the best idea:

Worst Beaches in Australia

1. Fraser Island (K’gari), Queensland

The waters surrounding Fraser Island are notorious for strong rips and powerful currents, making swimming a risky venture.

Sharks are common in the area, along with venomous jellyfish like Irukandji and bluebottles, which add to the danger.

Onshore encounters with dingoes have also been reported. These wild animals sometimes approach people, adding another layer of caution for visitors.

2. Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Swimming at Cape Tribulation comes with serious risks due to saltwater crocodiles lurking in the waters and the presence of box jellyfish, particularly during the stinger season from October to May.

Dangerous currents make the area unsafe for swimming. The area is also home to cassowaries, large, flightless birds known for their potential aggression if approached or startled.

3. Darwin Beaches, Northern Territory

The waters around Darwin are particularly hazardous from October to May when box jellyfish swarm the area, capable of delivering stings that can be fatal.

Saltwater crocodiles frequently roam these waters, adding to the risk. Shark sightings have also been reported, making these beaches unsafe for swimming.

4. Cheviot Beach, Victoria

Cheviot Beach is notorious for its dangerous conditions, marked by powerful rip currents and hidden submerged rocks.

This beach is also known as the spot where Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in 1967, adding to its infamy. Due to these extreme hazards, swimming is strictly prohibited.

5. Lighthouse Beach, New South Wales

Lighthouse Beach in Ballina is known for its history of shark attacks, including some that have been fatal.

Strong rip currents also make this beach risky for swimmers, adding to its reputation as a hazardous spot.

6. Marley Beach, New South Wales

Marley Beach, situated in the Royal National Park, is an unpatrolled beach with strong rip currents that pose a significant risk to swimmers.

Bluebottles are often present, and there have been occasional shark sightings, further adding to the dangers. These factors make the beach unsafe for swimming.

7. Number 16 Beach, Rye, Victoria

Number 16 Beach is an unpatrolled spot known for its strong rip currents, which make swimming dangerous.

The absence of lifeguards and safety equipment has contributed to tragic incidents, highlighting the need for caution. Swimming here is highly discouraged, but it’s popular for visiting and photography.

Dangerous rips, sudden tide changes, and large waves that can wash people off rock ledges add to the risk. It’s essential to read the safety signage in the car park.

8. Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales

Bronte Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has recently experienced an influx of bluebottle jellyfish, posing a risk to swimmers.

These jellyfish can deliver painful stings, and prevailing onshore winds often influence their presence.

Additionally, the beach is known for strong rip currents, which can be dangerous for swimmers.

While Bronte Beach is a popular spot, visitors should know the hazards and exercise caution.

9. Foreshore Beach, New South Wales

Foreshore Beach is often graded as ‘Very Poor‘ for swimming due to pollution from sewage overflows and high levels of faecal contamination.

Although water quality can sometimes be suitable for swimming, caution is advised, particularly for young children, the elderly, or those with compromised health.

The latest water quality test, conducted on 4 November 2024, showed a ‘Good’ rating based on a single enterococci data point.

However, the annual grade, reported at the start of each summer, remains ‘Very Poor’, highlighting consistent concerns about water quality.

10. Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach has faced several environmental challenges recently. The NSW State of the Beaches 2022–2023 report graded its microbial water quality as ‘poor’, indicating susceptibility to faecal pollution, especially after rainfall.

In October 2024, the beach was temporarily closed after black tar-like balls, identified as hydrocarbon-based pollutants, washed ashore, posing potential health risks.

Additionally, algal blooms have been reported, causing skin irritation among swimmers.

These factors highlight the need for caution when considering swimming at Coogee Beach.

11. Gymea Bay Baths, New South Wales

Gymea Bay Baths frequently face water quality issues, and they are often deemed unsuitable for swimming due to pollution runoff following rain.

Contamination from stormwater and untreated discharges contribute to the consistent poor water conditions, prompting warnings against swimming most of the time.

Swimmers are advised to avoid these baths due to the high pollution risk, which makes the water unsafe.

12. Rose Bay Beach, New South Wales

Rose Bay Beach often experiences poor water quality due to stormwater runoff and sewage overflow, leading to contamination by faecal waste and harmful pathogens.

These conditions make swimming risky, especially after heavy rainfall when pollution levels are typically higher.

Swimmers should be cautious, as the water is frequently unsuitable for safe swimming.

Worst Places for Swimming in Australia

13. Gold Coast Waterways, Queensland

Several popular swimming areas in the Gold Coast waterways have elevated levels of faecal bacteria, posing a risk of gastrointestinal and skin-related illnesses.

The canal system, while inviting, has a history of bull shark presence, with reports of fatal attacks in the early 2000s.

These aggressive sharks often hunt in groups, especially at dawn and dusk, making swimming in these waters risky.

The canals, created by dredging, have uneven bottoms and are tidal, which means larger sharks can get trapped as tides change.

Stingrays are also common, particularly at spots like Budd’s Beach near Chevron Island, adding to the hazards. While swimming might be possible, it comes with serious risks.

14. Tuggerah Lake Channel, New South Wales

The channel connecting Tuggerah Lake to the sea is known for its strong tidal currents, making swimming hazardous.

Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers associated with these powerful tides.

The area is also known for its shifting sands and deep holes, which can further increase the risk for swimmers.

It’s advisable to avoid swimming in this channel due to these conditions.