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Coogee Beach: Sydney's Dirtiest Swim Spot Revealed
23 Sep
Summary
- Coogee Beach identified as Sydney's most polluted ocean beach.
- Seventy-nine percent of NSW swimming sites rated good or very good.
- Stormwater runoff and weather significantly impact water quality.
The 2026 State of the Beaches report reveals Coogee Beach as Sydney's ocean swimming location most affected by faecal matter. This annual survey, conducted by the state's environment department, assessed 245 swimming sites across New South Wales.
Across the state, 79% of all swimming locations, including rivers and lagoons, achieved a 'good' or 'very good' water quality rating. This statewide improvement is attributed to drier weather conditions during the reporting period, which reduced stormwater runoff and pollution entering waterways.
However, Coogee Beach's rating remains 'poor', indicating susceptibility to faecal pollution even in dry weather. Professor Stuart Khan highlights that the beach's steep catchment rapidly funnels runoff into the storm water system. This, combined with Coogee's semi-protected bay nature, means it doesn't flush as efficiently as other beaches, leading to prolonged periods of discoloured water after rainfall.
While 97% of NSW's ocean beaches met 'good' or 'very good' standards, 17.6% of all swimming sites statewide received a 'poor' or 'very poor' rating. Twelve other Sydney swimming spots were rated 'poor', primarily estuarine sites. Foreshores beach and Gymea Bay baths, along with Yosemite Creek in the Blue Mountains, were the only Sydney locations rated 'very poor'. The government advises against swimming at 'very poor' sites and notes that water quality at 'poor' sites is often unsuitable, especially after rain.
