Curl Curl

North Curl Curl

A rock pool shared with crustaceans. In the centre a boulder protrudes: an island retreat. My legs, numb, eagerly struggle to escape the icy water. 

Southwards over Curl Curl scattered sunbathers dot the shore - a head start on their tan for summer. A few venture further to brave the winter waters.

The sun’s crept back out today. Apparently it’s reaching 24 degrees. Not quite like the summer heat but not bad for mid-August - enough for a quick dip.

Although, it is a little worrying. Whereas Sydney has never been known for its long cold winters, it’s hard not to notice rising temperatures. This winter has been warmer than average, with daytime temperatures the third-warmest on record.

And the city’s temperature is expected only to continue to rise. By 2050 average maximum temperatures will be at least 2 degrees hotter if global emissions are not curbed, according to a scientific study conducted back in 2008. 

The same study warned of the threat to Sydney’s iconic beaches, coastal homes, and commercial properties by rising sea levels. By 2050 they’re projected to be up to 40cm higher than 1990. Low-lying beaches will be the most heavily affected with every centimetre of rise resulting in a metre of erosion. Beaches like Curl Curl, Narrabeen, Collaroy, and Dee Why risk completely disappearing. 

These beaches have already been severely eroded by storm seas in the past. As recently as June 2016 a brutal storm saw king tides pummel the area. Narrabeen and Collaroy were the hardest hit with 50 metres of their beaches eroded and a number of waterfront properties badly damaged. 

Erosion and damaged properties at Collaroy. Source: Fairfax Meda

South Curl Curl

The same storm hurled the boulder into North Curl Curl pool on which I now sit.

I climb out and retreat to the warmth of my towel. The beach stretches out a kilometre beside me, the south end beckoning me for another quick swim while the winter sun still shines. The sand crumbles between my toes as I make my way over.  

It’s hard to imagine it completely crumbling away. But business as usual and that will be the sad reality. Oceans will continue to rise while extreme sea level events and storm surges become more frequent. Some vulnerable coastal places in Sydney could be protected by sea walls and levees but where not physically possible or cost-effective a planned retreat will be the only option.

I may need to hurry to complete my quest.

Total Count: 31/160

Cabarita Beach

The Inner West finally has its own beach. No more must you trek to the Eastern Suburbs’ ocean waters to escape the heat. No longer must you cook yourself in your car stuck in Cleveland Street traffic. No further will you have to endure the hours long 370 bus ride lost twisting through the streets of suburbia. 

The Inner West’s best kept secret Cabarita Beach nestled on the Parramatta River lies awaiting. Since 2015 it’s been deemed clean and safe for swimming. The polluted waste has been removed leaving refreshing water that swells calmly onto shell-layered white sand. Located at the northern end of the expansive Cabarita Park, it’s perfect for a quick dip after picnicking under the shade of a giant fig tree.

Source: http://www.parraparents.com.au/parks-playgrounds/cabarita-park-cabarita/

To be frank though the water is still pretty murky and the odd plastic bottle does drift by. And although safe to swim, it can be hard not to think about the industrial toxins that for years flowed through. Plus you do miss the smell of the ocean and the feel of salt on the skin - also the energy of crashing waves and views stretching out to sea.

On second thoughts I might just endure the Cleveland Street traffic.

Total beaches: 30/160