Georges River Mouth (Sandringham Beaches, Rocky Point, Taren Point Beaches, Taren Point Shorebird Reserve, Woolooware Bay, Holts Marine Beach)

There are a handful of lesser-known and not-so-frequented small beaches on the Georges River mouth to the West of Botany Bay. Having to compete with the high standards of Sydney harbour and ocean beaches, these beaches don’t receive much attention. Some are a little gross, some a little dangerous, and some not too accessible. But they do hold a certain charm.  

As the George’s River hosts a great deal of small sandy stretches, I’ve had to further specify my definition of what constitutes a beach for this leg of the quest. I’m adopting Professor Andy Short’s definition of a beach as a stretch of sand longer than 20 metres and remaining dry at high tide. Professor Short is the former director of the Coastal Studies Unit at the University of Sydney and has travelled Australia listing and studying the continent’s 10, 685 beaches. If anyone knows their stuff it’s him.

Although they didn’t quite make the cut, honourable mentions go out to Taren Point Reserve and Tom Uglys Bridge.

Sandringham

The three Sandringham beaches are up first though. Around the corner from Lady Robinsons, they're pretty much an extension of Sydney’s second largest beach but not as busy. Picnic in the parks, swim in the nets, or waddle in the knee high water. Low energy beaches with shallow sand banks. Perfect for the family.

Rocky Point lies round the corner past the St George sailing Club. The water is shallow, the sand gunky, and the spikes of randomly scattered rocks must be avoided like land mines. Oyster shells at the shore make it difficult to enter but two jetties offer as launch pads to the river. The larger one is privately owned by a boating company and the receptionist may be mad if you’re not there to book a cruise. So I’d try the smaller jetty – just avoid the fishermen’s lines and you’ll be fine. I mean I seriously doubt people actually swim here but I survived so why not try it. I’m counting it.

Rocky Point & the Captain Cook Bridge

Taren Point East

From here cross the Captain Cook Bridge to Rocky Point’s equally pointy neighbour. At Taren’s Point two low sand pits converge. Access the eastern beach via Woodland Road past suburban driveways parked with boats. Ignore the sewage treatment system and a broken fence with ‘keep out’ signs falling off. I was fine after my swim. No deformities to speak of yet.

Taren Point South-West

Hop on the path, round past fishermen trying their luck under the bridge, to the beach on the south-western arm. This beach is backed by Mansions, a backyard for the Shire’s rich and famous (those who couldn’t quite afford a Vaucluse property). This beach is public though – as all in Sydney are. Stay a while; don’t let the rich hog our public spaces.

Taren point Shorebird Reserve

Swimming is also possible at the two reserves at Taren Point. At Taren Point Shorebird Reserve a dingy lays stranded on a wide stretch of sand. Footprints chase after retreating waters at low tide. Oyster shells and seaweed lay abandoned where the shore once was. Mangroves stretch out calling across to their separated cousins over at Towra Point.

Just south from here is a small white sand beach backed by the Woolooware Bay Shared Pathway. Sweaty joggers and cyclists look down in envy over white sand and saltmarsh as you sink in reprieve from the glaring sun. Float and observe migratory shorebirds come to escape the harsh artic winter, their holiday home found on the nearby island manmade by sand. 

Woolooware Bay

At Taren Point Reserve a much more narrow  shore backs onto shallow waters and a maze of row boats. Crawl along on all fours and hide in the jumble. Find your way out and perch yourself on the grassy reserve. Silence. Only the occasional distant calls of river birds break the air.

Taren Point Reserve

Across the shore from here is Holts Marine Beach. Come here to further avoid the crowds. You’ll be the only one swimming. Collect your thoughts as you walk out along the unusually long jetty. If you ever felt like standing in the middle of the Georges River, here’s your chance.

Tom Uglys at low tide

From here I noticed a couple families munching on burgers, fish and chips. Intrigued I followed the scent back on the streets to arrive at the world renowned ‘Pauls Famous Burgers’ situated on the Princes Highway.

I only had $4.50 on me though so I had to settle for small chips; but with just the right amount of chicken salt and a satisfying crunch I wasn’t mad. I will have to come back for a burger though. I hear they’re pretty good. 

Down a small hill from here you can enjoy your feed from Pauls and a quick swim underneath Tom Uglys Bridge before popping on the Princes Highway for the drive home. Bob’s your uncle. Easy.  

Total Beaches: 43/160

Mackenzies Bay

Mackenzies is back for a limited time only. A hundred metres round the corner from Tamarama, tucked between the rocks, it’s only accessible every so often. Local legend is that it mysteriously comes out from hiding every seven years. The last time seemed to be at the end of 2016 though.

Although the reason why is up for speculation, it could be caused by the long term climate cycles known as La Nina and El Niño. During a La Nina phase there are more storms and bigger waves that erode our beaches. During El Niño., on the other hand, less storms and smaller waves allow the beaches to recover.

Whatever the reason, you better get down quick and take advantage while you still can. Head over early to snatch a bathing spot on the tiny strip of sand. Throw a ball to a visiting pup. Refresh yourself in the surf if you dare to brave the rips – but make sure to dodge the surfers. Take it all in. It could be seven years till you get another chance.

Total Count: 34/160