Sydneysiders headed to Bondi or Cronulla beaches on Monday afternoon have been asked to delay their trips to later in the day as the beaches approach capacity in line with social distancing restrictions.
The mercury hit 31 degrees in central Sydney on Monday, bringing a warm end to a clear and sunny long weekend.
Little Bay Beach was filled with people, leading locals to say they only see it this busy on Christmas and new year.Credit:Edwina Pickles
This comes after NSW recorded its 10th consecutive day without a recent locally acquired coronavirus case.
The state's case total increased by one on Monday, after a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine tested positive.
But NSW Health is still concerned that low levels of testing could allow the virus to move undetected within the community after only 4789 tests were performed on Sunday.
In the eastern suburbs, beaches were close to full about midday. Beachgoers have been advised to stay one towel apart from other groups so as to maintain social distancing on the sand.
Crowds throng Dee Why Beach on Monday.Credit:Nick Moir
Before 2pm, Waverley Council advised that Bondi Beach was reaching capacity.
"If people continue to come to Bondi Beach and crowds grow further, restricted access to the sand is likely to be implemented within the next hour of 2pm to 3pm," a council spokesperson said.
"If you haven’t left for the beach yet, please rethink your trip and check on capacity later in the day."
Waverley Council beach staff had been asking people heading to North Bondi to instead move south to the middle of the sand from about 11am.
Randwick Council had issued similar advice from 1pm and people were asked to make alternative plans or visit nearby parks and reserves instead of the sand.
Little Bay Beach was filled with people from the mid-morning. Locals said it was usually only as busy over the Christmas and new year period.
Sutherland Shire Council was also on alert as southern beaches approached capacity from midday. The Cronulla Beach car parks were full by 2pm, and beachgoers were advised to visit other parts of the coast.
"Sutherland Shire Council public safety and lifeguards personnel are currently working with NSW Police to manage crowd numbers on North Cronulla Beach and ensure that social distancing is maintained," a council spokesman said.
"Those intending to visit beaches within the Sutherland Shire are encouraged to explore other areas of the Bate Bay coastline that are currently less crowded, or delay their visit until crowd numbers subside.”
On the northern beaches, Dee Why was filled with families on Monday morning, as groups looked to secure their spot for the day.
A traffic accident on the Wakehurst Parkway near Pittwater Road about midday created headaches for those wanting to spend the afternoon by the ocean, with heavy traffic at Narrabeen and Collaroy.
Outside Sydney, heavy traffic also marked the end of the long weekend and motorists were warned to expect extra travel time.
Afternoon delays greeted those heading north towards Sydney on the Hume Motorway around Bargo and Wilton, and on the Princes Highway between Waterfall and Heathcoate.
On the South Coast, traffic queues began about 11am and motorists were advised to expect delays when travelling northbound on the Princes Highway between South Nowra and Bomaderry as well as around Batemans Bay.
Returning east from the Blue Mountains, vehicles were held up at Victoria Pass from about midday to allow heavy traffic between Mount Victoria and Blackheath to ease.
Mary Ward is a reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Natassia is the education reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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2020-10-05 05:14:00Z
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