Greenhills

Beach

The 3 km long Greenhills section of the beach (NSW 334a) initially faces due south exposing it to the strong southerly winds, but not to the waves which are abated 2 km offshore by the Merries Reef. As a result the northern 1.5 km of the beach receives waves averaging... Read more

The 3 km long Greenhills section of the beach (NSW 334a) initially faces due south exposing it to the strong southerly winds, but not to the waves which are abated 2 km offshore by the Merries Reef. As a result the northern 1.5 km of the beach receives waves averaging 0.5 m which maintain a steep reflective beach in the east grading slowly south to an attached bar. It is backed initially by vegetated sand dunes then by the degraded Kurnell dunes. As the beach swings more to the southeast the waves start increasing in height along the southern 1 km and rips begin to cross the bar every 150-200 m. The beach can only be reached on foot from the Boat Harbour or the southern car parks.

Swimming

There are usually 10 rips along the patrolled section of beach, with 10 more up into Greenhills. While the southern rips are stronger you have the benefit of the surf clubs and the flags, which you should definitely stay between. When the bars are attached stay on them and away from the rips, which usually lie to either side. When a trough runs between the beach and the bar check the side current and depth before attempting to swim out to the bar, as you can easily be swept into a rip. If at all unsure then there is a rock pool on the southern rock platform.

Surfing

The deep rips and bars can combine to produce some excellent beach breaks right along the beach, however it depends on the waves, winds and bars. Best following big seas, east to southeast swell and offshore winds. Elouera, The Wall and The Alley are some of the more popular spots, when working.

Fishing

While professional fishers use nets off the northern section, the best beach fishing is in the south (where the rips produce good, deep gutters), and off the swimming pool.