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Summer in Sydney

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Swimmers at Clovelly getting an early start on what was forecast to be a record hot October day.

Cautious king of the most dangerous sport in the world

The ocean and the beach can be calming and soothing, but also perilous.

  • Ben Coady

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Beachgoers enjoy the crystal clear waters at Palm Beach.

My best beach

Australian summers are synonymous with beaches: places that belong to everyone, to holiday, celebrate, rejuvenate and heal. We asked local identities to tell us about their favourite spot.

Manly Beach.

Life became the beach for this proud ‘Westie’

A daybreak red rattler ride, then a ferry to Manly: Justin Scarr’s rite of passage was like so many of his generation as a teen from western Sydney.

  • Justin Scarr
Granny’s Good Time Band, circa 1992.

Full house, hearts and tummies for generations of the Fitz family

Six generations of the family have been heading to this humble abode at Newport Beach.

  • Peter FitzSimons
Flat and fancy: Families enjoy Balmoral Beach.

Brave Australians do this every day. Just not this Australian

The reality is that the crashing, swooping, sucking, dumping habit of ocean waves is everything terrifying to me.

  • Jenna Price
The Overton family.

From catching your first kiss to your first fish: Peter Overton’s favourite beach

For 50 years, the news presenter has taken the summer road trip to Avoca Beach.

  • Peter Overton
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In her element: Helen Pitt at Coogee.

Coogee beach has a poo-ception problem … best steer clear

Poo on the beach, in the ocean and even in the ice-cream. You’d think a place so besmirched by bad press would keep the crowds away.

  • Helen Pitt
Mike Dalton in the band Bahne Super-Flex playing at the Marrickville Bowlo.

The only beach boy who itched for the summer to end

Rocker Mike Dalton became a master of disguise as soon as the heat would hit Wanda beach.

  • Mike Dalton
Michael Howard and his dog’s secret beach.

Celebrity drop-ins, lions roaring, the city’s hum: My favourite beach shall remain a mystery

It takes some effort to get to my favourite waterside spot, and therein lies the charm of this harbour gem.

  • Michael Howard
Crosswords on the beach.

Pearlie paradise where we step back in time with our humble Tardis

It’s the simple little run-down house, defiantly unrenovated, that pulls us to Pearl Beach, thumbing its nose at all the glossy, glassy mansions nearby.

  • Deborah Snow