NSW's best and worst beaches revealed in new water quality report
A new report on New South Wales water quality reveals that Avalon Beach is Sydney's cleanest, while Coogee Beach has received a 'poor' rating for the fifth consecutive year. The report highlights that while 97% of state beaches are rated as good or very good, stormwater runoff remains a significant issue for popular swimming spots.
Why it matters
Public health and environmental safety are directly impacted by water quality, influencing tourism and recreational safety for millions of residents.
Avalon Beach has been named Sydney's cleanest in 2026. ( ABC News: Jonathan Hair )
Sydney's cleanest beaches have been named, with one popular spot receiving a "poor" grade for a fifth year running.
Coogee Beach received the rating as one expert blamed its susceptibility to stormwater impacts.
Avalon, on Sydney's northern beaches, was named the cleanest in the city for 2026.
Link copied Share Share article Water quality at the state's beaches has improved slightly, but one of Sydney's most popular swimming spots has received a "poor" grade for the fifth year in a row.
Ninety seven per cent of the state's monitored ocean beaches received a rating of "good" or "very good" in this year's State of the Beaches report, up from 95 per cent in 2025.
Avalon was Sydney's cleanest beach, while on the Central Coast, Birdie Beach, Frazer Beach and Forresters Beach shared top honours.
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