The 2025-26 State of the Beaches Report has rated 100% of Central Coast patrolled beaches as Good or Very Good, highlighting the region’s strong water quality at its most popular swimming locations.
The annual report grades designated swimming sites from Very Good to Poor and provides an indication of their suitability for swimming.
The report draws on data collected through the state-wide Beachwatch water quality monitoring program, which is delivered locally by Council’s Catchments to Coast team in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Council has participated in the program since 2002.
Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls, said the results demonstrate consistently high-water quality across the Coast’s patrolled beaches.
“A highlight is that three Central Coast beaches were included in the eight NSW beaches which shared the highest water quality rankings. These three are Forresters Beach, Birdie Beach and Frazer Beach.
“We’re also pleased to see that all 15 patrolled beach sites achieved a Good or Very Good rating again this year along with 97% of all the 30 ocean beach swimming sites monitored,” Mr Nicholls said.
There was a slight drop in Cabbage Tree Harbour results (Cabbage Tree Harbour is one of the 30 beach sites monitored), dropping from Good to Poor this year. However, this rating was very close to the Good/Poor trigger point, with all poor bacterial readings having occurred during wet weather sampling, demonstrating the significant impact of stormwater flows from the large drain that discharges between the rockpool and boat ramp.
The Report rated 71% of all the Central Coast’s 48 monitored swimming sites (which included 15 estuary sites in very urbanised areas) as Good or Very Good for the second year in a row.
Mr Nicholls said with a high number of estuary sites monitored, this result is not surprising and highlights the challenges maintaining good water quality in enclosed waterways and estuary swimming sites, reflecting the natural characteristics of these waterways, which flush more slowly and are more susceptible to stormwater runoff, following rainfall events.
Mr Nicholls said however it was encouraging to see the estuary site of Pretty Beach Baths improve from Poor to Good, while Shelly Beach, North Avoca, MacMasters Beach and The Entrance Baths all improved from Good to Very Good.
Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the results were welcome news for residents and visitors alike.
“It’s fantastic to see all of our patrolled beaches rated Good or Very Good in the 2025-26 State of the Beaches report,” Mayor McKinna said.
“Our beaches are one of the Central Coast’s greatest natural assets, and these results reflect the ongoing commitment to protecting and improving the health of our waterways.”
View the State of the Beaches Report and check daily Beachwatch forecasts at Beachwatch – State of the Beaches
Council recommends avoiding swimming at ocean beaches for 24 hours after rain and at estuary sites for up to 72 hours following rainfall.