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Iconic Sydney beach 'washed away' by huge waves: 'Doesn't exist'

A Sydney beach has been washed away after huge waves smashed the shore, following a weekend of dangerous conditions.

Hazardous waves eroded the sand at North Cronulla beach, leaving the shoreline unrecognisable with steep banks to the footpath.

Pictures snapped by The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader's chief photographer show the extent of the damage seen at North Cronulla on Monday morning.

"The whole of Bate Bay has been smashed by big waves and high tides. North Cronulla beach doesn't exist," photographer John Veage said to the paper.

"North Cronulla beach [is] gone," one person remarked on Twitter, sharing one of Mr Veage's photos.

Hazardous surf washed away the sand at North Cronulla, a beach still recovering from previous erosion. Source: The Leader
Hazardous surf washed away the sand at North Cronulla, a beach still recovering from previous erosion. Source: The Leader

The Leader reported that on Sunday night the water reached the bottom level of a beachside cafe during high tide.

Beaches in the area are still recovering from the erosion caused by the April deluge, The Leader reported.

Waves as big as five metres smashed the NSW coast over the weekend and sand bags were reportedly washed into the ocean in some places.

North Cronulla wasn't the only beach in Sydney that copped a battering over the long weekend.

On Sunday at Sydney's Bondi Beach, waves crashed into the pedestrian walkway and RSL, 9News reported, with bins being washed away and cars getting wet.

While people were warned to stay out of the surf along central parts of NSW over the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology has since cancelled the weather warning.

"Damaging surf is no longer occurring along central parts of the New South Wales coast," the Bureau said.

"However, hazardous surf conditions will continue to affect most of the coast today and persist for the coming days. A separate Hazardous Surf Warning is current for the entire New South Wales coast."

The separate Hazardous Surf Warning puts Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast on notice for the rest of Monday and Tuesday.

The Bureau urged people to stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

Rock fishers were also told to avoid coastal rock platforms and instead find a safe location that provides shelter from the surf.

Boaters are being urged to bring appropriate safety equipment and wear a life jacket if their voyage cannot be delayed.

"Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage," the Bureau said.

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