There is a secluded inlet between Sydney’s iconic Bondi and Tamarama beaches where, almost overnight, a rocky cove can transform into a sandy beach. This elusive phenomenon occurs at Mackenzies Bay, a spot known for its fleeting beauty.
While normally a rocky haven for surfers and sunbathers, Mackenzies Bay occasionally becomes a proper beach, a change that has fascinated locals for decades.
A Beach That Defies Predictability
Mackenzies Bay is not your typical beach. Its formation is erratic, with no set pattern for when or how long it will remain a sandy shore. Some years, Mackenzies turns into a full-fledged beach with a wide stretch of sand, while in other years, no sand appears at all, leaving it as a rocky inlet.
Local myths suggest that the beach emerges every seven years, but the reality is far less predictable. For example, in 1997, the beach appeared with so much sand that at low tide, it was nearly possible to walk between Tamarama and South Bondi.
What makes Mackenzies Beach so special is its unpredictability. The beach can last for just a few months before disappearing due to a strong storm or high tides. A major east coast cyclone in 1997 swept away the sand overnight, and the beach didn’t reappear until 2007. That year, Mackenzies reappeared dramatically, with locals recalling the beach as being the widest and deepest in over 50 years. However, just a few months later, it was gone again, illustrating the fleeting nature of this unique spot.
Sudden Disappearance After Storms
The tiny, temporary beach had only re-emerged last summer, but its sandy shoreline vanished following two large storms that hit the coast. According to experts, the sand was washed away by waves as high as nine metres during the storm events. Coastal geomorphologist Ana Vila-Concejo explained that the storms came with just the right strength and from the right direction to remove all the sand that had accumulated over the last year.
Despite its short-lived presence, the beach has been a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Mackenzies Bay is known for its “pop-up” nature, turning from a rocky inlet into a sandy beach every few years. Its unpredictable appearance and subsequent disappearance have long fascinated the local community.
Andrew Quilty, a celebrated Australian photojournalist, had been documenting the beach daily before its recent vanishing, creating a visual archive of the beach’s various moods and transformations.
The Science Behind Mackenzies Beach
Mackenzies Beach’s formation is tied to specific seasonal and oceanic conditions. Coastal experts explain that the beach forms when there is a combination of low-pressure swells and offshore winds. Greg Skilbeck, a sedimentary geologist from the University of Technology Sydney, stated that increased wave energy during winter can sweep sand onto the shore from nearby sandbars. This results in the occasional appearance of a sandy beach where there is usually only rock.
Dr. Rob Brander, a coastal geomorphologist from the University of New South Wales, believes that broader climate patterns also influence Mackenzies’ transformation. He notes that La Niña phases tend to bring more storms and larger waves, which erode the beaches. On the other hand, during El Niño phases, there are fewer storms and calmer conditions, which allow sand to accumulate.
A Hidden Gem with Local Charm
Despite its unpredictability, Mackenzies Bay holds a special place in the hearts of many Sydneysiders. When the beach does appear, it becomes a local favourite, offering a serene alternative to the busier Bondi and Tamarama beaches.
Although dogs are not officially allowed on Waverley’s beaches, the absence of lifeguards and the secluded nature of Mackenzies Bay make it a de facto dog-friendly spot. This has earned it the nickname “dog beach” among locals.
The area is also rich in history. The bay and its surrounding point are named after the Mackenzie family, who ran Waverley Dairy from the 1860s to the 1920s. Their cows once grazed on the cliffs above the bay, an area now known as Marks Park.
Published 9-Oct-2024
