Stop showing off, Sydney… Just when you thought the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk couldn’t get more scenic, it throws us a secret beach. Most of the time, Mackenzies Bay is just a rocky inlet between Tamarama and the South Bondi headland, favoured by surfers, strong swimmers and their water-loving hounds. But once every few years, when the swells and tides are right, Mackenzies Bay becomes Mackenzies Beach. 

This little moon of sand is one of the smallest beaches in the state, and last popped up in 2019 for a few precious months. And it’s back, just in time for summer. 

Local legend holds that this mysterious cameo occurs once every seven years, but stretches of up to a decade between sand sightings have been recorded. The unpatrolled surf beach is not the safest spot for swimming, so stick to sunning on the sand and soaking up one of the best views out east. (It’s also a popular unofficial off-leash spot, so be ready to share your personal space with some sandy, soggy doggos.) But be quick, there’s no telling when the sea will swallow our new favourite beach back up. 

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