Very safe place Hazzard defends beachgoers as crowds soak up the sun

Sun worshippers flocked to Sydney’s beaches on Saturday as maximum temperatures sailed past September averages.

A high of 29 degrees was recorded at Observatory Hill in Sydney â€" 9 degrees above average â€" while Penrith recorded 30.4 degrees, easily topping its September average of 23.4 degrees.

Sydneysiders flocked to watering holes like Murray Rose Pool on Saturday to enjoy temperatures well above average.Credit:Anna Kucera

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Hugh McDowell said the temperatures were well above average, but not unusual for this time of year.

“I wouldn’t say it’s unseasonable,” he said. “In spring we do see these high temperatures.”

Clear skies and warm weather will persist on Sunday, with temperatures in Sydney forecast in the high 20s, thanks to north-westerly winds.

The weekend’s warm weather comes after heat had built up over north-western and central Australia over the past few weeks, which had settled across the state.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he was more worried about unvaccinated people than crowds at Sydney’s beaches.Credit:Anna Kucera

Bondi and Coogee beaches were both packed with sunbathers, mostly unmasked, who worked on their tans while attracting the ire of some social media users.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard defended beachgoers at the daily COVID-19 press conference, saying he was more concerned about unvaccinated people than large crowds gathering along Sydney’s coast.

“I think that the fresh air, we know that it is the safest place to be at the present time,” he said.

“But I would say to people who are out and about to maintain your social distance and to just be careful.

“Generally people have been really, really good. I know the media will have photos today of people out and about ... but I think generally that’s a very safe place to be.”

However, the warm weather will end before restrictions ease in Sydney on Monday for fully vaccinated people. Residents who don’t live in the 12 local government areas of concern will be permitted to gather outdoors in groups of five, but will be greeted with cooler temperatures and showery weather.

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