Iconic Aussie beach closed for two years to reopen in time for summer – but just one hurdle remains
If a permanent postponement can be resolved, a beloved beach will reopen after the past two summers.
The iconic Shark Beach – known locally as Nielsen Park in Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – is set to open in late November.
The beach has been off-limits since 2022 for remediation work on the 160-meter-long sea wall that was damaged by floods in 2016.
NSW Parks and Wildlife planned to replace the sea wall with a new barrier that would be reinforced to withstand the impact of strong wet weather and surf conditions.
But contract disputes, bad weather and the discovery of 3,600 tons of asbestos in the old wall extended construction and closed Nielsen Park.
Before beachgoers can get back on the water, there is one final hurdle to overcome.
NSW Parks and Wildlife said in a recent update that there were issues with the repairs to the surface of the concrete stands (the seats and steps along the new sea wall).
As a result, the work took ‘longer than expected’.
The iconic Shark Beach – known locally as Nielsen Park in Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – will open in late November (the beach is pictured)
Beachgoers will return to Nielsen Park this summer for the first time since 2022
“Unfortunately, the required testing and rework has resulted in an additional three-week delay to the work programme,” NSW Parks and Wildlife said in the update.
“This latest delay is very frustrating but necessary to ensure the work is completed to a high standard.”
Other works are nearing completion, including the installation of raised planters and the planting of mature trees to provide shade along the lawn terrace and seating areas.
The final major milestone of the project is the removal of the sheet pile wall that protected the structure from tides and waves.
A ship will deliver an excavator to remove the temporary wall piece by piece.
Local MP Kellie Sloane said she was looking forward to the beach’s reopening.
Other work is nearing completion including the installation of raised planters and the planting of mature trees to provide shade along the lawn terrace and seating areas (pictured)
“We have missed two summers at Nielsen Park, but we are all hoping this will be our third lucky summer,” she said.
‘I am told that the great works are now completed; what we see now is the finishing touches, the landscaping, the safety rails, and then the last major piece of work will be the removal of the sea wall that protected the structure.”
In September, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told ABC Radio Sydney the project had taken too long.
“I am one of many swimmers who are eagerly awaiting the completion of these works,” Ms Sharpe said.
“This is a project I inherited and it has taken too long.”