This beach is home to one of Australia’s oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs – the Thirroul surf club was founded in 1907 – and has long been a favourite spot for a swim. Here’s what you need to know, thanks to Thirroul SLSC president John Dryden

Thirroul Beach draws a crowd on weekends and it's not hard to see why. As well as a kilometre of sand and surf, its attractions include saltwater Olympic and toddler pools, accessible bathrooms and an oceanfront cafe, the Thirroul Beach Pavilion. Plus, it is next door to a large reserve with shaded picnic tables and barbecues and a popular playground, with climbing ropes and a flying fox.

In the late 1930s a citizens’ committee was formed to raise funds to transform the then tidal pool cut into the rocks at McCauley’s Beach into the Olympic-sized pool that exists today, complete with tiled lane markings. Water is pumped directly into this pool from the ocean, so if you’re planning a dip be prepared as the water temp rises and falls with the ocean temperature. 

This saltwater pool is also one of the few beachside pools in the Illawarra that is fenced on all sides, providing some peace of mind for parents with little ones playing in the toddler pool.

When it comes to swimming in the surf, keeping an eye on your little ones is just one of Thirroul SLSC president John Dryden’s suggestions on how to stay safe: “Thirroul is suitable for all [beach] activities, but care needs to be taken,” he said.

“In recent years, Thirroul has been subject to a lot of stones washed down the creeks that can also form a hazard.

“A further hazard that is somewhat unique to Thirroul is the pool outlet [which] is on the beach towards the northern end of the pool… The outlet tends to form a small pool of water on the beach [and] is a favourite play area for toddlers and small children.”

John said the water there could at times be deep enough to be “a drowning risk”.

When it comes to avoiding rips, John said: “Thirroul is quite an exposed beach with a number of rips along the length of the beach… Generally, there is a rip next to the rocks at the northern end of the beach and also on the northern side of the pump house pipe (at the southern end of the beach). 

“These two rips are fairly consistent in terms of their location. In addition, there are usually two to three other rip currents along the beach. The location of these rip currents varies over time depending on a number of factors such as swell size, position where Flanagan’s Creek flows out, amount of rain and prevailing longshore current.”

The same rule applies here as it does at other beaches: the best way to avoid becoming caught in a rip is to always swim between the red and yellow flags.

“The flags are positioned in the safest area for swimming. Being a long beach, this can mean quite a walk from the end of the beach to where the flags are positioned,” John said.

“We also urge parents to supervise their children when the children are in the water, even when swimming in the flags.”

Thirroul SLSC patrols and carries out lifesaving duties on Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 6pm during the months of October to April. On weekdays and Saturdays, council lifeguards patrol the beach during the same hours, assisted on Saturdays during peak season (December and January) by Thirroul’s hard-working volunteer lifesavers.

John said Thirroul SLSC members could always be spotted on and around the beach. They might be completing rescue training, keeping fit at the club’s onsite members' gym, nurturing future lifesavers on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons through Nippers and Sandcrabs (under-5s) programs. The club also hosts national surf sport carnivals.

“Carnivals are a great way to encourage fitness and to improve surf skills,” John said.

 “Recently Thirroul held one round of the Sydney Water series and also the Dean Mercer Dash [and] both events went well with numbers in attendance.

“Also, from time to time we have social events at the club. We see ourselves as part of the Thirroul community and welcome the community to come along and enjoy being part of the club.”

Thirroul is also a great spot for:

• Picnics

With shaded picnic tables, barbecues, accessible facilities, a large park and a playground for the kids, Thirroul Beach is the perfect spot for a family picnic. You can also grab a takeaway from one of the village's great restaurants or stop in at Thirroul Beach Pavilion cafe, just metres from the park and beach, open 7am-3pm daily.

• Fitness

Thirroul Beach is a popular spot for a surf with wide sandbanks that are best enjoyed at mid-to-low tide – also making it a great spot for beginners.

If you’re not up for the waves but still feel like a dip, check out the Olympic-sized pool for a few laps, open 6am to 7pm daily.

Steering clear of the water altogether? The promenade that runs along the beach is a scenic spot for a walk or run, or become a member of Thirroul SLSC to access to their recently renovated gym.

• Dogs

Thirroul Beach is zoned orange, meaning on-leash dogs can visit the beach during designated times, which vary in summer and winter. For more information, visit Council’s website.