Randwick City Council has commenced construction on a new dedicated emergency access road to Little Bay Beach, marking an important step toward improving safety and response times at one of Sydney’s most beautiful — yet challenging — coastal spots.
The project involves upgrading existing paths through The Coast Golf Club to create a direct and reliable route for ambulance, police, and Council Lifeguards. Until now, emergency crews have had to navigate narrow and uneven golf course tracks to reach the beach, often causing delays during critical incidents.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the new road is a vital investment in community safety.
“Little Bay Beach is one of our most treasured coastal destinations, loved by families, swimmers, and rock fishers,” Mayor Parker said. “But it’s also remote and difficult to access quickly in an emergency. This new road will ensure our first responders can reach people faster — when every second matters. We’re proud to partner with The Coast Golf Club to make this happen and keep our community safe.”
The new access road will be restricted to emergency service vehicles, with limited access for golfers travelling to the lower fairway. Beachgoers will continue to use the existing stairway to reach the sand, ensuring the natural character and pedestrian experience of the area remain unchanged.
This upgrade follows several serious incidents at Little Bay Beach in recent years, including multiple drownings and rock-fishing tragedies that have deeply affected the local community. Since January 2022, there have been five water-related fatalities at the site. Most recently, in April 2025, a man drowned after being swept off the rocks, sparking a multi-day search involving lifeguards, police, and marine rescue teams.
In response, Council has already taken a number of measures to improve safety at Little Bay, including:
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Introducing Council Lifeguard patrols during the summer peak season (since 2023–24)
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Installing emergency response beacons for faster communication with rescue services
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Adding public defibrillators near the beach for immediate first aid response
The new emergency access road is expected to be completed before the start of the summer season, ensuring emergency teams can reach those in need swiftly and efficiently.
For Eastern Suburbs families, locals, and visitors alike, this upgrade means more than just improved infrastructure — it’s a step toward safer, more accessible beaches for everyone to enjoy.
Emergency Response Beacons Installed at Malabar Beach and Little Bay
