Wollongong Harbour breakwall closure extended to mid-2026 after two fatal rock-fishing incidents since 2022

Closure remains in place as agencies plan safety works at a known hazardous rock-fishing location

Public access to Wollongong Harbour’s eastern breakwall is expected to remain restricted until mid-2026, following two drowning deaths at the same section of the structure in less than three years and mounting concerns about deteriorating safety barriers.

The first death occurred on 11 July 2022, when a 73-year-old man drowned after being swept off the breakwall during large swell conditions. Emergency crews were called to Belmore Basin about 12:50pm, and police later prepared a report for the Coroner. At the time, hazardous surf warnings were in place along the Illawarra coast for activities including rock fishing.

The second death occurred on Good Friday, 18 April 2025. Emergency services were called shortly after 6am to Endeavour Drive at Wollongong Harbour after reports a man had been pulled from the water unconscious. The 58-year-old could not be revived. Police inquiries indicated he had been fishing on the rock wall when he was swept into the sea, and a report was to be prepared for the Coroner.

Safety infrastructure and access management in focus

In the period after the 2025 drowning, temporary measures were introduced to limit entry, including the placement of cyclone fencing and warning tape near access points. However, community reporting from the site indicated these interim controls were repeatedly compromised, with sections moved aside to allow continued access.

At the same time, multiple reports documented sections of an older metal safety fence along the breakwall collapsing, leaving extended gaps along the most exposed section. The fencing condition became a central issue in the safety response, with calls for repairs and broader upgrades to reduce the risk of people being swept through openings during heavy seas.

Works timetable extends into 2026

Planning for a more substantial safety upgrade has been tied to a handrail replacement project expected to begin on site in early 2026. The design stage has been described as a “safety-in-design” process intended to ensure the fencing and handrail system is effective in the conditions experienced at the harbour entrance.

Separately, NSW Ports has periodically closed the eastern breakwall due to hazardous surf conditions, including closures around late December 2025 and mid-January 2026, reflecting the operational practice of restricting public access during elevated swell.

Key dates

• 11 July 2022: 73-year-old man drowned after being swept off Wollongong Harbour breakwall.
• 18 April 2025: 58-year-old man drowned after being swept off the breakwall while fishing.
• Early 2026: Safety/handrail replacement works planned to commence on site.
• Mid-2026: Anticipated timeframe for longer-term access arrangements to change, subject to completion of works.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that large swells can rapidly overtake exposed rock platforms and breakwalls, making rock fishing particularly dangerous during hazardous surf conditions.