Climate Risk in Tamarama, NSW

Tamarama, New South Wales· Waverley· 2026
Updated May 2026

Tamarama faces a range of climate-related risks, with coastal hazards and heat posing the most significant threats. Sea level rise and increasing temperatures are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as potential coastal erosion and inundation.

Is Tamarama Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Tamarama, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tamarama

Flood

Tamarama faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential coastal inundation. The risk is influenced by its proximity to the coast and low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Tamarama is relatively low due to its urban setting and limited vegetation. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.

Key drivers:

  • ·Ember attack
  • ·Dry vegetation in surrounding areas

Heat

Tamarama experiences a high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Tamarama is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. The iconic beach and surrounding infrastructure are at risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Tamarama

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Tamarama experiences a high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced coastal breezes
Data source

flood Risk

Tamarama faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential coastal inundation. The risk is influenced by its proximity to the coast and low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Tamarama is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. The iconic beach and surrounding infrastructure are at risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Tamarama is relatively low due to its urban setting and limited vegetation. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Ember attack
  • ·Dry vegetation in surrounding areas
  • ·Wind patterns
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to coastal and flood risks.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions due to increased risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion zones.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
  • 3.Inquire about past flood events.
  • 4.Consider the cost of insurance premiums.
  • 5.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Immediate

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls, beach nourishment, and dune restoration to mitigate erosion and sea level rise impacts.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Urban Greening Initiatives

Near-term

Increase urban green space through tree planting and green roofs to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve community resilience.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Tamarama's Climate Risk Profile

Tamarama, a coastal suburb in Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include coastal erosion, sea level rise, and heatwaves. The iconic Tamarama Beach is particularly susceptible to erosion, threatening infrastructure and recreational spaces.

Rising sea levels are projected to inundate low-lying areas, impacting properties and infrastructure along the coastline. Increased storm intensity could further exacerbate coastal erosion and flooding.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant health risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect can amplify these risks in densely built areas.

While bushfire risk is relatively low due to the suburb's urban setting, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern. Residents should maintain awareness and take precautions during periods of high fire danger.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, residents, and businesses. Adaptation measures such as coastal protection, urban greening, and community education are essential to building resilience and safeguarding Tamarama's future.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Tamarama?

The main climate change risks for Tamarama include coastal erosion, sea level rise, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns.

How will sea level rise affect Tamarama?

Sea level rise will inundate low-lying areas of Tamarama, potentially damaging properties and infrastructure along the coastline. It will also exacerbate coastal erosion and increase the risk of storm surges.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Tamarama?

Waverley Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including coastal protection works, urban greening initiatives, and community education programs. The council also has a climate strategy that outlines its long-term goals and actions.

How can residents prepare for heatwaves in Tamarama?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. It is also important to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Tamarama?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Tamarama on the Waverley Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Tamarama, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections