Remember This? Surfing at Ramsgate (1965)

Lady Robinsons Beach (Brighton Beach, as the locals like to call it) runs along the western shore of Botany Bay from Kyeemagh down to Sans Souci.

It is a beach that is not normally associated with surfing but in 1965, during a winter storm, the waves pounding the beach were high enough for surfers to take advantage of it.

Tbe stretch of beach at Ramsgate had become eroded due to the extensions of the north-south runway into Botany Bay and is believed to have been the reason behind the big waves. It was one of several storms that would erode the beachfront during the 1960's.

 

Source: Anon. 1965. "Waikiki Day at Botany". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. August 4: 1.

Remember This? SS South Steyne in big swells (1971)

I would regard this photo as one of the best weather themed photos taken in Sydney, but also on our ferry network as well.

Below is a photo that was published.in The Daily Telegraph on February 1971.  The photographer's identity is unknown.  

The photo was taken on the lower deck of the Manly Ferry South Steyne as it navigated its way through Sydney's heads in high seas. Apart from the photographer, there is a deckhand on the outside deck, presumably trying to keep his balance. At right is the sea and has the appearance its about to go right over. I think the ferry was heaving down amongst the swell as the image was taken. It would have been a very rough and stomach churning ride for commuters. 

The old steamers had a very good reputation for being very good at managing the swells, even with more than a thousand onboard. The Freshwater Class could not manage that same reputation, though the Freshwater Ferries in rough seas could keep everyone inside dry.