Massive waves coupled with a powerful spring tide caused damage along Sydney's iconic coastline forcing some beaches to close and residents to evacuate as water inundated some homes.
Australia's world-famous Bondi Beach was also affected, where the huge swells caused glass doors of a surf club to shatter overnight, broadcaster ABC reported on Wednesday, citing emergency services and eyewitnesses. The waves on the beach reached a height of 5.5 metres.
Cronulla Beach in the south of the city, known for its many surf spots, was also badly affected, with damage to the beach promenade.
In other Sydney suburbs, houses were flooded and streets inundated. Several beaches were closed as a precaution.
"It was the worst I've ever seen in my lifetime," one resident told ABC. The waves were waist-high on her property. "I've never seen the waves nearly as high," she said.
A spokesman for the local emergency services reported that several buildings had to be evacuated.
Some experts believe the natural phenomenon is still linked to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which caused flooding and power outages on the east coast in March.
A coastal erosion specialist at the National Marine Research Institute, Stephan Soule, told ABC that the damage cause could take while to repair.
"It's going to take a while, especially with the amount of sand that we've lost."
Waves explode over a group of boys at Bronte’s ocean pool on Bronte Beach as huge swell continues to pound the coast, Sydney. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) says two weather events are expected to bring more heavy rain and flash flooding. Dean Lewins/AAP/dpa