Primrose Sands Beach – Update

UPDATE 20 December 2024 at 4.15pm

Samples collected on Thursday 19 December 2024 have indicated that the water quality at the beach has returned to normal levels. Warning signage will be removed.

After periods of wet weather water quality may decline and swimming is not recommended for 24-48 hours following heavy rainfall.

We conduct water sampling of the recognised swimming beaches in our Municipality weekly over the summer period.

The following swimming beaches are tested weekly over the summer period. Testing from previous years shows that most of our recognised beaches are suitable for swimming.

LocationTasmanian Recreational Water Guidelines classificationComments
Connellys BeachGoodSurface water run-off likely to impact on water quality
Primrose BeachGoodStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfall
Park BeachGood
Red Ochre Beach (South)GoodStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfall
Red Ochre Beach (North) aka Blue LagoonGood
Tigerhead Beach (Seventh Ave)GoodStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfall
Midway Point (below McKinly Street)ModerateStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfall

If two consecutive samples exceed recommended levels, residents are advised not to swim at the beach until subsequent testing has demonstrated that the water is suitable for swimming.

Please ensure you observe signage at the beach access points, as this is where we will notify you if swimming is currently not recommended.

We also update our website and social media accounts if levels exceed recommended levels and advise people not to swim.

You can find out more about this topic on the Department of Health’s website – Recreational water quality | Tasmanian Department of Health


Water sampling undertaken by Sorell Council on 16 & 18 December 2024 indicated high levels of bacteria.

Signage has been placed at the beach entrances advising people not to swim.

Further samples are being collected on 19 December 2024 and the signs will be removed when the water quality returns to normal.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For further information please call 6269 0000 (Monday to Friday 8am to 430pm)