Sunshine Bay vs Surf Beach — Which is Safer?

Compare climate risk between Sunshine Bay, New South Wales and Surf Beach, New South Wales. Our analysis uses data from BOM, CSIRO, and state hazard authorities to score each suburb across 6 climate hazards.

41/100
Moderate
34/100
Moderate
Hazard
Flood45/10028/100
Bushfire50/10036/100
Heat73/10055/100
Storm38/10037/100
Coastal14/10023/100
Cyclone24/10027/100

How to Interpret These Scores

Each hazard is scored from 0 (minimal risk) to 100 (severe risk). Scores are derived from BOM historical data, CSIRO climate projections, and state hazard authority mapping. A score of 50 means the property is in the moderate range — above average risk but not extreme. Scores above 67 indicate high risk requiring due diligence.

Minimal
0-16
Low
17-33
Moderate
34-50
Elevated
51-66
High
67-83
Severe
84-100

Insurance Cost Trajectory

Based on the hazard scores for these suburbs, current annual insurance premiums are estimated around A$6,164. With projected climate changes under RCP 8.5, premiums could rise to approximately A$8,630 by 2030 and A$16,026 by 2050. These projections align with Insurance Council of Australia data showing 28% average premium increases nationally between 2022-2025, with higher-risk areas seeing 80-120% increases.

Current
A$6,164
2030 (RCP 4.5)
A$8,630
2050 (RCP 8.5)
A$16,026

Property Value Climate Impact

Rising insurance premiums directly impact property values. Research from the Insurance Council of Australia and climate risk analysts shows that properties in areas with higher climate risk can experience a climate value drag. For a median-priced home, this could mean a potential impact of around A$49,310 or more over time.

Verdict

Surf Beach has a lower overall climate risk score (34/100) compared to Sunshine Bay (41/100). We recommend getting an address-level report for properties in both suburbs before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sunshine Bay or Surf Beach safer from flooding?
Sunshine Bay has a flood risk score of 45/100, while Surf Beach scores 28/100. A lower score indicates lower flood risk. Get an address-level flood risk report for a specific property.
Which suburb has lower bushfire risk?
Sunshine Bay scores 50/100 for bushfire risk. Surf Beach scores 36/100. Fire risk depends on proximity to vegetation and local fire history.
Should I buy in Sunshine Bay or Surf Beach?
Both suburbs have climate considerations. Surf Beach has a lower overall climate risk score. We recommend getting a full ClimateNest report for any specific property you're considering, which includes 8 hazard scores, insurance projections, and actionable recommendations.

Check Your Flood Risk Now

Check Sunshine Bay's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 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$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections