![Large surf off Wollongong last month. Picture: Georgia Matts Large surf off Wollongong last month. Picture: Georgia Matts](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/yKyzS5MkFCYtCA2z8EAGJL/cdbfccbc-fdda-427d-a79d-e0e65dbb6c41.jpg/r0_248_4858_2990_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Deceptively-powerful surf is set to create hazardous conditions for Illawarra and South Coast beachgoers in coming days.
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A dangerous surf warning has been issued for the length of the NSW coastline between the Victorian border and the Mid North Coast from Tuesday.
The southerly swell should start to build on Monday evening and is tipped to reach a peak height of about 3.5 metres in some areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast seas of 2 to 2.5 metres along the Illawarra coast on Tuesday, increasing to 2.5 to 4 metres during the morning.
The bureau has warned of large and powerful surf conditions, which are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing, on Tuesday.
![The Bureau of Meteorology's total wave height forecast for 1pm on Tuesday, showing waves of between three and five metres in some areas. The Bureau of Meteorology's total wave height forecast for 1pm on Tuesday, showing waves of between three and five metres in some areas.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/yKyzS5MkFCYtCA2z8EAGJL/a33d06e9-95b6-46a8-abdc-3848f40052db.JPG/r0_0_718_404_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Southern-facing beaches are set to encounter the worst of the conditions as the swell travels up the coast.
Conditions are forecast to be larger and stronger offshore, with powerful winds also expected.
It is expected the deceptively-powerful surf conditions will continue until at least Wednesday before gradually easing.
A strong wind warning is current for Illawarra coastal waters on Monday, with a gale warning issued for Tuesday.