Weeks of rain have given way to sunshine, just in time for the Easter long weekend.
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And there's no doubt plenty of people from the Illawarra and further afield will be hitting the region's beaches to soak up some much-missed sun and take advantage of the near-perfect weather conditions, with daytime temperatures across the four days to hover around the mid-20s.
But Wollongong's beaches are not their usual sparkling selves, still bearing the impacts of the wild weather.
This is especially evident at North Wollongong Beach, where swathes of rocks exposed by the strong surf have left little space for beachgoers to put out a towel and stretch out in the sun.
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said the rocks were part of the natural environment.
"As calmer sea conditions present the sand is returned the beach, the rocks will once again be covered over," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also said council workers had finished the first phase of the clean-up on beaches, which focused on removing larger items washed onto the sand, flattening out scarping and cleaning up around stormwater drainage systems.
"Our teams have also worked to collect small items of plastic debris out of organic matter like seaweed washed onto the sand," they said, thanking the members of the community who had also taken the time to pick up rubbish while out on the beaches.
Read more: 15 times Armageddon came to Wollongong
The council had an ongoing, regular beach cleaning schedule, the spokesperson said, which would continue to pick up rubbish and debris.
They said a mechanical rake was also used where possible in the early morning.
Meanwhile, surf lifesavers have reiterated their message to the community to make safe decisions on and around the water.
Anthony Turner from Surf Life Saving Illawarra urged people to know their limitations, supervise children at all times, swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, and stay away from the water after drinking alcohol.
While conditions are expected to be clear, Mr Turner said rock fishers should wear life jackets and light clothing, fish with a friend and check conditions before going out.
"A life jacket will only save your life if you're wearing it," Mr Turner said.
He also urged rock fishers to watch the rock platform before venturing out, checking in with other people if unfamiliar with the area, and never turn their back on the ocean.
"If in doubt, don't go out," he said.
On Thursday a rock fisherman suffered serious injuries when he was swept off rocks near Batemans Bay, while up north in the Lake Macquarie area a woman died when she was washed off rocks into the water.
Boaters should log on and log off with Marine Rescue, check safety equipment, ensure their vessel is in good condition, check the weather and water conditions before heading out, and ensure everyone on board has a properly fitting life jacket.
Mr Turner said it was also vital that boaters knew the area and its hazards, noting there had been four boating deaths off Wollongong in the past year: those of three Illawarra men in July and another man in October on the notorious Peggy's Reef.
Surf life savers and lifeguards will be out in force, keeping an eye out for beachgoers.
Mr Turner said all jetskis would be out on patrols and drones would be in operation at Stanwell Park, Coledale, Bulli and Bellambi.
But he said members of the public needed to play their part and follow basic safety precautions.
"At the end of the day, drownings are preventable," Mr Turner said.
Meanwhile, people should continue to stay away from rock platforms and cliff edges due to the risk of rock falls.
There was a significant call at Brickyard Point in Austinmer last week.
Check for the nearest patrolled beach using the Beachsafe website or app, and look at forecast pollution levels using the Beachwatch service.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
