This week on Breaking Waves, Hughie is joined by Jac and DJ for a sunny episode about Sydney beaches, coastal culture, ferries and the many ways the city connects with the water.

The episode begins with Thirsty Merc’s “In the Summertime”, the perfect soundtrack for a conversation about Sydney’s beaches, surf culture and warm-weather memories. Jac talks about some of his favourite beaches, including Bondi, Coogee, Tamarama, Narrabeen, Avalon and beaches further up the coast. The conversation also touches on family memories, childhood trips, the 333 bus to Bondi and why Sydney’s coastline is such a major part of local identity.

Hughie and Jac also discuss beach safety, including the importance of swimming between the flags, watching for rips and remembering the classic sun safety message: slip, slop, slap. From Bondi Rescue to backpacker rips, the episode gives a playful but useful reminder that Sydney’s beaches are beautiful, but they still need to be respected.

Later in the show, DJ joins Hughie to talk about another Sydney icon: ferries. They discuss ferry trips to Manly, Vaucluse, Balmain and Cockatoo Island, as well as the long history of Sydney ferries, from early services between Sydney Cove and Parramatta to the role ferries still play in the city today.

There is also time for a quick detour into amphibious cars, ferry songs and classic coastal music, with tracks from Mungo Jerry, Twin Peaks and Crosby, Stills and Nash helping carry the episode across land and sea.