Rare phenomenon illuminates waters in Sydney

A rare phenomenon has lit up waterways across Sydney’s Northern Beaches in a dazzling electric blue.

Known as bioluminescence, the otherworldly spectacle illuminated the waters of Cockle Creek in the dark of the night with vivid blue streaks.

Bioluminescence is light that is emitted by living organisms such as bacteria, algae, crustaceans and jellyfish.

The natural phenomenon can occur any time of the year but is most common during spring and summer, when the water is warmer.

To trigger the display, the water needs to be agitated – either from a strong current or wave. 

Other occurrences of Bioluminescence have been observed Sydney’s Lavender Bay in 2021, Tasmania in 2021 and 2023 and Jervis Bay in NSW in 2020.