These include all beaches from the Camden Haven to Town Beach. Lifeguards remain at patrolled beaches, but no swimming is permitted.

Weatherzone meteorologist Tom Hough said conditions are not expected to ease until the weekend. 

Port Macquarie head lifeguard James Turnham confirmed beaches remain closed.

“We will reassess throughout the day, but the surges are hitting right up to the dunes at Lighthouse Beach, with thick yellow foam everywhere,” he said.

“We urge no one to enter the water, not even knee deep, and if anyone sees anyone in distress please call triple-0.”

Mr Hough expects conditions to last until at least Friday, January 19.

“There is a low pressure system over the Tasman, with a high pressure system across the south of Australia,” he said.

“That is leading to south-westerly component winds across Port Macquarie beaches.

“The winds are pretty gusty, around 30 to 40 kilometres an hour today (January 16) that is generating a pretty sizeable swell.”

All along the coast significant wave heights are being recording, around three to four metres and even larger off shore.

“Winds will start to ease over the next couple of days as the swell eases into the weekend,” he said.

“There is a marine wind warning currently in affect, with gale warnings for Coffs and the Port Macquarie coast.”

Tuesday and Wednesday sees temperatures at 25 to 26 degrees, which is a touch below average.

“We should see a return to 28 or 29 degrees on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures into the 30s on the weekend,” Mr Hough said.

“That is ahead of the next frontal system and low pressure trough. A few showers will be about on Sunday and Monday with that trough.”