SYDNEY, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Australians in Sydney and surrounding areas have been warned to avoid coastal areas amid dangerous sea conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday issued a hazardous surf warning for the coast of Australia's most populous state of New South Wales (NSW), with a low-pressure system off the country's east coast generating large and powerful waves.

The bureau said that surf and swell conditions on Wednesday were expected to be hazardous for swimming, fishing and boating along a 1,000-km stretch of coast extending from the towns of Eden in southern NSW to Byron Bay in the state's north.

The affected area includes Sydney as well as the nearby cities of Wollongong and Newcastle.

A separate warning said that very heavy surf could cause localized damage and coastal erosion along a 300-km stretch of the NSW coast, including Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle.

"Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas, particularly south-facing coastlines," it said.

The NSW Police Force's Marine Area Command has advised people to consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

It urged boaters planning to cross shallow water to consider "changing or delaying their voyage" and for those already on the water to wear lifejackets. Enditem

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