most are patrolled yes.. apart from reclused beaches
and the beginning of december- usually late november marks the beginning of the 'Total Fire Ban' season. In some parts of NSW it started today- and i'm pretty sure sydney fell under it today as well- because of the rather hot weather today.
Total Fire ban won't be lifted..
and yesh, its totally illegal to have a bonfire on a beach in sydney - when in drought.. easy to spread and burn already 'dry' land up. Very very dangerous where there is far drought.