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Thousands of Australians took to the nation's beaches in full force on Friday as temperatures soared past 40C in an early summer preview.

Those eager to make the most of the sunshine headed to Bondi Beach in Sydney as the harbour city baked in 39C heat.

Surfers and sunseekers flocked to the iconic beach as the latest low pressure front brought clear skies and perfect tanning weather.

Records were smashed across New South Wales, as Green Cape in the state's far south-east broke its November record by six degrees and Woolongong's highs of 36C represented its highest ever early Spring mark.

Australians took to the nation's beaches in full force on Friday as temperatures soared past 40C in an early summer preview

Those eager to make the most of the sunshine headed to Bondi Beach in Sydney as the harbour city baked in 39C heat

The thermostat rose even further in western parts of the state with temperatures near Broken Hill tipping 41C on Friday

Victorians enjoyed slightly cooler levels dipping into the high 30s as the eastern states received the benefits of a cold front sweeping in from central areas

The intense heat in New South Wales, meanwhile, sparked bushfire fears with the Illawarra region south of Sydney placed under a severe warning heading into the weekend.

The thermostat rose even further in western parts of the state with temperatures near Broken Hill tipping 41C on Friday.

Victorians enjoyed slightly cooler levels dipping into the high 30s as the eastern states received the benefits of a cold front sweeping in from central areas.

Beachgoers were seen escaping the heat at Coogee Beach as temperatures soared to 41C in western parts of the state on Friday

NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Alan Morrison said people needed to look out for those who are most vulnerable

Weatherzone forecaster Tom Hough said temperatures would continue to remain high in eastern NSW on Saturday.

He said: 'We expect temperatures to stay above 30 degrees on Saturday as the cold pressure front passes through, but that will be followed by cooler temperatures on Sunday.'  

Coupled with the intense heat are 'vigorous' winds which will lash parts of the state over the next few days. 

Weatherzone forecaster Tom Hough said: 'We expect temperatures to stay above 30 degrees on Saturday in Sydneyas the cold pressure front passes through, but that will be followed by cooler temperatures on Sunday'

Weatherzone forecaster Tom Hough said temperatures would continue to remain high in eastern NSW on Saturday before cooling off on Sunday

The warm air has been sitting over the interior of Australia, and will settle in over Sydney and eastern parts of NSW on Friday and Saturday

Authorities are warning people to be wary of the danger of heat exhaustion as the temperatures continue to climb heading into summer

An unseasonable heatwave has seared Australia - as experts warn the scorching temperatures mixed with 'vigorous' winds mean there is a high risk of devastating fires

Sydney reached 38C on Friday while parts of New South Wales hit a high of 41C as summer set in early in parts of the eastern states

Surfers and ray-seekers were present on the iconic beach as the latest low pressure front brought clear skies and perfect tanning weather

Hot air is being pushed from the centre of the country towards the east coast by a cold front. 

The warm air has been sitting over the interior of Australia, and will settle in over Sydney on Friday and Saturday. 

Authorities are warning people to be wary of the danger of heat exhaustion as the temperatures continue to climb heading into summer.

NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Alan Morrison said people needed to look out for those who are most vulnerable.

'Heat can kill which is why it's so important to stay hydrated and look out for the elderly, the young and pets,' he said. 

Tibooburra and White Cliffs in NSW's north-west will feel the worst of the heat with temperatures in the low 40s expected.

Very high fire danger warnings have been issued by the Bureau of Meterology for most of NSW.

The Illawarra region south of Sydney has a 'severe' risk of bushfires, while total fire bans remain in place for the greater Sydney area, Southern Ranges, and Greater Hunter areas.   

NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Alan Morrison said people needed to look out for those who are most vulnerable

The Illawarra region south of Sydney has a 'severe' risk of bushfires, while total fire bans remain in place for the greater Sydney area, Southern Ranges, and Greater Hunter areas (stock image)

'Vigorous' and 'damaging' winds of up to 110km/h will whip alpine areas in NSW and the Australian Capital territory.

Thredbo Top Station recorded a gust of 104km/h about 2am on Friday.  

BOM is warning people to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure loose items around their houses and keep away from fallen power lines or fences.

Meanwhile in Victoria, a thunderstorm asthma warning has been issued for Friday.

People who develop systems are urged to avoid exposure to storms or strong winds and have someone who can help them close by.

BOM is warning people to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure loose items around their houses and keep away from fallen power lines or fences 

Hot air is being pushed from the centre of the country towards the east coast by a cold front, which will pass through by Sunday

Ten people died due to thunderstorm asthma in Melbourne in November 2016. 

The warm weather will be followed up by rain, threatening to impact the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne reached 30C on Friday, but showers are likely for Tuesday's great race.

'For the moment, we believe there'll be a few showers particularly in the first half of the day and temperatures in the low 20s,' meteorologist Chris Godfred said.

 Melbourne reached 30C on Friday, but showers are likely for Tuesday's great race, threatening to impact the Melbourne Cup

Authorities in Tasmania are no longer issuing burn permits and revoking others due to 'very high' fire danger warnings.

Regional fire chief Jeremy Smith said thunderstorms and strong, dry winds are expected on Friday.

'In these conditions only one strong gust of wind or nearby lightning strike could pose a risk,' he said. 

An 'erratic' bushfire continues to grow west of Canberra, stretching to 54 hectares by Friday morning.

The inferno started from a care fire on Laurel Camp Road about 6pm on Thursday.

More than 25 fire trucks are struggling to contain the blaze, and airplanes will be using buckets to dump water on it on Friday.

'The fire is burning erratically and is heading in a south-easterly direction,' an Emergency Services Agency spokesperson told the Canberra Times. 

Authorities in Tasmania are no longer issuing burn permits and revoking others due to 'very high' fire danger warnings (stock image)