A man has been charged with trying to steal a baby from an Australian beach.

Police have charged a man with attempting to abduct a seven-week-old baby at Sydney’s popular Bronte Beach on Monday.

The 38-year-old man is accused of trying to grab the baby — who was lying on a towel next to his mother — around 6pm.

The 31-year-old woman tried to push the man away and the pair became involved in a scuffle, which was eventually broken up by life guards.

The mother of the child suffered only minor injuries.

The man was arrested by local police soon after the incident and produced in Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, charged with attempted child abduction and common assault.

He was refused bail and would return to court next week.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to these incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.