The northern beaches resident and former PM, who lives in the southern zone, was reportedly cycling in Church Point (in the northern zone) this week.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said the incident was investigated by officers.

"Police responded to that and spoke to the former prime minister and formed the view that he was not in breach of the health order as it applied at that time," he said.

"He was out with a lawful excuse, exercising with another individual, that was checked and proven to be right.

"We get information from a variety of sources and at the end of the day if we receive information that we feel we have to act on we'll be doing that."

Assistant Commissioner Willing did however urge people "to apply common sense" in relation to the COVID-19 restrictions.

"Stay at home where you can, stay within in your area. If you're in the southern part of the northern beaches stay within the southern part of the northern beaches, and the same applies to the northern part," he said.

Police will be out in force across the northern beaches on New Year's Eve and monitoring any breaches of stay at home orders which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

"We're hoping that people apply some common sense and abide by the health orders," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.

"We're asking people to take some individual responsibility here as well. Understand the health orders and how they apply to you and restrict your movements around Sydney, you do not want to be responsible for spreading this disease.

"It's incumbent on individuals to know how the rules apply to you."