Speaking to media on Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Terry O'Neill said she had also suffered an injury but that injury would not have caused her death.
Police say the woman is of Indian/subcontinental appearance.
Two local women who were on their morning walk about 5am on Wednesday morning discovered the body and alerted police.
Sutherland Police Area Command Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Terry O’Neill said at this stage of inquiries, it was difficult to tell if the woman had been washed ashore or had just been on the beach.
“She is of Indian/Subcontinental appearance, approximately 155-160cm tall and of small build.
“We believe she could be aged anywhere between her mid-teens and early 30s.
“When she was discovered the woman was wearing a long-sleeved black wool turtle neck jumper, maroon pants and black runner shoes with a white sole.
Detective O'Neill said police want to know if the woman matches any missing persons who have not yet been reported missing.
“The cause of her death is undetermined at this time and we are relying on the results of a post mortem examination which will help the direction of inquiries,” Det Chief Inspector O’Neill said.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
