A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

Forget the beachside crowds and make a splash along the river instead.

Summer has only just begun and Sydney’s already scored a new spot to cool off. The sandy riverside stretch is offering locals a quiet escape from the heat and hints towards a city slowly reclaiming its waterways.

Where is Sydney’s new beach?

Nestled along the Parramatta River roughly 15 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, the waterfront suburb of Gladesville has gained a new swimming spot just in time for summer. Although new may not be the most accurate way to describe it.

Bedlam Bay in Sydney, NSW — Bedlam Bay in Gladesville has officially opened to swimmers. (Image: Ann-Marie Calilhanna)

Originally opened to the public back in the 1860s, Bedlam Bay has long been a treasured outdoor space for the local community. But the bathing site was demolished in 1956 due to the development of a sports oval and increased water pollution. Now, after almost 70 years, swimmers are being welcomed back.

Hunters Hill mayor Zac Miles says reactivating the site provides a valuable community asset this summer. “This project highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing community recreation around our natural waterways. It’s great to reactivate this cherished place once again for our community and visitors alike to enjoy."

Nestled at the bottom of Parramatta River Regional Park, the swimming spot looks out towards bobbing moored boats and is surrounded by greenery. It’s a low traffic area with plenty of peaceful pockets to enjoy the sun – minus the crashing waves, crowded shores and often long-winded drives to other popular beaches in Sydney.

Is it safe to swim at Bedlam Bay?

In recent years, local councils and the NSW government have been committed to improving the water quality of the Parramatta River. Working with Sydney Water and the Parramatta River Catchment Group , over $560,000 worth of funding has been invested into making Bedlam Bay suitable for swimmers again.

Upon opening, the site features a secure shark net to keep visitors safe, as well as on-site lifebuoys and a boat jetty. It adds to a growing line-up of seven revitalised swimming spots along the waterway, including the establishment of Putney Beach back in January.

Thanks to programs like RiverWatch™, water quality at the site has been continuously monitored since 2020 to ensure it is safe for aquatic activities.

The Sydney Water initiative assesses microbial contaminants such as algae, enterococci and chlorophyll-a in water samples, as well as temperature, turbidity (the amount of material suspended in the water) and conductivity (an indicator of salts in the water).

Even once a site is marked safe, levels are continuously monitored during its ongoing operation. Routine sampling occurs every four to six days, as well as five days of consecutive targeted sampling at sites that have received heavy rainfall.

“Our RiverWatch™ recreational water quality monitoring program was specifically established to support the opening of new swim sites in waterways," says Leanne Niblock, waterway coordination manager of Sydney Water.

“Sydney Water has also made a significant investment in upgrading the wastewater network in the upper and mid Parramatta River catchments to reduce the impact of wet weather overflows, directly supporting the swimming outcome in the Parramatta River."

How do I get to Bedlam Bay?

If you’re driving, it’ll take you roughly 15 minutes to get to Bedlam Bay from Sydney’s CBD via the Anzac Bridge, or Victoria Road from the city’s northern and western suburbs. Parking is available at Gladesville Hospital, just a 10-minute walk away, but fees may apply.

There are also plenty of public transport options . Sydney’s F3 ferry service from Circular Quay will take you to Huntleys Point Wharf, two kilometres away. This route also stops at all major ferry terminals along the Parramatta River. The 501, 507 and 536 bus routes all stop at Gladesville Hospital, too.

Like many of Australia’s natural swimming holes, locals heading to Bedlam Bay can dive in with confidence knowing that they’ll be swimming safely this summer. Stay up to date with water quality alerts via Urban Plunge by Sydney Water or the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s interactive map .

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.