Sydney just got a brand new beach, here’s where to find it

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Putney Beach is officially opening to the public next week.

While there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in the NSW capital, many Sydneysiders are all too familiar with the effort it can take to reach them. But several suburban swimming spots are now providing welcome relief from the heat this summer – all minus the trek, tolls and traffic.

Residents of the Parramatta River catchment are set to enjoy the benefits of a beach without the long car ride from Wednesday next week, with the new Putney Beach joining the likes of Windsor Beach on the Hawkesbury River and ‘Pondi’ in Penrith as the latest riverside swim site to cool off in the city.

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
Putney Beach is around 14 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.

Where is Sydney’s new beach?

Putney Beach sits on the shores of the Parramatta River in Putney Park, around 14 kilometres from the city. In collaboration with the Parramatta River Catchment Group and with support from the local community, the City of Ryde will officially open Putney Beach on Wednesday, 22 January .

At the grand opening, the community will be treated to a smoking ceremony and speeches, followed by a day of family-friendly fun. Think BYO floaty races, live music and a sausage sizzle run by local scouts. And with temperatures forecast to hit the 30s, plenty of swimming as well!

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
Putney Beach officially opens this weekend.

While the new riverside locale is primarily a place to swim, there will be lots of other things to do, too. The park is already a popular spot with families thanks to the jam-packed playground, there are plenty of green spaces and shady spots for picnics, and it’s also a great place to launch kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft, making it a great option for those looking for fun things to do in Sydney.

Is it safe to swim at Putney Beach?

Like many of Australia’s natural swimming holes, Putney Beach has undergone extensive water testing and pollution checks to ensure it’s safe for a dip. In 2019, the local council introduced a water quality monitoring program that is run fortnightly during summer and monthly come winter, with results showing that the new beach is on par with other swimming sites along the river.

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
The Parramatta catchment area has been declared safe to swim.

While Putney Beach has officially been declared safe, those keen to swim are still encouraged to use common sense before diving in. Similar to most beaches, lakes and rivers, you shouldn’t enter the water following bad storms or floods, and avoid putting your head underwater if the water is cloudy.

There are also large limestone steps and handrails that allow easy access in and out of the water, as well as accessible parking and toilet facilities onsite.

How do I get to Putney Beach?

Getting to Putney Beach is relatively easy. If you’re driving, it’ll take you roughly 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD. For those coming from other areas of the city, the nearby A3 and Victoria Road are two of Sydney’s main arterial thoroughfares and provide easy access to Putney. Visitors should note that onsite parking is limited and council fees may apply for curbside parking along neighbourhood streets.

There are a number of public transport options, too. Sydney’s F3 ferry service from Circular Quay will take you to Kissing Point Wharf, just a one-kilometre walk away. This route also stops at all major ferry terminals along the Parramatta River. You can also ride the 507 bus from Meadowbank train station to the corner of Phillip Street and Charles Street, then make the 10-minute stroll down to the beach.

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
Sydney’s new beach is easily accessible by public transport. (Image: Zetter)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .