This weekend will be full of new swimming spots, from Penrith to Barangaroo.
No doubt about it, Sydney has some of the best beaches in the world. The trick is getting to them. If you don’t live nearby, you can pretty much square away the entire day just to spend a few hours lazing ocean-side. Luckily, the problem has been solved for the summer. Several Sydney swimming spots are reopening for the season, both in and further out of the CBD, so residents further west can cool down too.
“Summer is officially here and…Sydney has more options than ever for people to cool off with a quick dip," said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully. “The reopened Marrinawi Cove, joining the newly opened Bedlam Bay and soon to reopen Penrith Beach, to give more people places to swim close to home."
Marrinawi Cove
Barangaroo’s much-loved swim spot, Marrinawi Cove, has officially reopened just in time for summer. And it’s showing off a bunch of brand new upgrades.
Leisure-seekers can now enjoy more room to relax, both in and out of the water, thanks to an additional 150 square metres of swimming space and a larger leisure area on land – beachside picnic, anyone? There’s also a new platform that is non-slip, as well as a few other accessibility improvements, and a new double outdoor shower.
To celebrate, and to send Sydneysiders into summer with a bang, a summer holiday activation will feature free live music and pop-up shops selling gelato and barista-made coffee, every weekend from Saturday 6 December until March.
“[This will] further add to the atmosphere of this incredible harbourside space where Sydneysiders and visitors can enjoy a refreshing saltwater dip right in the heart of the city," said Scully, adding that all harbourside precincts could expect some land-based fun this year.
“Beyond swimming, there will be free festive fun including concerts and Christmas markets in all our harbourside precincts from The Rocks to Barangaroo and Darling Harbour to deliver a vibrant and cheerful season for visitors and locals alike".
Pondi (Penrith Beach)
Meanwhile, out west, the manmade Penrith Beach (colloquially dubbed Pondi) is set to reopen this weekend, on Saturday 6 December. And swimmers can expect extended swimming hours (from 7am to 7pm in the peak of summer) and more shade and amenities than before. Not to mention, this is the only beach in Sydney that boasts views of the Blue Mountains.
Expect shaded seating areas and outdoor showers, added to the previously existing change rooms and accessible toilets, and a hydration station. Pondi is free to access, with over 350 parking spaces available, plus a free shuttle bus from Penrith Station.
“We have seen Penrith Beach boom in popularity over the past two years, with more than 330,000 people voting with their feet and enjoying this new swim spot," shared Acting Minister for Western Sydney, Courtney Houssos.
“Penrith Beach has quickly become a favourite spot for people right across Western Sydney, and [new] funding means families can keep enjoying it. It’s convenient, it’s free and it’s designed with accessibility and safety at its heart," added Member for Penrith Karen McKeown.
“Whether you’re coming for a swim, taking part in a water-safety program or simply enjoying a day out with the kids, Penrith Beach showcases the best of what our community offers".
The beach will open daily through to April 2026, and water quality will be regularly tested and publicly reported – so you can be sure a dip is both clean and safe.
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