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The pop-up Sydney swimming spots set to reopen in time for summer

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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

Couple enjoying a swim at Marrinawi Cove in Barangaroo in sydney
Marrinawi Cove is back open for (swimming) business. (Image: Destination NSW)

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)

aerial shot of penrith beach aka pondi
Pondi offers a closer swimming option for Western Sydney. (Image: Vince Basile)

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Bedlam Bay

Bedlam Bay in Sydney, NSW
The water at Bedlam Bay has been marked safe for swimming thanks to RiverWatch™.

Earlier this week, we shared that Gladesville’s Bedlam Bay along the Parramatta River would reopen after decades of closure. Discover how to find it.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.