Western Sydney can get ready to slip, slop, slap and swim with their newest swim spot Penrith Beach, otherwise known as Pondi, set to open again on Sunday 7 December.
This year we're delivering extended opening hours from 7am to 7pm in the peak of summer and more shade and amenities than ever thanks to a $5.2 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.
Residents of Western Sydney won't need to travel long distances or pay money to enjoy a beach experience as the mercury rises.
The beach will offer a great free day out, whether to enjoy a swim, play in the sand or get together with the family.
Residents and visitors will be able to take advantage of a much-needed place to cool down daily, until April 2026.
New on-site amenities include shaded seating areas and outdoor showers, on top of amenities previous beachgoers will recognise, including:
- a hydration station
- change rooms and accessible toilets
- accessible parking and pathways to the beach, and an access mat extending into the water
- more than 350 parking spaces.
Water safety remains a top priority with trained lifeguards from Surf Life Saving NSW patrolling the beach each day during opening hours and offering first aid services to visitors who need it.
Penrith Beach will again offer free water-safety programs, learn to swim and junior lifesavers workshops and water confidence education, as well as on-site wellbeing activations from Skin Check Champions.
Since it was opened by the Minns Labor Government in December 2023 Penrith Beach has attracted more than 330,000 visitors.
Penrith Beach is part of the NSW Government's Places to Swim program, a $16.7 million funding commitment to provide high quality places to swim in areas that need it most.
Water quality is regularly tested, with results publicly available at waternsw.com.au and beachwatch.nsw.gov.au
For more information, including hours of operation and programming, and to subscribe for regular updates, visit NSW Government | Penrith Beach.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Western Sydney's favourite swim spot will be back in action from Sunday 7 December once again delivering a free place for locals and visitors to cool off with a dip in the height of summer.
"Set to be better than ever this season Penrith beach will have extended hours, daily lifeguard patrols, more shade and new outdoor showers, so families can make the most of what is becoming an iconic summer destination.
"So don't miss out, grab your beach umbrella, sunscreen, swimmers and towel and get down to Penrith Beach from this Sunday through to April next year for relaxing summer fun with family and friends."
Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:
"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.
"We recognised Western Sydney families were in need for high-quality open spaces, and that's why we've opened Penrith Beach after the former Liberal National government kept it locked up for over a decade.
"Thanks to the work of Deputy Premier Prue Car and Minister Paul Scully, local residents will soon enjoy the sandy shores of Pondi this summer."
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
"Penrith Beach has quickly become a favourite spot for people right across Western Sydney, and this funding means families can keep enjoying it. It's convenient, it's free and it's designed with accessibility and safety at its heart."
"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."
