Western Sydney's first beach has been hailed a success by locals as more than 1200 people descended onto golden sand to cool off at Penrith Beach on its opening day on Tuesday.
Hundreds of families, couples, children and keen kayakers flocked to 'Pondi' where they enjoyed soft sand, a scenic landscape and the picturesque views of the Blue Mountains surrounding Penrith Beach.
The beach has facilities including toilets, change rooms, a fresh water station, a café and access for people with a disability.
The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards within the designated patrolled zone, and the water is being regularly monitored for quality.
Capacity for the carpark was reached for the opening day, highlighting the need to book ahead to ensure you get a spot at Western Sydney's best new swim spot.
On-site parking is available, with free carpark vouchers available online at the Penrith Beach website.
Beachgoers can also access the beach through a free shuttle bus, which operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 4pm, travelling from Penrith Train Station. Free shuttle bus tickets are available from the Penrith Beach website.
Penrith Beach is open 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day, from 7am to 7pm and will operate through to 3 March.
Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"The launch of Penrith Beach has been a huge success, and I am delighted to see so many parents and their children enjoying this beautiful facility right here in their local area.
"Western Sydney locals can now take their children to a free beach on their doorstep, and this is something people across NSW should be able to access.
"This beach was promised and never delivered by the Liberals and Nationals and I am proud to see it brought to life by the Minns Labor government."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"I'm so happy we were able to open the beach for everyone after it had been locked away for so many years.
"Penrith Beach is here for the summer, and we want to make this the best experience possible for the people of Western Sydney.
"During the beach's opening days, we will continue to improve logistics, and we ask that beachgoers remain patient, but importantly to book ahead."
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
"Penrith locals have been waiting for this beach to be delivered for years, and I know our community is delighted to have seen this delivered in time for the school holidays.
"Seeing Penrith Beach open to hundreds of happy families has been a fabulous thing to see, and I know our community is looking forward to a bright summer, with somewhere local to cool off."
