Western Sydney's favourite swim spot, Penrith Beach, will return on 27 November, opening a week earlier than last year to again give locals and visitors a free and safe place to swim, relax and cool off closer to home this summer.
The fourth season will begin with a splash, as a free community day gets things into full swing on Saturday 28 November, featuring food vendors, family-friendly entertainment and a range of activities throughout the day.
The community day will be first in best dressed, with the first 300 people through the gates getting free ice creams and drinks.
Back for its fourth season, Penrith Beach, or 'Pondi' has welcomed nearly half a million people since opening in 2023, with visitors taking advantage of having a place to cool off for free in Western Sydney.
Popular and free water safety programs and skin checks will return throughout the 2026/27 season.
Visitors will have even more opportunities to enjoy the beach, with the season running through to 26 April 2027.
The beach will be open daily with operating hours varying across the season:
- From November 27 2026 to 31 January 2027 it will be open from 8:30am to 7:00pm.
- From 1 February to 31 March 2027, operating hours will be open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
- From 1 April to 26 April 2027, the beach will be open from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Additional shade and a range of recreational activities and community events will help visitors cool off and relax this summer.
Water safety remains a top priority, with trained lifeguards from Surf Life Saving NSW patrolling the beach daily during opening hours.
Water quality will continue to be regularly monitored and publicly reported throughout the season.
For more information, including opening hours and programming, and to subscribe for regular updates, visit NSW Planning.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:
"Hundreds of thousands of Western Sydney locals have showed up to enjoy Penrith Beach over the last three summers, and I can't wait to join them for another season.
"The Liberals and Nationals left this site locked behind gates for more than a decade, making empty promises and neglecting Western Sydney families in need of high-quality open spaces.
"At a time when families are under pressure, having free, world-class, outdoor destinations nearby, including Penrith Beach, makes a real difference for locals during the summer months."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
"The countdown is on for Penrith Beach's fourth season, promising everything beachgoers love about it and more.
"This season builds on the success of previous seasons, offering a free, safe place to swim and create memorable experiences.
"We've listened to community feedback and adjusted operating hours so people can continue enjoying the beach later in the day through late summer and autumn."
Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:
"It's fantastic to see Penrith Beach reopen a week earlier this season, giving visitors more opportunity to cool down as we head into summer and the holiday period.
"Penrith Beach has proven to offer something for everyone, from swimming and water safety programs to community events and family-friendly activities."
"Creating these vibrant community hubs makes Western Sydney an even more attractive place to live, work and play."
