Towels at the ready – Penrith Beach is open for business
It's official – Western Sydney’s first beach is open for business thanks to a $1.7 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.
Hundreds of visitors will today attend the grand opening of Penrith Beach to soak up the sun and cool off in the heart of Western Sydney.
Western Sydney residents previously needed to travel 40 kilometres to swim in Lake Parramatta, 63 kilometres to get to Bondi Beach, or 75 kilometres to get to either Cronulla or Manly.
From today, Penrith's own beach will be open seven days a week through to 3 March 2024, except on Christmas Day.
Visitors will find on-site car parking, change rooms, toilets and access for people with disabilities, including mats to allow wheelchairs to fully immerse in the water.
Public safety at the site is paramount – lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone. Water quality will also be monitored regularly during the summer.
Booking is essential, with 700 car parking spaces available daily. Access is provided through free parking vouchers, available via the website nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach
A free shuttle bus will also operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, travelling from Penrith Station to Penrith Beach between 11am and 4pm. Free shuttle bus tickets are available from nsw.gov.au/penrith-beach.
The first week will be used to gather feedback and fine-tune the experience, and we ask that people are patient during this time.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"What a fantastic day it is to see Penrith Beach opening for the people of Western Sydney.
"Our local communities have been waiting years for this incredible swim spot to be opened to the public, and I know locals are delighted to see this day finally come.
"I am proud to be part of this Labor Government which has finally opened the first ever beach for the people of Western Sydney.
"See you at Penrith Beach!"
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"This fantastic initiative will mean people can cool down at a beach in the hottest part of the year for the length of the School Holidays.
"We’ve always been clear that this is the first time the beach has opened for swimming. It’s a trial through to the beginning of March 2024, so we’re asking people to be patient particularly while we fine tune the experience in its first few weeks."
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
"This is not just about giving families and kids a safe and fun place to play over summer – it’s about bringing some balance to the opportunities available to the people of Western Sydney.
"Grab your towels, your sunshades and your sand buckets – Penrith Beach is going to be an amazing place to spend time this summer, but don’t forget to book!"