THE Minns Labor Government has confirmed that on Saturday December 7th Penrith Beach will be reopen for summer. Penrith Beach provides access to a swimming spot for locals across western Sydney and visitors to cool down, relax and swim.
More than 215,000 people visited Penrith Beach from 19 December 2023 to Anzac Day 2024, and this summer’s swim season promises to be bigger and better with upgraded accessible facilities for beachgoers.
The Minns Labor Government states they have invested $2.5 million to fund amenities and staffing for a second year, to make sure locals and visitors can soak up stunning views of the Blue Mountains while enjoying a dip at this unique western Sydney swimming spot.
Beachgoers travelling to Penrith Beach will not need to book parking with more than 300 parking spaces available this year.
Penrith Beach operating hours will be from 10am to 7pm, commencing Saturday, 7 December and will be open every day including Christmas through to Sunday, 27 April 2025.
Water safety remains the top priority this summer with trained lifeguards from Surf Life Saving Australia on duty to patrol the beach and offer first aid services to visitors. The Royal Life Saving Society will also patrol the beach and lead community education and learn-to-swim opportunities.
In addition to reopening as a swim spot there will be further activations at the site over the course of the summer.
For more information, including hours of operation and available programs, visit Penrith Beach | NSW Government at www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said it is fantastic to see Penrith Beach will open its gates again in one week’s time, so our community has somewhere to relax and cool off in our local area.
“The Liberals and the Nationals left this site locked behind gates for more than a decade, making empty promises and achieving nothing for the people of Western Sydney,” Ms Car said.
“This is about equity. A place like Penrith Beach is critical for the people of Western Sydney. Hundreds of thousands of Western Sydney locals showed up and enjoyed Penrith Beach last year, and I cannot wait to join them for another summer season.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said Penrith residents previously needed to travel 40km to swim in Lake Parramatta, 63km to get to Bondi Beach, or 75km to get to either Cronulla or Manly.
“Bringing back this beach for another summer shows that our Government remains committed to providing access to great places to swim,” Minister Scully said.
“We had huge numbers visit Penrith Beach last season and we look forward to welcoming even more people this summer.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said there were new and improved facilities.
“They are exactly what locals and visitors to our beach deserve,” Mrs McKeown said.
“That is why we have taken the time to make this site special for our community and families with plenty of new fun and free activities.”
This summer the beach will include a range of events including:
• water safety, learn to swim and junior lifesavers programs
• bootcamp with local legend Mark Geyer
• Wildlife Wednesdays environmental education program run by Sydney Zoo
• get a team together for our beach volleyball tournament
• Sandy Sunset cinema
• free skin cancer check clinic
• special events for significant dates such as Lunar New Year, Valentines Day and Holi Festival.
