High temperatures see Penrith Beach swimming season extended until Anzac Day

With high temperatures forecasted to continue across Western Sydney, Penrith Beach will remain open to the public for another month.

Lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW will continue to patrol the beach under new operating hours.

The public will be able to visit on weekends and public holidays from 9th March between the hours of 10am and 6pm; and 10am and 4:30pm from 7th April 2024, at the end of daylight savings.

Penrith Beach has attracted almost 200,000 people to cool off since its opening in December 2023, and an average of 5,000 people continuing to visit the beach each week.

The fresh water oasis provided significant relief to local families, without the need to pack the car and drive over an hour East. Temperatures regularly soared above 30 degrees, reaching 39.7 on Thursday of last week.

Many of the beach’s visitors are from suburbs including Penrith, Werrington, Castlereagh, Cranebrook, Glenmore Park, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Willmot and Marsden Park.

Dubbed the 'Penrith Pond' or ‘Pondi Beach’, the centrepiece of the Western Sydney Lakes regeneration project offers golden sands, tranquil waters and views of the nearby Blue Mountains.

The NSW Government has now extended the activation of the site beyond the original 3rd March 2024 closing date given this strong support from the Western Sydney community.

Facilities at the beach will remain open during these times with visitors able to access toilets and change rooms and enjoy the 130-metre-long beach. Free car park passes are also available online.