New swimming lagoon for Penrith in time for summer

A new ‘beach’ in Penrith will be opened in time for summer and being the same length as Bondi Beach, will offer an unmatched waterside experience in the heart of Western Sydney where people of all ages and backgrounds can safely enjoy the water for free.

The beach will be open seven days a week from late December to early March 2024 with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone.

This is backed by a $1.7 million investment from the NSW Government for vital construction and safety work to get this major new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes ready to swim over the hottest months of the year.

In 2020, Penrith earned the title of the hottest place on earth with residents sweltering under a baking 48.9 degrees Celsius and in any heat wave it can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the east.

But access to outdoor swimming spots for Western Sydney residents is limited. It’s 40km to get to Lake Parramatta, 63km to Bondi Beach and 75km to either Cronulla or Manly.

The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement signed with Western Sydney Lakes. Parking will be available on site but a dedicated shuttle bus will also ferry locals from the Penrith CBD.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car noted “Penrith Beach is a gamechanger that gives the people of Western Sydney all the benefits of living in the west, with the addition of easy access to their very own beach.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully shared “As temperatures rise, access to water near where you live has never been more important –regardless of age, ability, or postcode – everyone should have access to a safe place to cool off.

“Penrith broke records for being the hottest place on earth and another sweltering summer is ahead of us, so a place to swim is important to support public health.

“We’ve always said that communities need infrastructure to support their growth. We took this decision to support the people of Western Sydney.

“This is a location of which the people of Western Sydney can be proud and which will make the rest of Sydney a little bit jealous!”

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was delighted Council’s advocacy for the community has come to fruition on this important site just in time for summer.

“For too long, Penrith Lakes has been sitting idle behind locked gates when it should have been opened to the community,” Mayor Carney added.

“With summer just days away this an enormous win for our community. This first step towards permanent access and to realise the lakes’ full potential is just the beginning for this hidden gem in Penrith.

“Penrith Lakes spans 20km2, offers a natural beach and waterway that is comparable in size to Bondi Beach. Unlocking parts of this prime, existing piece of land in our footprint is a cost-effective way to ensure that our community members have an active haven to escape the heat which is close to home.”

"Instead of having to drive over an hour to the nearest beach, our residents will be minutes from a fantastic spot to cool off and have fun.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of Council in getting to this stage. Successive Mayors and Councillors have called on the State Government to open this site to the community – it’s testament to that continued work for our community and Western Sydney that sees us standing here today.”

The natural beauty of the site and the activities it can host will immediately attract visitors from across Western Sydney, with tourist numbers set to further increase with the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opening in 2026.

With Penrith Lakes opening right across summer, the opportunities are endless for what can be done on the site. Council will work with the NSW Government and Penrith Lakes Development Corporation to explore what events and activities may be possible.

Meanwhile the opening of Campbelltown's Billabong Parklands has been delayed to 2024 due to construction issues.

Images: Concepts for the new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes. Credit: NSW Government.