While Aquatic Centres and beaches are the usual go-to on a hot summer’s day in Sydney, there are even more options than that when it comes to enjoying a splash-about.
Within just 30 minutes of Ryde, you’ll find all types of swimming spots from baths to rivers that will give a whole new level of enjoyment to swimming. Here’s our list.
Baths
Greenwich Baths
Albert Street, Greenwich
With spectacular harbour views, a cafe and a relaxed environment, the Harbour’s pleasant waters are a very popular swimming spot and the facilities at Greenwich Baths cater for everyone.
You’ll find parking on Albert or O’Connell Street. Or take the Parramatta River ferry and stop at Greenwich. By bus, it’s the 265 or 269 bus down to Greenwich Baths
Entry fees vary, see website for details.
Woolwich Baths
Woolwich Road (opposite Margaret Street), Woolwich
The small harbour beach at Woolwich Baths is a popular spot for families and seems to still be a bit of a hidden gem.
The large tidal pool is free for public use, offering ample sand space, restroom and change room facilities, jumping platforms, and a netted beach for stress-free harbour swimming.
Access the baths via Woolwich Road, either by Collingwood Street for free parking and a boardwalk stroll or by Margaret Street for a shorter path, albeit steeper and with many steps.
Dawn Fraser Baths
Elkington Park, Fitzroy Ave, Balmain
Explore Sydney’s iconic Dawn Fraser Baths, a historic gem since the 1880s. Named after the revered Australian Olympic swimmer Dawn Fraser, this natural tidal pool in Balmain is the oldest swimming pool and club in Australia and features sunbathing jetties, deep waters for swimming, and even a sandy beach at low tide.
You’ll find snacks and hot food from the on-site kiosk and shower facilities, making it a comfortable day out with the kids. Note that access depends on water quality and tide changes, and is only open from September to April so check their website before planning a visit.
Entry fees vary, see website for details.
Northbridge Baths
2 Widgiewa Rd, Northbridge
The Northbridge Baths are no-entry-fee tidal baths set along the stunning Sydney Harbour foreshore, within the native bushland of Middle Harbour. This stunning spot is peaceful, has shade and lots of grass to spread out.
While there’s no kiosk, you will find BBQ’s changing rooms and toilets, as well as a small car park with free parking.
Parramatta River
There are currently five designated swimming spots along the Parramatta River including Lake Parramatta, a successful initiative by Our Living Rivers, and the latest addition, Bayview Park. The recently opened foreshore recreation area at McIlwaine Park offers diverse ways to appreciate the river, boasting a beach area and intriguing discovery rockpools.
BEFORE SWIMMING CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR DAILY WATER QUALITY TESTS.
Lake Parramatta
Lackey Street via Bourke Street, North Parramatta
Lake Parramatta reopened to the public for swimming and water-based activities in 2015, marking 72 years since its closure prompted by water quality concerns.
The site boasts a well-maintained swimming area monitored by lifeguards, operating from late October to late March each year.
Visitors can also enjoy various amenities, including opportunities for non-motorized boat rentals, scenic walking trails, a children’s playground, BBQ and picnic spots, and a weekend-operated visitors’ kiosk.
Bayview Park
Burwood Rd, Concord
Reopened in November 2022, the upgraded swimming site now features a new netted enclosure, an outdoor shower, and enhanced access to the foreshore. Situated adjacent to Bayview Park, the swimming spot provides picturesque views of the Parramatta River. Visitors can enjoy various amenities such as a boat ramp, playground, covered picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and accessible toilets.
Cabarita Park Beach
17 Cabarita Rd, Cabarita
Situated at the northern end of Cabarita Park, this location offers a long strip of sand flanked by rocks at both ends. The beach features picturesque parklands that include picnic and BBQ areas, a playground, public restrooms and facilitated accessibility. Cabarita Ferry Wharf is within walking distance of the park.
Chiswick Baths
Chiswick Baths, on Bortfield Drive in Chiswick, is a serene swimming spot just a short walk from the Chiswick ferry wharf. Accessible via a small set of stairs, the site offers a netted enclosure and childproof fencing for added safety.
Adjacent to the baths is a park featuring lots of grass, shaded picnic tables, and restroom facilities.
McIlwaine Park
McIlwaine Park is located on the picturesque Brays Bay. The site recently underwent an $8.7 million upgrade that features a new accessible foreshore pathway, beach area, BBQ and picnic facilities, and landscaping. The riverbank naturalisation includes discovery rockpools, living seawall tiles, and a salt marsh conservation area.
It will be open for swimming in 2024.
Putney Park
Putney Park features extensive grass and natural areas, BBQ and picnic facilities, several playgrounds and ample parking.
In 2021, City of Ryde built a new seawall and stairs to provide access to the river foreshore and beach area at low tide. Planning is currently underway for the construction of a swimming enclosure.
