The state’s newest beach will remain open to the public for another month as the warm days continue across Western Sydney.
Penrith Beach has been a massive hit with local residents, with almost 200,000 people visiting the temporary activation 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 this week.
The NSW Government has now extended the activation of the site beyond the original 3 March 2024 closing date given this strong support from the Western Sydney community.
Lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW will continue patrolling the beach under new operating hours. The public will be able to visit on weekends and public holidays from 9 March between the hours of:
10am and 6pm; and,
10am and 4:30pm from 7 April 2024, at the end of daylight savings.
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.
For more information, visit Penrith Beach.
Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“In just a few short months we have seen almost 200,000 Western Sydney residents vote with their feet, visiting Penrith Beach for a day out by the water.
“At the opening I said this move is about fairness. For too long Western Sydney locals were neglected as the Liberals and Nationals focused all their energy on investment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“After watching the site sit behind a locked gate for decades, locals have embraced Western Sydney’s first ever beach, and are loving having somewhere to cool off right on their doorstop.
“I am delighted to see the season extended at Penrith Beach for Western Sydney to enjoy.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Penrith Beach has shown how critical new swim sites are for communities living away from our coastline.
“The beach has been a big drawcard with local residents and has provided relief for the people of Western Sydney.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
“Seeing thousands of Penrith families enjoy this beach has been the highlight of summer for the Penrith community.
“I encourage everyone in Western Sydney to come and experience the tranquillity of this location.
“Having our own beach is an absolute delight and I am thrilled to see Penrith Beach will remain open through to Anzac Day.”