A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

Forget the beachside crowds and make a splash along the river instead.

Summer has only just begun and Sydney’s already scored a new spot to cool off. The sandy riverside stretch is offering locals a quiet escape from the heat and hints towards a city slowly reclaiming its waterways.

Where is Sydney’s new beach?

Nestled along the Parramatta River roughly 15 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, the waterfront suburb of Gladesville has gained a new swimming spot just in time for summer. Although new may not be the most accurate way to describe it.

Bedlam Bay in Sydney, NSW — Bedlam Bay in Gladesville has officially opened to swimmers. (Image: Ann-Marie Calilhanna)

Originally opened to the public back in the 1860s, Bedlam Bay has long been a treasured outdoor space for the local community. But the bathing site was demolished in 1956 due to the development of a sports oval and increased water pollution. Now, after almost 70 years, swimmers are being welcomed back.

Hunters Hill mayor Zac Miles says reactivating the site provides a valuable community asset this summer. “This project highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing community recreation around our natural waterways. It’s great to reactivate this cherished place once again for our community and visitors alike to enjoy."

Nestled at the bottom of Parramatta River Regional Park, the swimming spot looks out towards bobbing moored boats and is surrounded by greenery. It’s a low traffic area with plenty of peaceful pockets to enjoy the sun – minus the crashing waves, crowded shores and often long-winded drives to other popular beaches in Sydney.

Is it safe to swim at Bedlam Bay?

In recent years, local councils and the NSW government have been committed to improving the water quality of the Parramatta River. Working with Sydney Water and the Parramatta River Catchment Group , over $560,000 worth of funding has been invested into making Bedlam Bay suitable for swimmers again.

Upon opening, the site features a secure shark net to keep visitors safe, as well as on-site lifebuoys and a boat jetty. It adds to a growing line-up of seven revitalised swimming spots along the waterway, including the establishment of Putney Beach back in January.

Thanks to programs like RiverWatch™, water quality at the site has been continuously monitored since 2020 to ensure it is safe for aquatic activities.

The Sydney Water initiative assesses microbial contaminants such as algae, enterococci and chlorophyll-a in water samples, as well as temperature, turbidity (the amount of material suspended in the water) and conductivity (an indicator of salts in the water).

Even once a site is marked safe, levels are continuously monitored during its ongoing operation. Routine sampling occurs every four to six days, as well as five days of consecutive targeted sampling at sites that have received heavy rainfall.

“Our RiverWatch™ recreational water quality monitoring program was specifically established to support the opening of new swim sites in waterways," says Leanne Niblock, waterway coordination manager of Sydney Water.

“Sydney Water has also made a significant investment in upgrading the wastewater network in the upper and mid Parramatta River catchments to reduce the impact of wet weather overflows, directly supporting the swimming outcome in the Parramatta River."

How do I get to Bedlam Bay?

If you’re driving, it’ll take you roughly 15 minutes to get to Bedlam Bay from Sydney’s CBD via the Anzac Bridge, or Victoria Road from the city’s northern and western suburbs. Parking is available at Gladesville Hospital, just a 10-minute walk away, but fees may apply.

There are also plenty of public transport options . Sydney’s F3 ferry service from Circular Quay will take you to Huntleys Point Wharf, two kilometres away. This route also stops at all major ferry terminals along the Parramatta River. The 501, 507 and 536 bus routes all stop at Gladesville Hospital, too.

Like many of Australia’s natural swimming holes, locals heading to Bedlam Bay can dive in with confidence knowing that they’ll be swimming safely this summer. Stay up to date with water quality alerts via Urban Plunge by Sydney Water or the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s interactive map .

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

Forget the beachside crowds and make a splash along the river instead.

Where is Sydney’s new beach?

Is it safe to swim at Bedlam Bay?

How do I get to Bedlam Bay?

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