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 .

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .