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 .

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.