Sydney just got a brand new beach, here’s where to find it

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Putney Beach is officially opening to the public next week.

While there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in the NSW capital, many Sydneysiders are all too familiar with the effort it can take to reach them. But several suburban swimming spots are now providing welcome relief from the heat this summer – all minus the trek, tolls and traffic.

Residents of the Parramatta River catchment are set to enjoy the benefits of a beach without the long car ride from Wednesday next week, with the new Putney Beach joining the likes of Windsor Beach on the Hawkesbury River and ‘Pondi’ in Penrith as the latest riverside swim site to cool off in the city.

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
Putney Beach is around 14 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.

Where is Sydney’s new beach?

Putney Beach sits on the shores of the Parramatta River in Putney Park, around 14 kilometres from the city. In collaboration with the Parramatta River Catchment Group and with support from the local community, the City of Ryde will officially open Putney Beach on Wednesday, 22 January .

At the grand opening, the community will be treated to a smoking ceremony and speeches, followed by a day of family-friendly fun. Think BYO floaty races, live music and a sausage sizzle run by local scouts. And with temperatures forecast to hit the 30s, plenty of swimming as well!

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
Putney Beach officially opens this weekend.

While the new riverside locale is primarily a place to swim, there will be lots of other things to do, too. The park is already a popular spot with families thanks to the jam-packed playground, there are plenty of green spaces and shady spots for picnics, and it’s also a great place to launch kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft, making it a great option for those looking for fun things to do in Sydney.

Is it safe to swim at Putney Beach?

Like many of Australia’s natural swimming holes, Putney Beach has undergone extensive water testing and pollution checks to ensure it’s safe for a dip. In 2019, the local council introduced a water quality monitoring program that is run fortnightly during summer and monthly come winter, with results showing that the new beach is on par with other swimming sites along the river.

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
The Parramatta catchment area has been declared safe to swim.

While Putney Beach has officially been declared safe, those keen to swim are still encouraged to use common sense before diving in. Similar to most beaches, lakes and rivers, you shouldn’t enter the water following bad storms or floods, and avoid putting your head underwater if the water is cloudy.

There are also large limestone steps and handrails that allow easy access in and out of the water, as well as accessible parking and toilet facilities onsite.

How do I get to Putney Beach?

Getting to Putney Beach is relatively easy. If you’re driving, it’ll take you roughly 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD. For those coming from other areas of the city, the nearby A3 and Victoria Road are two of Sydney’s main arterial thoroughfares and provide easy access to Putney. Visitors should note that onsite parking is limited and council fees may apply for curbside parking along neighbourhood streets.

There are a number of public transport options, too. Sydney’s F3 ferry service from Circular Quay will take you to Kissing Point Wharf, just a one-kilometre walk away. This route also stops at all major ferry terminals along the Parramatta River. You can also ride the 507 bus from Meadowbank train station to the corner of Phillip Street and Charles Street, then make the 10-minute stroll down to the beach.

Putney Beach in Sydney, NSW
Sydney’s new beach is easily accessible by public transport. (Image: Zetter)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .