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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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    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.