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

Taylah Darnell 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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure during Vivid

(Credit: Nikki To)

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    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.