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)

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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.