After 12 years locked up under the former Liberal government, the Minns Labor Government opened the beach last summer with more than 215,000 visitors flocking to enjoy a dip in the water.
In addition to enjoying the iconic view of the Blue Mountains, visitors will have access to upgraded amenities, an improved carpark and new shade and lounge facilities.
For the first time, lifeguards from Surf Life Saving New South Wales have partnered with the Royal Life Saving Society to bring the classic red and yellow flags and lifeguard towers to the beach along with water safety training and education.
There is also a calendar of free activities for family and friends to enjoy over summer.
The official launch of the beach today will see live music and the first of many fitness boot camps to be hosted by a Penrith favourite son, rugby league great Mark Geyer. A sand sculpture competition will be held, along with a Sydney Zoo display to get up close with some animals as well as a free barbecue hosted by PCYC Penrith and Penrith Community kitchen from 3pm.
Special events and activities will continue in the weeks leading-up to Christmas and into the new year, including free skin cancer check clinics with Skin Check Champions, a junior lifesaver program run by The Royal Life Saving Society, Wildlife Wednesday educational programs held by visiting Sydney Zoo staff, learn to swim classes, a beach volleyball tournament, dragon boat racing and a special Lunar New Year kite festival.
The Minns Labor Government invested $2.5 million in its most recent budget to open Penrith Beach in time for the summer school holidays with a suite of new facilities on offer for the site’s second year of operation. Visitors for this swim season will also benefit from an upgraded Beach Village, improved toilets and changerooms, a new kayak launch point, improved swimming boundary buoys and additional seating areas to share a meal or take in the views.
We know people across the state are doing it tough right now in a cost-of-living crisis. With access to Penrith Beach again free this summer, Western Sydney families can enjoy a day out without needing to dip into their pocket.
Beachgoers travelling to Penrith Beach will not need to book parking this summer with more than 300 parking spaces available this season.
For a full list of Penrith Beach summer events or to book a ticket and subscribe for regular updates, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“The success of Penrith Beach’s inaugural year highlighted our community's enthusiasm for a free place to swim in our own backyard.
“After the Liberals left this swimming spot locked behind a gate for 12 years, the Minns Labor Government opened it up for Western Sydney locals who deserve a place to cool off.
“Penrith Beach will continue to be a vibrant open space for locals and visitors to Western Sydney – see you there this summer!”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Last summer, Penrith Beach was a massive hit with the community, it attracted nearly 215,000 visitors over five months. It’s clear this unique place has struck a chord with the people of Western Sydney.
"Our Government is thrilled to reopen Penrith Beach for another swim season. This isn’t just a place to cool off. It’s a space for community connection, and outdoor recreation in the heart of Western Sydney."
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
“Local access to water and creating places where the community can safely get in, on, and around water is important to the Minns Government.
“I’ve advocated for access to Penrith Beach since my election and we’ve listened to what the community wants and expects. As a result, we’ve made a commitment to enhance the Beach experience following visitor feedback during the first 2023/24 swim season.”
