Penrith Beach is opening with a community day and activities running from 9am to 2pm today, including an ice cream truck and coffee van, offering 300 free ice creams and beverages for those first there, along with DJ entertainment and a marquee setup.
Western Sydney can take advantage of a much-needed place to cool down, with extended operating hours of 7am to 7pm locked in for the peak of the 2025-26 summer season.
Junior Lifesaving Program
A junior eight-week lifesaving program from Surf Life Saving NSW will run on Saturdays in Term 1 2026, from Saturday 7 February to Saturday 28 March, teaching swimming and water safety to local children aged 5-12.
The program offers two one-hour sessions with capacity for 40 kids per session, and is designed to build swim confidence, while introducing essential lifesaving and water safety skills. Registrations are now open. To apply for the 9am sessions, visit: Royal Lifesaving NSW. To apply for the 10am sessions, visit: Royal Lifesaving NSW.
Community Water Safety Days
Three community water safety days are also scheduled for Wednesday 21 January, Thursday 19 February, and Thursday 19 March 2026, running from 10:45am to 1:30pm.
These events are designed for communities and people new to water safety, with capacity for up to 100 participants per event. Activities will include water safety stations, lunch, and free time. Registrations are open now. For more information, visit: Royal Lifesaving NSW
Skin Check Champions
Professional skin cancer checks are also on offer from Skin Check Champions, using the iconic 'Silver Bullet' mobile clinic.
Approximately 160 checks will be conducted over two bumper weekends: 13-14 December 2025 and 24-25 January 2026. Around 40 skin checks are on offer per day with bookings available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will be available soon at: Skin Check Champions.
Penrith Beach has attracted more than 330,000 visitors since opening in December 2023, and once again, visitors will be able to enjoy the swim spot daily, now including public holidays, until April 2026.
The beach now offers shaded seating and outdoor showers, alongside familiar amenities such as a hydration station, change rooms, accessible toilets, accessible pathways with a water access mat, and over 350 parking spaces.
Water safety and accessibility remain a priority, with Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards on duty daily during opening hours to patrol the beach and provide first aid when needed.
Penrith Beach is returning for two summer swim seasons thanks to an investment from the Minns Labor Government in the 25/26 NSW Budget.
For more information, including hours of operation and programming, and to subscribe for regular updates, visit NSW Government | Penrith Beach.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Penrith Beach has opened with a bang, with more on offer than before.
“Opening Penrith Beach early, extending hours and delivering water safety programs is exactly what fairness looks like for a community that cops some of the hottest temperatures on the planet.
“This season we have an incredible lineup of free programs, including junior lifesaving workshops, community water safety days and professional skin checks to help people stay safe and healthy while enjoying the water.”
Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:
“Every part of this summer program is about making sure families in the west get the same opportunities and access to swim spots as the rest of Sydney.
"Penrith earned the title of the hottest place on earth in 2020, and yet the former Liberal National government kept this local swimming spot locked up for over a decade."
“Thanks to the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car and Minister Paul Scully, local families once again have a place to cool off in the summer heat.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
“Penrith has had to fight for its fair share for far too long. I’m proud to be part of a government that backs our community and delivers the things we need.
"Seeing families enjoy the atmosphere at the community day, lining up for free ice creams and coffees, and watching kids play in the sand showcases the value of our investment in reopening Penrith Beach.”
