Penrith locals feel the heat more than most in Sydney. In 2020, the Western Sydney suburb earned the title of the hottest place on earth with residents sweating it out under a 48.9 degrees Celsius. In a heat wave the city suburbs can often be up to 10 degrees hotter than the east.

Those living along the eastern coastline often retreat to the water when the days get too hot to handle, but there’s no such thing as going for a quick dip in Penrith. Outdoor swim spots for locals are limited. It’s 40km to get to Lake Parramatta, 63km to Bondi Beach and 75km to either Cronulla or Manly.

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Thankfully, that’s all changed. The NSW Government has opened a free, man-made beach  in the middle of Penrith seven days a week (with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day), until March 2024. 

The same length as Bondi Beach, Penrith Beach will be the first ever beach in Western in Sydney. Located in Western Sydney Lakes, a former quarry, the one kilometre beach will be equipped with lifeguard services and first aid in the designated and patrolled swimming zone. This new swim spot will allow locals to beat the heat, minus the long travel times. 

But more is set to come, with Penrith Beach potentially being stage one of a permanent waterside development. Western Sydney Lakes group has submitted a proposal for a five-star waterfront precinct with a two-storey pavilion, a pier, possible film and TV studios, a wave park and beach. In the meantime though, locals will be chuffed they have somewhere to cool off this summer, which is set to be a scorcher. 

Penrith Beach will be open from 7am to 7pm daily from late December 2023 to March 2024, except public holidays. You can find the beach at Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, just outside of Penrith. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au

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