Penrith Beach

Western Sydney's coolest place during summer.

Young boy and girl running thru large body of water at Penrith Beach with families in the background enjoying the beach.

Penrith Beach is open for the season

Western Sydney’s favourite swim spot is back – and we couldn’t be more excited.

Since opening in December 2023, more than 330,000 people have visited Penrith Beach and with funding of $5.2 million secured in the 2025/26 budget, the next two seasons will continue to deliver a place to cool down.

Penrith Beach is part of the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program, creating great places for people to enjoy rivers, lakes, dams, and other inland waterways.

Places to Swim is more than just swimming, it is also about improving access for recreational activities around our waterways, such as kayaking, paddle boarding or walking by the water.

Find out more about Places to Swim in NSW.

Opening hours

During peak season from Saturday 6 December to 1 March, Penrith Beach is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.

To help you make the most of your visit, there is no entry permitted after 6:30 pm.

Address

1454 Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh NSW 2749

What’s on at the beach

Enjoy free activities at Penrith Beach this summer. 

EventDate and time
Junior Lifesaving Program

Saturdays in Term 1

7 February – 28 March 2026, 9:00 am or 10:00 am

One-hour swim classes for kids aged 5–12, led by Royal Life Saving NSW.

Master swimming, rescues, and emergency care in fun, action-packed challenges.

Apply for the 9 am sessions

Apply for the 10 am sessions

Community Water Safety Days 
  • Wednesday 21 January 2026, 10:45 am – 1:30 pm
  • Thursday 19 February 2026, 10:45 am – 1:30 pm
  • Thursday 19 March 2026, 10:45 am – 1:30 pm

Build confidence in and around the water and gain essential skills for safe swimming and recreation, led by Royal Life Saving NSW.

Perfect for anyone new to water safety or wanting to build confidence.

Includes water safety stations, free lunch and free time, with a free shuttle to and from Penrith Station and Penrith Beach.

Apply now

Skin Check Champions 
  • Saturday 13 December 2025
  • Sunday 14 December 2025
  • Saturday 24 January 2026
  • Sunday 25 January 2026

Book your free skin cancer check with a qualified nurse.

Apply now

These activities are popular and require bookings. Spots are limited, so book now to make sure you don’t miss out. 

Subscribe for updates

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what is happening at the beach.

Subscribe


Frequently asked questions

Access to Penrith Beach

How do I get to Penrith Beach?

Penrith Beach is located on Castlereagh Road, north of Penrith.

Access to Penrith Beach is by car only, with free parking available for up to 350 cars.

Can I walk or ride my bike into Penrith Beach?

There is no pedestrian path or cycleway along Castlereagh Road.

What does it cost?

Penrith Beach access is free.

What happens when the car park is full?

Parking at Penrith Beach is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no parking passes required this season.

Parking is limited, so plan ahead and arrive early to find a spot.

What can I bring to Penrith Beach?

Bring what you would normally take to a beach – towels, beach chairs, shade such as a beach umbrella, hats and sunscreen, and drinking water. Food trucks may be onsite occasionally, but we recommend bringing your own food if you’re planning to eat at the beach. To help keep the beach clean, please put your rubbish in the bins provided.

Is food for sale at the beach?

Food trucks may be available during peak times, such as holidays and weekends. Updates will be posted on Penrith Beach social media channels. We recommend bringing food and plenty of water. A fresh water drinking station is also available at the beach.

Can I bring my BBQ to Penrith Beach?

BBQs are not permitted due to potential fire hazards.

Can I bring alcohol?

Alcohol is not permitted. We want to ensure Penrith Beach is safe and enjoyable for all visitors.

Is there any shade?

Penrith Beach offers a natural, open-air experience with limited shade. Shaded seating areas are provided, but we recommended bringing your own shade and staying sun-safe: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and slide on sunglasses.

What happens in case of an emergency?

Penrith Beach has an emergency management plan. Please stay calm and await instructions from staff on site.

What happens if it rains?

Penrith Beach will remain open. Visitors are encouraged to leave the site in the event of a thunderstorm and high winds.

What happens if I have lost something?

Please contact one of the Penrith Beach operations staff.

Can I bring pets?

Pets are prohibited at Penrith Beach. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors, maintain cleanliness and minimise disturbances to wildlife.

Are there toilets?

The beach has temporary toilets, including accessible toilets and change rooms.

Is the beach accessible?

Penrith Beach has allocated accessible parking and an accessible path leading to the waters edge. An access mat extends into the water, and a beach wheelchair is available. Changing rooms are also provided.

Can I smoke on site?

Smoking or vaping are not permitted at Penrith Beach.

Is there mobile reception?

Yes.

Swimming at Penrith Beach

Is the beach patrolled by lifeguards?

Lifeguards patrol the designated swimming area at the southern end of the beach, which is about 110 metres long and extends about 60 metres into the water. This area is marked by red and yellow flags. Areas outside the flags are not patrolled.

Is the water safe for swimming?

The water quality at Penrith Beach has been tested for several years and is safe for swimming. We test the water quality regularly and these results are displayed through Beachwatch and Water NSW. Visitors are encouraged to check these websites and the Penrith Beach Facebook page, especially after rain, to confirm safe swimming conditions.

How deep is the water?

The water in the dedicated swimming zone is up to 4 metres deep.

Can I bring my kayak or paddleboard?

Yes, you can bring your kayak or paddleboard. Non-powered watercraft are allowed just outside the buoyed swimming zone. Please note, this area is not patrolled by lifeguards, so use is at your own risk. Remember, personal flotation devices such as lifejackets are required for everyone using watercraft in this area.

Can I bring my boat or jetski?

Motorised watercraft are not permitted.

Can I fish in the lake?

Fishing is not permitted. However, you can register to fish at the Regatta Centre down the road.

Which animals live in the lake?

You might spot fish and birds, including a big family of black swans, or even a small group of pelicans – all there to enjoy the water too!

Can I windsurf?

Windsurfing is not permitted.



Top of page