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More than 215,000 people visited Penrith Beach last year, so we’re excited to bring back Western Sydney’s coolest place to be. 

The NSW Government is investing $2.5 million to reopen Penrith Beach this summer.

Penrith Beach is open to swim from 7 December 2024 to 27 April 2025.

Safety will continue to be the top priority at Penrith Beach, with trained lifeguards patrolling the beach daily and providing first aid services, alongside regular monitoring of water quality.

A program of activities, education and events will be offered throughout the season.

Opening hours

7 December 2024 – 2 February 2025: 10 am to 7 pm every day

3 February – 27 April 2025: weekends 10 am to 5 pm, weekdays midday to 5 pm

Location

Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, just North of Penrith.

Parking

Parking is limited to 350 spaces so make sure you arrive early to grab a spot. You do not need to book parking this season.

What’s on at the beach

There’s so much more to do at Penrith Beach this summer. Come along to enjoy our action-packed program with a focus on water safety and family-friendly events.

This summer the beach will include a range of events including:

  • water safety, learn to swim and junior lifesavers programs
  • bootcamp with local legend Mark Geyer
  • Wildlife Wednesdays environmental education program run by Sydney Zoo
  • get a team together for our beach volleyball tournament
  • Sandy Cinema
  • free skin cancer check clinic
  • special events for significant dates such as Lunar New Year, Valentines Day and Holi Festival.

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

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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 take everything you bring with you back home.

Is food for sale at the beach?

Food trucks will be available during peak times, such as holidays and weekends. Updates will be posted on the Penrith Beach Facebook page. 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 little shade available on site. To stay sun-safe, please bring your own shade and remember to slip, slop, slap, and slide: 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.



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