Penrith Beach has officially opened today, and hundreds are already flocking to the waters.
“It’s a very exciting day for Western Sydney locals as we open the first ever beach in western Sydney,” said Deputy Premier Prue Car.
“I’m so happy that the Minns Labour Government is finally delivering the beach for the people of Penrith.
“I would be very surprised if it’s anything but a huge success.”
With all 700 parking spots pre-booked on the opening day and temperatures soaring into the high 30’s, the man-made swimming spot is already proving to be a hit with the locals.
Giz Gebreyohannes and her family were excited to be among the first to experience Penrith Beach.
“We don’t have to drive an hour or so on a hot day to get cool and I don’t have to worry about big waves,” she told the Weekender.
“It’s really nice and calm here and it’s not that far at all, so we can just come on a hot day and enjoy it as a family.”
Charlotte Brown is all set for a big summer patrolling the new beach, saying public safety at the site is paramount.
From a lifeguard perspective, she said Penrith Beach is better than Manly and Bondi.
“Waves are quite dangerous, but also a lot of kids are afraid of them,” she said.
“Coming here, where there’s no sharks and no jellyfish, is a lot more peaceful.”
From today, Penrith’s own beach will be open seven days a week through to March 3, 2024.
Western Sydney Lakes CEO Jacqueline Vozzo said she couldn’t be prouder to open the beach with the State Government.
“This is only possible because the State Governments believed in the vision and believed in the dream that western Sydney locals have the opportunity to come to a beach in their backyard,” she said.
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“This is the iconic beach culture that western Sydney has been crying out for.
“No longer do they need to drive an hour plus to get to a northern beach or southern beach or an eastern beach.
“They can enjoy this free recreational swimming spot. It’s open 7am till 7pm every day except Christmas day and we hope the community loves it as much as we do.”
Richard Fox, who was keen to hit the water with his kayak this morning, said the sand looks amazing.
“What I like here is just that perspective, you know, the hills in the background and the greenery around the lake,” he told the Weekender.
“The more people enjoy it, the better it is, the longer it’s going to stay here for, so hopefully it’s just the beginning of many more things to come.
“You don’t get pounded by big swells, it’s safe and it’s clean, so I think it’s a huge opportunity to explore.”
Penrith MP Karen McKeown said it is a wonderful day for Penrith.
“This is not just about giving families and kids a safe and fun place to play over summer, it’s about bringing some balance to the opportunities available to the people of western Sydney,” she said.
“Grab your towels, your sunshades and your sand buckets – Penrith Beach is going to be an amazing place to spend time this summer, but don’t forget to book!”
To book you free parking voucher, visit http://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach.
For your free shuttle bus tickets, visit http://www.nsw.gov.au/penrith-beach.
Makayla Muscat
Formerly with the ABC, Makayla is a graduate of Western Sydney University. She covers a variety of news topics for the Weekender, including courts.