Sydney❜s Newest Natural Swim Spot is Only 15 Minutes From the CBD

Forget the drive to the coast. Gladesville's swimming spot is back after almost seven decades. Bedlam Bay in Gladesville reopens after sitting closed for almost 70 years, and it's already shaping up as one of the easier swim options for families who don't feel like queuing for parking at the usual beaches this summer.

The water is calm, the setting is leafy, and the whole outing is close enough to the city that you could easily squeeze it into a regular Tuesday afternoon — love!

Where is Bedlam Bay?

Bedlam Bay sits along the Parramatta River in Gladesville, about 15 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. It first opened as a public bathing site in the 1860s, then closed in 1956 when a sports oval was built and the water quality dropped. Almost 70 years later, the site has reopened to swimmers and is part of a broader push to bring life back to the river.

The bay sits at the bottom of Parramatta River Regional Park, looking out over moored boats and surrounded by trees. There's no surf, no long queues for a parking spot, and none of the crowd management that comes with a big harbour beach. For a family after a low-key afternoon swim, that's the whole appeal.

Is the Water at Bedlam Bay Safe For Kids?

And now for the question that's on everyone's mind! Sydney Water and the Parramatta River Catchment Group have put more than $560,000 into getting Bedlam Bay ready for swimmers again. The site has a shark net, lifebuoys and a jetty.

Sydney Water's RiverWatch program has tracked water quality since 2020, testing for things like algae, bacteria levels and water clarity. Once a site opens, testing continues every four to six days, with extra sampling after heavy rain. Sydney Water has also upgraded the upstream wastewater network to reduce overflow after wet weather, which is a big part of why swimming here is possible now.

Bedlam Bay is one of seven river swim spots being brought back to life along the Parramatta, following Putney Beach, which reopened in January 2025. For a live read on water conditions before you head out, check Urban Plunge by Sydney Water or the Parramatta River Catchment Group's interactive map.

Getting to Bedlam Bath

By car, it's roughly 15 minutes from the CBD via the Anzac Bridge, or via Victoria Road if you're coming from the north or west. Parking is available at Gladesville Hospital, about a 10-minute walk from the water, though fees may apply.

No car? The F3 ferry from Circular Quay stops at Huntleys Point Wharf, about two kilometres away, and also calls at every major wharf along the river. Buses 501, 507 and 536 also stop at Gladesville Hospital, so you have a few ways to get the whole family there without driving.

Is Bedlam Bay Worth Visiting?

Sydney has no shortage of beaches, but not every family wants the drive, the parking hunt or the crowds that come with the big-name ones. Bedlam Bay is closer for many of Sydney's inner west and northern suburbs, calmer for younger kids who aren't strong swimmers yet, and genuinely new to most people, even though the site itself is over 160 years old.

Location & Opening Hours

Dick Street, Henley

Open daily

More Swimming Spots For Families

Dawn Fraser Baths: A Relaxed Harbour Swim for All Ages
Sydney's Best Indoor Swimming Pools For Kids
Bents Basin Reopens After Flood Damage

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