New swimming spot makes a splash
Published on 28 November 2025
Hunter's Hill Council is excited to announce the official opening of a swim site at Bedlam Bay, providing residents with another safe swimming spot along the Parramatta River just in time for summer.
Together with the NSW Government, Hunter’s Hill Council is delivering infrastructure that is essential for communities, increasing access to water for recreation across the state. Located at the base of the Parramatta River Regional Park in Gladesville, the Bedlam Bay swim site now features a new netted swimming enclosure to enhance user safety while preserving the beach’s natural beauty. The project which received $560,475 from the NSW Government was developed by Hunter’s Hill Council as part of the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s (PRCG) Masterplan.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, said the new swim spot at Bedlam Bay will give the community another place to cool off this summer.
“It’s great to see Bedlam Bay swim spot open for business just in time for summer. This NSW Government investment brings the site back to its roots as a popular swimming destination.
“Adding swimming to Bedlam Bay brings another great outdoor recreational activity to the area on top of walking, weekend sports, and boating.”
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the opening of the Bedlam Bay swim site marks an important milestone in our efforts to improve access to open water recreation in Sydney.
“I’m thrilled to be here for the first official swim at Bedlam Bay, a spot that will be a great place to cool off and have fun in the summer months.
“The new site ensures that the local community can connect with rivers like the Parramatta River safely.”
Mayor Zac Miles said reactivating this site for swimming will provide another valuable community asset for families and individuals looking for a safe place to swim during the summer.
“This project highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing community recreation around our natural waterways.
“Bedlam Bay was traditionally a swim site as far back as 1866, holding a rich history. It was demolished in 1956 so it's great to reactivate this cherished place once again for our community and visitors alike to enjoy.”
The opening of the Bedlam Bay swim site is the outcome of years of work by Hunter’s Hill Council, working closely with the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) and its many partner organisations.
Sydney Water has been monitoring water quality at the site since 2020 to ensure it is suitable for swimming and other aquatic activities. Swimmers can check daily water quality predictions for Bedlam Bay via Hunter’s Hill Council website, the PRCG’s Our Living River website, or Sydney Water’s Urban Plunge website.
Sydney Water’s Waterway Coordination Manager, Leanne Niblock, said that Sydney Water is committed to helping councils establish more swimming sites in waterways across Greater Sydney.
“Our RiverWatch® recreational water quality monitoring program was specifically established to support the opening of new swim sites in waterways. Sydney Water has also made a significant investment in upgrading the wastewater network in the Upper and Mid Parramatta River catchments to reduce the impact of wet weather overflows, directly supporting the swimming outcome in the Parramatta River.”
Chair of the PRCG, Cr Penny Pedersen, said the opening of the swim site is another significant milestone in the mission to improve the health of the Parramatta River.
“Bedlam Bay is the third swim site delivered under our Masterplan, demonstrating the strong collaboration and commitment of our member organisations to create a world-class river for Sydney.”
Hunter’s Hill Council thanks everyone who helped bring this project to fruition and welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy this new swim site.
For more information about the Bedlam Bay swim site, visit www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/bedlambayswim
For more information about the Places to Swim program, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/open-space/open-spaces-program/places-to-swim