Penrith Beach will remain open across the Easter long weekend and for an extra day on the new Anzac Day public holiday, giving Western Sydney residents more time to enjoy one of the region’s most popular summer attractions.
The beach, often nicknamed Pondi by locals, has welcomed more than 118,000 visitors this summer and close to 450,000 people since opening in December 2023. Most visitors have come from Western Sydney, with many travelling from Penrith, Blacktown and Hawkesbury.
The Easter period is expected to bring another rush of visitors, with a community day planned for Easter Saturday, 4 April. The first 300 people through the gates will receive free ice-creams and hot drinks, while DJs and food trucks will also be on site.
Penrith Beach will continue operating daily over Easter before extending its season to include the new Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April.
The beach has become a popular alternative for families looking for a place to swim without travelling to Sydney’s coastline. Located at Castlereagh, it offers free entry, lifeguard patrols, shaded seating, change rooms, accessible pathways and more than 350 parking spaces.
The site has also built a reputation for its community programmes. Around 120 children took part in the Junior Lifesavers Program this summer, learning water safety skills through sessions run by Royal Life Saving experts. About 300 people also attended Community Water Safety Days, which were designed to help people with limited swimming experience, including newly arrived refugees, feel more confident around water.
Health initiatives have also been part of the beach season, with 159 people receiving free skin cancer checks across four days. Twelve people were referred for further medical assessment.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the strong visitor numbers showed how important free swimming facilities are for local communities.
Planning Minister Paul Scully said the popularity of the beach reflected the demand for accessible places to swim and relax in Western Sydney.
Local MP Karen McKeown said the extension would allow families to make the most of the warmer weather and enjoy one final stretch of the season.
The NSW Government has already committed to reopening Penrith Beach for the 2026-27 summer, following strong public support and steady visitor numbers over its first two seasons.
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