The plan to overhaul Sydney’s sought-after ‘city beach’ before summer

September 18, 2026 — 5:00amA dozen parking bays on the edge of the central business district are set to be transformed into an expansion of one of Sydney’s newest and most popular harbour swimming spots ahead of summer.As demand for public recreation space surges, construction fencing will be installed at Marrinawi Cove at Barangaroo on Friday as part of works to convert parking spaces used by staff at the adjacent Port Authority of NSW Moore’s Wharf site into additional space for swimmers and sunbathers.People cool off at Marrinawi Cove at Barangaroo Reserve.Jessica HromasThe expansion will add new lawn areas, shade trees, seating, changing facilities and an upgraded entrance featuring a historic anchor.Millers Point Community Resident Action Group vice-president Yasmina Bonnet, who led a campaign for the project, said the upgrade would help relieve growing pressure on the site, which opened as a free harbour swimming spot in 2023.“It’s very well used by families, residents, tourists and CBD workers who you see coming down for a dip during their lunch breaks,” she said.“When you’re in the water, you can easily forget you’re in the middle of the CBD, and it really offers a place for a bit of joy, [which] I think we all need at the moment.”The project forms part of a broader push across Sydney to create new harbour swimming locations as population growth and increasing housing density place growing pressure on parks, pools and other recreational spaces.Inner West Council has confirmed its $3.8 million tidal baths at Callan Park, alongside the Bay Run, will open this summer, with construction under way on a shark barrier, floating pontoon and accessible ramp.The City of Sydney is also investigating new swimming facilities at Beare Park, Blackwattle Bay, Nawi Cove and Pirrama Park as part of its vision for a swimmable harbour by 2050, with floating pools among options under consideration.However, several proposals face significant hurdles, including water quality concerns, environmental impacts and historic contamination.A concept image of the new upgrades at the expanded Marrinawi Cove.The spot is expected to remain open to the public during the upgrade, with only construction areas temporarily closed.North Sydney councillors this week voted to progress plans for a swimming site at Badangi Reserve near the coal loader at Wollstonecraft despite staff reports warning of declining water quality, habitat degradation and impacts on marine ecosystems.Woollahra Council is exploring a swimming enclosure at Yarranabbe Park in Darling Point and has commissioned a $100,000 assessment of water and sediment quality before deciding whether to proceed with a project estimated to cost $2.6 million.An artist’s impression of the proposed Callan Park tidal baths, which are due to open this summer.Inner West CouncilCity of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said water quality remained the biggest challenge in opening more of the harbour to swimming as the city’s population grows and temperatures rise.“Over the next 30 years, the population of Sydney will dramatically increase, with the climate also expected to change to resemble that of Grafton,” Moore said.“There will be more competition for space for recreation, but if we can clean up the harbour, we will unleash enormous potential for community recreation and wellbeing.”Marrinawi Cove is expected to remain open to the public during the upgrade, with only construction areas temporarily closed. Port Authority NSW confirmed its operations could continue without the parking spaces that would be removed.NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the project would build on upgrades last year, including an expanded swimming area and realigned shark netting. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.From our partners