A historic inner-west swimming spot officially reopened to the public – on November 11 – for the first time since 1969. The beach at Bayview Park, at Concord on the Parramatta River, was first used by swimmers in the 1930s, but swimming became off limits in the ’60s due to pollution of the waterway.

Now, Bayview Park’s swim spot is back, right in time for summer. The $700,000 project includes a netted swim enclosure and an outdoor shower, as well as improved access to the foreshore.

Bayview Park itself will also be getting an overhaul in 2023, including improved parking, picnic facilities and a pathway that goes all the way to the shore to make the beach accessible for people of all abilities.

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Local councils, Sydney Water and the Parramatta River Catchment Group have spent years revitalising the river and reducing pollution. And over the past few years, water and sediment tests have shown that Bayview Park is safe for swimming – visitors will also be able to get daily water-quality updates to ensure the water is safe before they take a dip.

Bayview Park is the fifth spot along the Parramatta River where punters can swim – there’s also Cabarita Park Beach, Chiswick Baths, Dawn Fraser Baths and Lake Parramatta. Further safe swim spots are planned for Bedlam Bay at Gladesville, McIlwaine Park in Rhodes and Putney Park.

collaborate.canadabay.nsw.gov.au

This article was originally published on November 10, 2022 ahead of the re-opening. It was updated on January 23, 2023 to reflect the fact the swimming spot is now open to the public.