Imagine being able to take a quick saltwater dip right in the heart of the city. Barangaroo already offers a range of recreational activities, and we have now added swimming to that list.

The NSW Government has opened a new enclosure for bathers and swimmers at Marrinawi Cove, at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve, as a way to revive swimming in Sydney’s famous harbour waters. This will be another ideal place for people in Barangaroo to meet, gather and relax on our beautiful harbour.

The new enclosure has safety netting to enclose the swimming area, signage and a new shower.

Please be aware that this is a natural environment with slippery and uneven surfaces, oysters, algae and other marine life present. Swimmers are encouraged to take care at all times, follow safety signage and use suitable footwear.

Following the summer period, the NSW Government will review how the enclosure has been used before considering further facilities, such as decking or ladders to enter the water. 

We would like to hear your thoughts and feedback on swimming at Marrinawi Cove. You can contact our team via email.

Location

View the map below to see where the swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove is located. There are several transport options to get to Barangaroo. 

Frequently asked questions

• What amenities are available?

  Near the Cove at the Towns Place entrance is the Former Sewerage Pump House, a small brown building which has toilet facilities and a newly installed shower.

• How will the water quality be monitored?

Ahead of opening the enclosure we completed periodic water quality testing to ensure this is a safe place for the community to swim. Ongoing monitoring of water quality will remain in place. The NSW Government is investigating appropriate systems for the longer-term monitoring of water quality in the future.

• Will the area be patrolled?

Similar to other small swimming locations on the harbour, the Marrinawi Cove area will not be staffed by swimming lifeguards or an equivalent level of monitoring.

Visitors swimming in this space will do so at their own risk.

The wider area will be monitored as an extension of the existing monitoring systems at Barangaroo to provide a level of management and response by the Rangers team in the event of an incident.

• What type of safety is in place against sharks and predators?

A shark net is an integral part of the design for this location given the proximity of the location to the deep waters of Sydney Harbour. The shark net is anchored to the floor of the Cove and fully encloses the swimming area.

• How will oyster growth be managed?

The Cove will be periodically cleaned (scheduled) to minimise the growth of oysters, algae and other marine life. Please note the following dates Marrinawi Cove will be closed for cleaning. Dates will have a contingency of the day before and the day after in most cases, weather pending.

Thursday 4 May 2023
Thursday 1 June 2023
Tuesday 1 August 2023
Thursday 14 September 2023
Thursday 12 October 2023
Monday 13 November 2023
Wednesday 13 December 2023

• Are dogs permitted to swim there?

Yes, but when walking in Barangaroo, dogs need to be on a leash at all times.

• Can we fish there?

No, fishing is prohibited at Barangaroo.