Sydney Harbor’s new Barangaroo ‘beach’ opens at Marrinawi Cove

Sydney CBD workers can now cool off with a refreshing lunchtime swim in one of Australia’s most famous waterways – the city’s famous harbour.

Residents flocked to their newest “beach,” which opened to the public Monday at Marrinawi Cove, at the north end of the Barangaroo Reserve.

It is the first new harbor bathing spot to open west of the Sydney Harbor Bridge in more than half a century.

Swimmers flock to a new swimming spot on Sydney Harbor in the heart of the CBD

Located at the north end of Barangaroo, Marrinawi Cove is Sydney’s first new harbor bathing spot to open west of the Harbor Bridge in more than 50 years

Formerly used by its traditional Gadigal keepers for thousands of years for fishing, canoeing and swimming, the NSW Government hopes the enclosed pool will be the first of many new public bathing areas.

“Our city stopped building ocean and harbor basins more than half a century ago – it’s high time we provided more great and safe public bathing spots,” said Minister Rob Stokes.

“Swimming at Marranawi Cove is only possible because we have invested in cleaning up our harbor from derelict industries to aquatic playgrounds.”

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich added: “This is a huge win for the community campaigning for the swimming ban to be lifted.”

The new beach offers a spectacular view of the city.

Nets, signage and a new shower have been installed to ensure all swimmers can safely enjoy the facility.

The city’s newest floating attraction has prompted a divided response from the community.

‘How great. I would have loved to have gone swimming at lunchtime if I was working in the city,” commented a Sydney insider.

Another added: “Looks like an additional place to swim which is great as long as there are shark nets. However, I wouldn’t call it a beach as it has no sand. Is there a toilet block nearby?

Hundreds of CBD workers are expected to spend their daily lunch break at the new swimming area on Sydney Harbour

While some Sydneysiders were keen to be among the first to test the waters, others opted to take in the views from the rocky shoreline

Others are not yet convinced, including pollution concerns.

“Sydney needs less overdevelopment and more green spaces. Please focus on that.’

The NSW Government will review the patronage at the end of the summer.

If successful, the swimming enclosure could be upgraded with better facilities such as decking and ladders to access the pool next summer.

The Government also plans to explore other options to improve public access to the harbor for swimming and watersports at other Barangaroo spots, as well as Blackwattle Bay and Bays West.

Swimmers at Marrinawi Cove enjoy great views of the city and the Sydney Harbor Bridge