1 / 3Marrinawi Cove
📍 Barangaroo, NSW
A 700 square metre sheltered harbour swimming enclosure at Barangaroo Reserve, featuring safety netting, shark net protection, sculpted sandstone surrounds, accessible ramps, and shower facilities. Free entry.
It’s enchanting. Recently they added some better accessibility n the form of a ramp with rails which helps a lot although I did like the rugged sandstone as the only option because it was adventurous and you had to think about each step. But happy that more people can access now. It feels cleaner and fresher at higher tides than low tides when it can get that low tide smell. But surprisingly clean. Just a charming and imaginative spot, heaps of room, all kinds of people and often a local dog or two having the time of its life. About 250m flat walk to and from Barangaroo Metro through the big tunnel, or maybe a kilometre if you walk around the outside. Maybe a 15 min walk to Brangaroo ferry and some great variety of good food that is cheaper and better than your average city food and a much better alternative to the overpriced train feting of circular quay if you can hold out. Check out Rivereno for the best gelato in Sydney, or Bourke Street bakery for great baked everything. Showers so you can wash off too, and a stunning view of the harbour with a lot of varied boat traffic to see.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with confident swimmers and older children comfortable on rocky, uneven surfaces. High tide delivers cleaner water and a better swim; low tide can bring an algal smell. The sandstone rocks are slippery — footwear to the water's edge is strongly recommended. Younger children need close supervision throughout.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →212 Google reviews
Danielle Abrahams
3 months ago
“It’s enchanting. Recently they added some better accessibility n the form of a ramp with rails which helps a lot although I did like the rugged sandstone as the only option because it was adventurous and you had to think about each step. But happy that more people can access now. It feels cleaner and fresher at higher tides than low tides when it can get that low tide smell. But surprisingly clean. Just a charming and imaginative spot, heaps of room, all kinds of people and often a local dog or two having the time of its life. About 250m flat walk to and from Barangaroo Metro through the big tunnel, or maybe a kilometre if you walk around the outside. Maybe a 15 min walk to Brangaroo ferry and some great variety of good food that is cheaper and better than your average city food and a much better alternative to the overpriced train feting of circular quay if you can hold out. Check out Rivereno for the best gelato in Sydney, or Bourke Street bakery for great baked everything. Showers so you can wash off too, and a stunning view of the harbour with a lot of varied boat traffic to see.”
Stacey Trock
a year ago
“Beautiful swimming spot very accessible to the city. Way back in the day, Marrinawi was an Indigenous swimming hole, more recently back in the day, it was too polluted to swim in. Now it's back to how it should be, a delightful clean spot to swim in. This was the first spot for swimming to open West of the Harbour Bridge (2023), although now there are more. 🚻 Toilets immediately adjacent 🚲 Right on the Barangaroo bike/pedestrian paths ❗ The rocks can be slippy. Use caution.”
Brodie W
2 months ago
“Being able to swim in the harbour as the bridge looms close to you is a real treat! They've done a great job of making this available to the public, without making it feel sterile. Seeing fish and jellyfish in the water is amazing. My only issue is the lack of a real changeroom - only cramped toilets which isn't super pleasant.”
ivan prajapati
a year ago
“All thanks to those guys who got this idea to make this rock pool. Perfect spot for swimming with dive jump from approximately 12feet height. Better if you go there on sunny day, sun bath while chilling on rock and swimming, friends family place ❤️. Take some snacks with you guys.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Marrinawi Cove offers a rare chance to swim in Sydney Harbour within a protected 700 square metre enclosure. Safety netting and shark nets keep swimmers secure as native flora and sandstone surrounds create a natural feel. An accessible ramp was recently added alongside the original rocky entry. Showers are on-site; toilets are nearby at the former Sewerage Pump House. A 12-foot jump platform is available for older swimmers. Free entry.
