Penrith Beach: Five big problems with new western Sydney swimming spot called ‘Pondi’ as ‘non-Australian’ rules cause uproar and locals admit to ‘mixed feelings’
A new man-made beach that opened in Sydney’s west this week has been labeled “un-Australian” due to a series of rules that some say make it seem unwelcome.
Penrith Beach – formed from an old quarry and called ‘Pondi’ by locals in reference to the iconic Bondi Beach, 63km away in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – opened on Tuesday morning as the area became sweltering on a hot and humid summer day of 34°C.
But local resident David, who went with his young son, said the experience was ‘disappointing’ after having to book a parking space in advance, fight traffic and pay through the nose for the only food option available.
‘You have to book a parking space in advance, which I think a lot of locals may not have been aware of, and the traffic was chaos. We had hundreds of meters of cars stretching in both directions on Castlereagh Road,” David told 2GB.
Host Neil Breen noted an FAQ on the NSW government website that bluntly lists what is not allowed at the newly established attraction, such as cycling, being dropped off by a family member and even visiting without a reservation.
“There’s no beach in Australia that’s that full, that’s not the Australian way,” he said.
The area currently has no shade structures or trees to protect visitors from the scorching western Sydney sun
The area is a far cry from the renders released by the NSW Government this year (pictured).
PARKING
Visitors driving to Penrith Beach, which is open during the warmer months from December 19 to March 3, must reserve a parking space and do so up to three days in advance.
“Once the parking ticket allocation has been exhausted, no additional allocation will take place,” the NSW government website said.
‘This will ensure safe operation, entry and exit to Penrith Beach during the temporary activation and the safety and comfort of local residents.
“Parking tickets are released every three days, so keep an eye out for the next issue.”
David told 2GB that despite the government saying there would be ‘700 parking spaces, the car park doesn’t look ready yet’.
“It didn’t seem to be at capacity anywhere, I think there was some confusion among locals that maybe they needed to register.”
Local resident David told 2GB that despite the government saying there would be ‘700 parking spaces, the car park doesn’t look ready yet’
AMENITIES AND SHADE
David said the lakeside facilities were fairly rudimentary and there were very few trees or structures to provide protection from the sun in the sweltering heat of western Sydney.
“There’s not an ounce of shade at the lake, just the car park, the sand and a few flags advertising Penrith Lakes,” he said.
‘There’s a demountable cafe, two changing rooms and toilets, all of which are quite basic even by demountable standards.’
FOOD OPTIONS
David also said he would advise anyone visiting that BYO would be a good option after paying $13 for a chicken sandwich.
‘There’s one kiosk there [with] sandwiches, pies and sausage rolls, and nothing is cheaper than $10.
“Although I understand that’s probably pretty standard for these kinds of places now.”
Visitor David said there was only one store option available for food and he paid $13 for a chicken sandwich
SHUTTLE BUS
A shuttle bus runs from Penrith train station to the beach, but some visitors on social media said they could see no signage at the station about where the bus leaves.
According to the NSW Government website, this option also requires a booking.
‘No pass = no access. There are limited seats on the shuttle bus and visitors must adhere to their selected booking time slot. Users must book a return ticket.’
GETTING DROP THERE OR RIDING A BIKE
“There is no drop off and pick up zone at Penrith Beach,” the website states.
It also states that visitors cannot cycle as there is no footpath or cycle path along Castlereagh Road to the beach.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney called the radio program and argued that there was in fact a pick-up and drop-off zone there and that the NSW government information was incorrect.
“I don’t know why the government website says that, because there is a kiss-and-ride facility,” he said, adding that he would talk to the government to have authorities fix the website.
‘However, riding a bike along Castlereagh Rd can be dangerous.’
Visitor David said, based on his experience, “We saw a U-turn, but that’s still a few hundred yards from the lake, so they’re going to be on quite a hike.”
Penrith Beach opened to the public on Tuesday and locals (pictured) flocked to the new western Sydney attraction built in an old quarry
The area is picturesque, but some visitors complained that there were too many rules, including requiring visitors to reserve parking up to three days in advance if they wanted to visit the beach
IRESOLVE THE ISSUES
Mayor Carney said: “This is day one and we will get better at utilizing the area in the coming weeks.
‘It’s about what we can develop this into.’
He added that the council plans to continue improving the site and has ‘activations’ in the works for New Year’s and Australia Day.
David said he hoped the area would become an attraction for locals and visitors to Penrith.
‘It was certainly an interesting experience, I actually have mixed feelings about it.
‘You walk through the car park… and it looks beautiful at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
“They could really do it justice, it just feels like in the race to get it ready for Christmas they are leaving a bit to be desired.”