Seven Shire Swimming Spots

Summer is here and the days are hot, the nights are steamy and we are always ready for a dip in the ocean or the Shire’s gorgeous waterways. Early morning, after school or work, at sunset and all through the weekend - the water is waiting.

Here’s our pick of our favourite Shire swimming spots for you to try out this summer, from river baths to beaches and hidden bays. Happy swimming!

1. Como Tidal Baths & Swimming Complex, Como
Nestled next to the Como Marina and Pleasure Grounds on the Georges River, the Como Tidal Baths and swimming pool give you the choice of a river or pool swim, or both. The netted tidal baths have a boardwalk on two sides, and you can enjoy the bush surrounds and the views up and down the Georges River as you swim and play. The free 20 metre swimming pool is right on the riverbank and open from October to March each year. Check tide times before you go, as high tide is best for tidal bath swimming.

2. Hospital Bay, Cronulla
Hidden at the end of Gunnamatta Road in Cronulla is a little path that leads down to the jetty at Hospital Bay. It’s a beautiful, quiet spot to sit watch the world go by, swing your legs in the water, cast a line or jump in for a dip. You can launch your stand up paddle board or kayak here, and wander down early to watch the sun rise over the bay.

3. Kurnell’s Silver Beach
If you’re keen to escape the crowds at Cronulla, take a short drive to Kurnell’s Sliver Beach where you’ll find easy parking and a lovely family friendly beach. The water here is shallow and calm and perfect for a family swim. The ocean baths are netted during summer, and after your swim you can watch the kite surfers, take a stroll around Captain Cooks’ Landing Place or a hike in Kamay National Park.

4. Darook Park, Cronulla
Darook Park on the western side of the Cronulla peninsula is a family’s swimming dream with its beautiful shady tree-lined shore, shallow beach - look out for the starfish - and gorgeous views down the Hacking river. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon or whole day here - Darook is one of Sydney’s few west-facing beaches so you can finish the day with an epic Sydney sunset.

5. Woronora River
Prince Edward Park in Woronora is a fabulous family bushland swimming spot with picnic and play equipment, fishing jetties and the beautiful Woronora River to swim in while you listen to the cicadas buzzing and kookaburras laughing. You can head further down river and swim from the rocks or riverside bushland paths - make sure to always check the depth of the water, especially before using the rope swings scattered along the shore.

6. Gymea Bay Baths
These beautiful baths are also surrounded by bushland in a small cove off Great Turriell Bay and accessed from Ellesmere Road. Follow the path through the bush and a set of old stairs will lead you to 50 metre baths that are home to the Gymea Swimming Club. A boardwalk runs around the edge of the pool. Take your fishing rods, a picnic and your blow up floats and laze the day away.
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7. Horderns & Gunyah Beaches, Bundeena
Bundeena has three fabulous beaches all on its doorstep and just a short ferry ride from Cronulla or easy drive through the Royal National Park. Horderns Beach is an easy to reach sweeping curve of white sand that’s just next to the ferry wharf and close to shops and amenities. If you head in the opposite direct towards the ocean you’ll find Gunyah Beach, slightly rockier than Horderns but fabulous for snorkelling along the rocky shore.