Parsley Bay in Vaucluse is a netted harbour swimming enclosure of about 150 m by 95 m in a bush-lined cove, crossed by a 1910 suspension bridge. It is free, tidal and has no lifeguards.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Good to know
- Lifeguards
- Facilities and access
- Suspension bridge, picnic areas
- Managed by
- Woollahra Council
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings
- Water quality
- GoodParsley Bay, 0.3 km away. Sampled 27 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Town
- Vaucluse, NSW
What it's like
The whole head of the bay is enclosed by a shark net, giving a big, calm area of harbour water with a sandy beach and lawns behind. The suspension footbridge across the back of the cove is a local landmark, and the setting feels far from the city.
Vaucluse Council built the bridge in 1910, and a shark net was first installed across the bay in 1930, followed by a seawall a few years later.
When to go
Weekday mornings are quiet; summer weekends bring families and picnics. Avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rain.
Getting there and facilities
The reserve is reached from The Crescent, Vaucluse, with walking paths down to the beach. There are picnic areas and lawns.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards. Fishing, scuba diving and dogs are not allowed in the enclosure.