Brooklyn Baths is a shark-netted tidal enclosure of about 50 m on the Hawkesbury River, a short walk from Hawkesbury River station. It's free, with a small sandy beach and boats moored along the river, and makes an easy day trip by train from Sydney.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Length
- 50 m
- Facilities and access
- Small sandy beach
- Cost
- Free
- Depth
- Over 2 m at high tide, about 1 m at low tide
- Lifeguards
- No
- Public transport
- Hawkesbury River station, a short walk
- Best time to go
- Around high tide
- Town
- Brooklyn, NSW
What it's like
The long netted enclosure sits beside the village of Brooklyn, with a small sandy beach at one end and wooded hills rising from the river all around. Depth changes a lot with the tide: along the outer fence it can be over 2 m at high tide but only about 1 m at low tide. On a hot day the river breeze and green water make it one of the more peaceful swims near Sydney.
When to go
Around high tide, when there's enough depth for a proper swim. Skip it after heavy rain.
Getting there and facilities
The baths are off Karoola Street, Brooklyn, a short walk from Hawkesbury River station. The village has cafes and takeaway near the wharf.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards. The sandy beach vanishes at high tide.