Monterey Baths is a small netted enclosure on the western shore of Botany Bay with good swimming depth at most tides, which is rarer along this shore than you'd think. It's free, close to the buses on The Grand Parade, and an easy calm-water swim.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Facilities and access
- Bus stops nearby
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No
- Best time to go
- Calm days, most tides
- Water quality
- GoodMonterey Baths, 0.3 km away. Sampled 29 Oct. Data: NSW Beachwatch, CC BY 4.0.
- Town
- Monterey, NSW
What it's like
Of the chain of netted baths along this stretch of Botany Bay, Monterey is one of the smaller ones, but the water stays at a decent swimming depth through most of the tide. That means less planning around the tide charts and more time in the water. The bay is flat and wide, with the airport runways on the horizon.
When to go
Any calm day works. Give it a few days after heavy rain.
Getting there and facilities
Buses along The Grand Parade stop close by. Facilities at the baths are basic, with more along the foreshore at Brighton-le-Sands.
Good to know
There's no lifeguard on duty. Bay water quality drops after rain.