Northbridge Baths is a 1924 tidal swimming enclosure in the bush of Middle Harbour, with a small beach, calm water and a free car park above. It's free and quiet, a favourite with North Shore families and swimmers who'd rather hear birds than traffic.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No
- Parking
- Free car park on Widgiewa Road
- Best time to go
- Summer weekday mornings
- Water quality
- GoodNorthbridge Baths, 0.1 km away. Sampled 27 Oct. Data: NSW Beachwatch, CC BY 4.0.
- Town
- Northbridge, NSW
What it's like
The baths take in a small beach and a calm stretch of Middle Harbour water at the foot of steep, bushy slopes. It feels a world away from the eastern beaches: no surf, no crowds most days, just still water and gum trees. The baths opened in 1924, and Willoughby Council marked their hundredth birthday in 2024 with a swing band and a Welcome to Country.
When to go
Summer weekdays and early mornings are the quietest times. On sunny weekends the car park fills quickly. After heavy rain, give it up to three days before swimming.
Getting there and facilities
The baths are at 2 Widgiewa Road, Northbridge, with a free car park just above. There are change rooms, toilets, hot showers, barbecues and a picnic area.
Good to know
The baths are unsupervised, so keep a close eye on children. With no waves, the water suits less confident swimmers.