Sydney is exploring the possibility of establishing public swimming spots in its famous harbour, joining major international cities like Paris, Copenhagen, and New York in reclaiming urban waterways for recreation. According to the City of Sydney, speculative designs commissioned from Andrew Burges Architects have outlined potential swimming infrastructure at Beare Park, Pirrama Park, and the Glebe foreshore.
Proposed Designs for Sydney Harbour Swimming Sites
The City of Sydney originally commissioned Andrew Burges Architects in 2019 to explore urban swimming infrastructure options in iconic parts of the harbour. The resulting architectural renders present multiple methods for public water access, including floating platform pools similar to New York’s Plus Pool, pontoon designs comparable to installations in Paris canals, and simply roped-off swimming areas.
The selected locations build on existing harbourside renewal projects. At Pirrama Park, a pool would require minimal infrastructure along the existing edge, while Beare Park would need very little new construction to facilitate safe swimming access.
Water Quality and Environmental Challenges
Harbour swimming depends entirely on major improvements to regional water quality. According to Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who addressed Sydney Water’s Innovation Festival on 18 October, industrial pollution and sediment contamination largely entered the harbour prior to 1970 under poorly regulated practices.
Moore noted that population growth, urban development, and climate change impacts—such as high rainfall intensity and subsequent catchment runoff—continue to threaten the waterway. Achieving safe swimming conditions requires a coordinated, whole-of-government approach alongside stormwater management initiatives.
Stormwater Management and Infrastructure Upgrades
To reduce pollution entering the aquatic environment, the City of Sydney maintains targeted stormwater treatment systems. According to municipal data, the city operates 250 raingardens and 47 Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs), alongside wetlands and swales designed to prevent hundreds of tonnes of litter from reaching the harbour.
Similar transformations have succeeded globally over extended periods. Copenhagen spent 15 years cleaning up its industrial port into a thriving aquatic environment, according to Moore.
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