Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo: Swimming in Sydney Harbour in the CBD

Marrinawi Cove is a netted harbour swimming spot at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve, a ten to fifteen minute walk from Wynyard. You swim in real Sydney Harbour saltwater, step out onto big sandstone blocks, and dry off watching ferries slide past with the city towers right behind you.

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It's a rare thing: a proper harbour dip in the CBD, good for a lunchtime swim, a post-run cool-down or a lazy weekend picnic. It's one of the city swims in Swim New South Wales, and one of the easiest to fit into a normal workday.

Swimming at Marrinawi Cove

The cove is a sheltered swimming area enclosed by a shark net anchored to the harbour floor. There's no sandy beach: instead, tiered sandstone blocks step down into the water, doubling as the place to lay your towel. The water is cool and clear on a good day, and snorkellers will spot fish and growth on the rocks.

The cove reopened in late 2025 after an upgrade that, according to reports, enlarged the swimming area to give a swim length of up to about 45 metres and added new stairs, handrails, a ladder, non-slip platforms and a shower.

The name comes from the Sydney Aboriginal language. Barangaroo says marrinawi means "large canoe", a word used for the ships of the First Fleet as they sailed into the harbour. The reserve itself is named for Barangaroo, a Cammeraygal woman remembered as a strong figure in early colonial Sydney. This is Gadigal Country, and the harbour here was a place for fishing and swimming long before 1788.

How to Get to Marrinawi Cove

The cove is at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve, near the Towns Place entrance. Public transport is the easy option.

• Train: go to Wynyard, walk through the Barangaroo pedestrian tunnel and follow the waterfront promenade north through the reserve.
• Ferry: get off at Barangaroo Wharf and walk north along the foreshore.
• Car: paid parking under The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve or ticketed street parking on Hickson Road.

From the station or wharf it's a flat 10 to 15 minute walk on wide paths. Toilets and a shower are at the former Sewerage Pump House near the Towns Place entrance.

Know Before You Go

• Free, and listed as open 24 hours, but it closes for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and for scheduled cleaning (announced in advance).
• No lifeguards. Barangaroo Rangers monitor the area, but you swim at your own risk.
• The submerged sandstone gets slippery with algae and sharp with oysters: wear reef shoes.
• Skip it for up to 48 hours after heavy rain and check Beachwatch for water quality first.
• The net keeps out larger animals, but it's still a natural harbour with marine life.
• No fishing. Dogs must be leashed while walking in the area.
• Gadigal Country: respect its heritage, pack out rubbish and don't disturb oysters or marine life on the rocks.

Marrinawi Cove FAQs

Is Marrinawi Cove free?

Yes, swimming at Marrinawi Cove is free. Only parking costs money if you drive.

Is Marrinawi Cove netted?

Yes. The swimming area is enclosed by a shark net anchored to the harbour floor.

Is the water clean at Marrinawi Cove?

It's tested through Beachwatch. Check the latest result and avoid swimming for up to 48 hours after heavy rain.

What's the closest station to Marrinawi Cove?

Wynyard. Walk through the Barangaroo pedestrian tunnel and north through the reserve, about 10 to 15 minutes.

More Harbour Swims Near Barangaroo

• Sydney Harbour Beaches & Netted Pools: our guide to the harbour's calm-water swims.
• Dawn Fraser Baths: historic harbour baths in Balmain.
• North Sydney Olympic Pool: the famous pool under the Harbour Bridge.
• Observatory Hill: harbour views and history a short walk up from Barangaroo.