Parsley Bay, Vaucluse: Netted Harbour Swim & Suspension Bridge
Parsley Bay is a narrow harbour inlet in Vaucluse with a small crescent of sand, a netted swimming area and a timber suspension bridge strung across the cove above it. Behind the beach, a sloping lawn sits under big Moreton Bay figs, and the whole place feels tucked away from the busy Eastern Suburbs surf beaches.
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It's a favourite with families and lap swimmers alike: calm water, shade, a playground and toilets, all in one easy reserve. The bridge alone is worth the walk. It's one of the Sydney Harbour swims we cover in Swim New South Wales.
Swimming at Parsley Bay
The water in the bay is flat and sheltered, and a swimming net strung across the inlet creates a large enclosure that's good for a long float or a few laps. The sandy entry slopes gently, so it's easy for kids, while the rocky edges around the sides let confident swimmers step into deeper water. Take care on the sandstone ledges, which can be slippery.
A short bush track climbs from the reserve to the suspension bridge, which Woollahra Council records was built in 1910 to a design by Edwin Sautelle. From the deck you can look straight down into clear water and often spot rays and schools of fish over the sand. Enjoy the view, but never jump or dive from the bridge.
The bay is also home to plenty of eastern water dragons, which sun themselves on the rocks. They're used to people, but don't feed them or leave food scraps around. The seagrass in the bay is a nursery for fish and Sydney's seahorses, so put sunscreen on well before you swim and bin all rubbish.
How to Get to Parsley Bay
Parsley Bay Reserve is on Horler Avenue, Vaucluse. Heads up: the reserve car park and vehicle access to Horler Avenue have been closed since May 2024 while Sydney Water builds a new pump station, with works expected to wrap up around late 2026. Until it reopens, park in the surrounding streets (check the signs) and walk in. Pedestrian paths lead into the reserve from Fitzwilliam Road and The Crescent, and pram access is kept open along Horler Avenue.
Once you're in, it's a short, easy walk across the lawn to the sand. Allow two to three hours for a swim, a picnic and a wander up to the bridge.
Know Before You Go
- The car park is closed during the Sydney Water works. Check Woollahra Council for reopening news before you drive.
- No lifeguards. Swim within the netted area for peace of mind, and take care getting in from the rocks.
- Never jump or dive from the suspension bridge or the rock ledges.
- Fishing, scuba diving and smoking aren't allowed. Dogs are only permitted on a leash in the upper reserve between The Crescent and the footbridge, and not in the swimming area.
- Toilets, showers and a playground are on site. The kiosk may be closed during the works.
- Don't feed the water dragons. Bin all rubbish and protect the seagrass.
- Harbour water quality can drop after rain. Check Beachwatch before swimming.
Parsley Bay FAQs
Is Parsley Bay netted?
Yes, there's a swimming net across the bay. Woollahra Council lists the enclosure as available year-round, but nets can be taken out for maintenance, so check with council if you're visiting in winter.
Can you park at Parsley Bay?
Not in the reserve car park right now. It's closed for Sydney Water works expected to finish around late 2026, so use street parking and walk in.
Are dogs allowed at Parsley Bay?
Only on a leash in the upper reserve between The Crescent and the footbridge. Dogs aren't allowed in the swimming area or the rest of the reserve.
How old is the Parsley Bay suspension bridge?
Council records date it to 1910.
