Parsley Road (Horler Avenue), Vaucluse

The enclosure provides an approximate swimming area 150m long and 95m wide and is subject to tidal variations. The swimming enclosure forms part of Parsley Bay Reserve.

Access

• A small carpark is available from Parsley Road (Horler Avenue).
• Pedestrian access available from The Crescent, Hopetoun Avenue and Horler Avenue.

Facilities

• Swimming net – the net is removed each winter period to maintain water quality and allow for net maintenance
• Kiosk
• Toilets

Things to do

• Snorkelling
• Swimming

History

In 1934 a seawall was constructed across the Bay and sand was dredged to create the turfed picnic area. This dredging and other subsequent sand removal created a large hole in the harbour floor below the suspension bridge. This caused the water to become turbid as a result of reduced tidal flushing. In 2003/2004 Council undertook remediation works to improve the Bay’s water quality. The works included

• Removal of 1,000m3 of sediment
• Transplanting of seagrasses
• Dredging and redistribution of 1,000m3 of sand within the Bay to create an even, gently sloping harbour floor.

The remediation works have been a success and today the Bay maintains some of the clearest water in the Harbour.

More on the history of Parsley Bay (PDF)

Swimming advice

• No life saving services are provided.
• Beware of slippery rocks.
• Beware of shallow water when diving.

Prohibited activities

• Fishing (line and spear)
• Scuba diving
• Dogs are prohibited from Parsley Bay Reserve and the swimming enclosure

Location map