Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
Sydney's newest harbour swim spot is almost a reality with Inner West Council starting construction on the Callan Park Tidal Baths this week.
The Tidal Baths will be the first new harbour swimming facility in the Inner West for more than a century, joining the iconic Dawn Fraser Baths which has served swimmers since 1882.
Once completed, the Baths will give Inner West and Sydney residents a free, accessible, and family-friendly place to cool down on hot days without needing to travel to beaches or pay for private recreation facilities.
It also will be a spectacular addition to the Bay Run, one of Sydney’s best used recreation facilities, and a welcome attraction for users of nearby parks and sports fields.
The Callan Park Tidal Baths will include:
- Accessible ramp into the water and pathway access from Waterfront Drive
- Play pontoon
- Seating and showers
- Shark net barrier
The $3.8 million project is jointly funded by the NSW Government's Places to Swim Grant Program and Inner West Council.
The new swim spot is just one of the many projects currently underway to revitalise Callan Park and make it a space for the community and visitors to play, explore, and enjoy. This includes the new all-weather playing field at Balmain Road which we will begin construction on in the next few months and the new clubhouse for the Balmain and District Football Club.
Callan Park Tidal Baths are expected to open in summer 2026/27.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said:
“We’ve fought hard for years to transform Callan Park into one of Sydney's great recreation destinations and the addition of the Callan Park Tidal Baths will make it even better.
"This swim site is the next step in the rehabilitation of the Parramatta River and will attract swimmers and families from across the Inner West and Sydney.
"With the major renovation of the outdoor pools at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre now underway, the timing couldn't be better. The Callan Park Tidal Baths will provide another fantastic place for locals and visitors to get out and enjoy the water.”
For media opportunities please contact Morgan Churcher, morgan.churcher@innerwest.nsw.gov.au