Greenwich Baths on Sydney Harbour: Everything You Need To Know To Plan A Visit

Greenwich baths greenwich
The recently upgrated Greenwich Baths is a good choice when you don’t want to drive to the coast

Some years ago, a friend of mine recommended against visiting Greenwich Baths, saying it was too crowded.  But when Seana suggested we visit to write a post, I decided to give it a go.

Greenwich Baths did not disappoint me. I actually felt in love with this place! Calm waters like the Mediterranean coves, resort style facilities and terrific views of Sydney’s skyline. Even though it was school holidays, it was not busy at all.

Thank you very much, Seana, we had such a fantastic day! We couldn’t have asked for more!

Greenwich Baths views to city
Grab a coffee and enjoy the stunning views!
 

Greenwich Baths

By Mireia Garriga Seguranyes

Albert Street, Greenwich NSW 2065

Phone: 02 9438 5922

Greenwich Baths website is here

Greencwich Baths Sydney 9
 

Opening Hours: Open Summer Only – but do double check on website

October     7am- 6pm
November 7am- 7pm
December  7am- 8pm
January     7am- 8pm
February   7am- 7pm
March        7am- 6pm
April        7am- 5pm

Note:

Although the baths are owned by the Council of the Municipality of Lane Cove, they are run by BlueFit, a sporting and leisure facility private company. Sometimes, the baths can close for hosting events. So, call or check the website before going.

Greenwich Baths Entry Fee

Greenwich Baths does charge admission fees, just a few dollars. Under threes are free.

10 Visit Pass and Season Pass are available, too.

Greenwich Baths Resort style facilities

If you are looking for a safe place to swim, Greenwich Baths should be on your list. Greenwich Baths is a totally enclosed area of beach and water on Middle Harbour. The baths are surrounded by a shark-proof net. And, the cafe staff are qualified lifeguards.

Entrance to Greenwich Baths
The entrance of the baths has a child-proof gate. It is also stroller friendly. A ramp from the street level goes all the way down to the baths.
 

There is a good area of shallow water -specially during low tide- for toddlers to have a splash.

Although there are lifeguards on duty, you must supervise your own children at all times.

Greenwich Baths provide all sort of toys for kids, plus young children may entertain themselves building sand castles, while the older may prefer to swim with boogie boards or noddles.

For the swimming enthusiastic, there is a deeper area with a 30m lap section and a turn board.

Greenwich beach sydney
My 5 year old couldn’t be happier. The environment was very safe, so I gave her a bit of extra freedom to play in the water

When we arrived early in the morning, it was a bit chilly. It was one of those days when the temperature dropped after several days of heat wave…but, we did not feel uncomfortable, because the baths are sheltered from the strong winds.

Also, another point to take into account is that the changing rooms are equipped with hot water showers, which are always welcome, if it is a cooler day.

cafe greenwich baths
One of the best things is that you can bring your own picnic. There are more tables besides the ones of the café that you can use.
 

Greenwich Baths Cafe

The café is more like a kiosk. The menu is reasonably well priced. The kiosk offers some snacks, milkshakes and ice-cream. The menu is not extensive but it has the options of fish and chips, salt and pepper squid, or bacon and egg. Although there isn’t a kids menu, they can eat for under $10.

Outside Greenwich Baths, there is a tiny playground. My daughters always love the swings sot was our last stop before heading back home.

Greenwich baths swings

 

Best time to visit Greenwich Baths

Greenwich Baths are seasonal baths, open only in summer. It is not a secret that Greenwich Baths are very popular with the locals, specially during hot days. However, the season is long enough to find the right day to go.

To avoid crowds, try to arrive early in the morning or at lunch time / nap time. Or, you could also opt for a mid-week visit instead of the weekend.

Another idea is to plan to do the opposite that other families might do. If it is a long weekend, you might find that most of the locals have gone away or have chosen to go somewhere else. Or, if it is partially cloudy with some chances of rain, you might find that most of the families have planned indoor activities.

Greenwich Baths beach
This photo was taken during summer school holidays. No crowds… this is unusual!

Cafe: Yes.

Toilets: Large and clean change room with benches, toilets and hot showers.

Shade: Limited. However, there was shade during the whole day thanks to the trees. If you have very delicate skin, my advice would be that you pack the umbrella just in case.

Playground: Yes, very small: only swings and a picnic table.

Mum’s report: If you haven’t visited Greenwich Baths yet, it should be on your list. With spectacular views of Sydney’s skyline, Greenwich Baths is a little piece of paradise. The baths were upgraded in 2017.  

The admission is not free, but I was happy to pay for enjoying a relaxing day. Forget about the stress of packing everything for a day out at the beach! Greenwich Baths offer all you need (except towels): toys for the children (buckets, spades, water guns, body boards, noodles, etc.), a reasonable priced menu with some child friendly options such as chicken nuggets and one-scoop ice cream, picnic tables free to use without purchasing a meal, and even sun beds!

Extras: Beach Safety Program on Sundays. Refer to the website for details.

Greenwich Baths Parking: Free car park on local residential streets. O’Connell Street is the place to park as it is flat. Albert St is a bit steep, but it is not too bad. If you have a pram, then it might be challenging. Alternatively, the Sailing Club has a car park, which is only a short walk away from the Baths.

Nearest station: Wollstonecraft train station but it’s a long walk away

Bus stop nearby: 265 bus route, closest stop: St Lawrence St with George St. Always check the route before you go. There can be some changes.

Nearest ferry: F8 Woolwich – Balmain ferry route to Greenwich Point Wharf, which is only 5-10 minutes walk away from the Baths. Note: the streets are a bit steep, but overall, the effort is worth it!

If you like Greenwich Baths then you must also try the gorgeous Northbridge Baths, click here to read all about this piece of paradise on Middle Harbour.

Greenwich is one of the easiest places to take a ferry over to Cockatoo Island, read out post about this lovely island and what to do there here. 

You might also enjoy a visit to nearby Putney Park playground, with water play and a massive slide. Read all about Putney Park here.

 

We had such a great time! When my husband saw the photos, I could tell that he was feeling a bit jealous. Although there is not a creche, going to Greenwich Baths was like staying in a resort for a few hours. 

Have you visited Greenwich Baths?  Is there another baths or ocean pools that you can recommend? I would love to hear your suggestions to make a top ten list.

Share with a friend

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *