Parsley Bay in Vaucluse – A Guide for Families

 

This photo is from the wonderful book Wild Swimming In and Around Sydney.

If you’re looking for a hidden Sydney gem for kids, or for somewhere to snorkel, Parlsey Bay is for you. It’s only drawback is that it can get busy and parking can be tricky. Take a day off everything and come during the week!

This lovely picture was posted to this blog’s Facebook page recently by a reader – gorgeous!

Parsley Bay

Horler Avenue

Off Parsley Road

Vaucluse 2030

A gem, a diamond, a jewel! This big rectangle of emerald lawn and the tawny beach by the sparkling sapphire sea are a delight for local families.

There is a playground, a kiosk and walking tracks (with steps) through the bush. An extra attraction for the young is the bridge over the water linking The Crescent and Fitzwilliam Street. It can be accessed from the beach by steps and provides a safe thrill for those who love walking over water.

Parsley Bay is a narrow finger of water with a shark net across the entrance.

There is excellent snorkelling in the bay and tropical fish can be seen in summer. Around the reserve you might see an Eastern Water Dragon in summer- they are harmless lizards so don’t panic.

Picnic tables are in the shaded area by the playground and near the kiosk. The beach itself is good, not wide but quite deep.

Read about the history of Parsley Bay here.

Cafes: Kiosk

Toilets: Toilet, change and shower block by the carpark

Shade: Trees provide shade around the edges of the lawn

Playground: A good small playground at the rear of the reserve, near the carpark

Shark net: Yes

Mum’s report: Teaching the children to snorkel here is great fun.

Map reference: Gregory’s 348 D1, Sydway 279 B8, UBD 237 Q1

Parking: Free carpark open 7am–6pm in winter, 7am–8pm in summer, entrance Horler Avenue off Parsley Road.

Bus stop nearby: Yes

Here’s a 6 minute video about Parsley Bay, made by local residents.

Have you visited Parsley Bay with kids?

Any special memories there for you?

     

You’ll LOVE The Big Sick, read all about it here.