Part of the Moore's Wharf car park at Barangaroo will be converted into approximately 380 square metres of additional public open space, with construction beginning in September 2026 and upgraded facilities planned to open before summer.

The works represent the next phase of improvements to Marrinawi Cove, which opened for swimming in 2023 and has since become a popular destination for local residents, CBD workers and visitors. The expansion will deliver new lawn areas, seating, shade, landscaping, and dedicated changing facilities for swimmers and visitors to the free harbour swimming spot.

Car park to public space

The project's central element is the conversion of existing operational car park land at the adjacent Moore's Wharf site into publicly accessible foreshore area. The additional 380 square metres will create more room for visitors to relax, picnic and enjoy Sydney Harbour alongside the existing swimming precinct.

New lawn areas will form the core of the expanded zone, providing open ground for towels, picnics and general relaxation. These will be complemented by additional landscaping and planting for shade, along with new seating distributed through the precinct.

Dedicated changing facilities for swimmers and visitors are included in the scope. The provision responds to community feedback that has consistently sought improved amenities since the cove's opening in 2023.

Marrinawi Cove harbour swimming area at Barangaroo | Credit: Barangaroo

Responding to strong community use

The upgrade programme responds directly to strong community use of Marrinawi Cove and feedback calling for more space and improved amenities. The cove, which created Sydney's first new harbour swimming spot in decades when it opened in 2023, has attracted local residents, workers and visitors in growing numbers, placing sustained pressure on the surrounding open space.

The conversion of the adjacent Moore's Wharf car park into publicly accessible land will substantially increase the area available to visitors, giving the precinct capacity to absorb greater numbers during peak periods, particularly across the summer swimming season.

Construction timeline

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026. The works will be staged to allow Marrinawi Cove to remain open to the public where safe and practical throughout the construction period, with closures limited to areas immediately under active construction.

Upgraded facilities are planned to open ahead of the 2026/27 summer season. The primary construction zone will be concentrated on the eastern side of the cove.

Conditions during construction

Visitors should expect temporary fencing and construction signage on the eastern side of the precinct, along with localised changes to access routes and temporary adjustments to pedestrian paths where required for safety. Intermittent construction noise will occur throughout the programme, with deliveries and vehicle movements on site as materials and equipment are brought in.

The existing toilet block at Marrinawi Cove is planned to remain available to visitors during the works. Where specific construction tasks require short-term closures of the permanent amenities, temporary facilities will be provided on site for the duration of those interruptions.

Expanded precinct ahead of summer

Once complete, the upgraded Marrinawi Cove precinct will offer substantially more space for visitors arriving from Barangaroo Reserve and the surrounding CBD. The addition of 380 square metres of open space, new lawn, shade, seating and dedicated changing facilities will extend the precinct's capacity beyond what has been available since the cove first opened.

The project builds on the broad uptake of Marrinawi Cove since swimming was permitted at the site in 2023, creating Sydney's first new harbour swimming spot in decades. The upgraded facilities are expected to be available to the public this summer.

Images: Barangaroo / Supplied

Architecture & Design Team

Let’s connect!