I’m from one of Australia’s most famous surf spots. Here’s what I REALLY thought of Penrith Beach – or ‘Pondi’ – as critics slam it for duck poo and a paddleboarder drowns in its first days
The opening of a new man-made beach about an hour's drive from Sydney's CBD has been greeted with feverish excitement by locals.
Penrith Beach has answered the prayers of many Western Sydney residents who previously had to spend more than an hour in the car to cool off on their nearest beach.
The new swimming spot, which was formed from an old quarry, received mixed reviews from visitors when it first opened to the public last week.
Critics complained there was duck droppings in the water and queues to get in stretched hundreds of meters along Castlereagh Road.
I decided to drive from my home in Manly – home to one of the world's top-rated surfing beaches – to Penrith to explore 'Pondi' for myself.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
Daily Mail Australia reporter Olivia Day (pictured) took a dip in Penrith's new man-made beach, about an hour's drive from Sydney's CBD – and dispels rumors of 'duck poop'
Tahnee and Steve, who wore matching swimwear to the new Penrith Beach with their children, said the new swimming spot was a win for residents
Western Sydney residents previously had to drive more than an hour to their nearest beach
One lifeguard said most people were following the rules at the new swimming spot
When I arrived at the beach around 11:30 am on Friday, the first thing I noticed was the incredible, panoramic view of the Blue Mountains.
I walked down a steep, grassy hill, where a stretch of sand littered with tents and umbrellas gave way to a large blue lake.
Even on a gray day it was 26 degrees by the time I finished the long drive and I felt like going for a dip.
The water was clean, cold and, contrary to my expectations, had no unpleasant odor.
At least four lifeguards lined the 200-yard stretch, keeping a close eye on weaker swimmers and talking to each other over radios.
A sign on the sand warned parents: “Lifeguards are not babysitters.”
A heated argument broke out between a lifeguard and a paddleboarder after he got too close to the designated swimming area.
However, according to a lifeguard, things went largely smoothly on the beach.
“Apart from that one incident,” he said, referring to the father of five who tragically died on the beach just days after it opened.
Mom Andrea visited the beach for the first time with her daughter on Friday
Visitors lined up to grab hot fries and a cold drink from the only food truck on site
“I'm really glad they did this,” said a Rooty Hill father (pictured) on the beach on Friday
Mums Ashley and Lee said they were 'a bit nervous' about going to the beach after the mixed reviews
The body of Seti Tuaopepe, 35, was found on an inland beach on Wednesday after he went missing while paddle boarding with his children.
“Seti Tuaopepe sadly lost his life trying to save his children at Penrith Beach,” said a fundraiser for his wife Mina.
“His children meant the world to him, and he cherished the life they had together.”
The beach was closed on Wednesday after a major search was launched.
But on Friday, Penrith Beach was back in full swing.
Andrea, a first-time visitor to the beach, was happy to say she only drove 20 minutes to get there.
She said she and her young daughter would usually spend an hour in the car driving to coastal hotspots such as Bondi.
A Rooty Hill father told Daily Mail Australia: 'I'm really glad they did this.'
He said the beach could be improved with more food trucks and that the beach is too small for the number of people allowed in.
Up to 700 people can visit Penrith Beach from 7am to 7pm each day, with the gates at the top of Castlereagh Road closing after the last visitor has left.
There is currently only one food truck active that offers hot dishes such as quiches, sausage rolls and pies, as well as cold and hot drinks.
Young mother Sam and daughter Henley had been planning to get to La Perouse in Sydney's east for a swim for more than an hour.
However, upon arrival at Penrith Beach they were glad they hadn't.
A couple with two young children approved the new swimming spot
One food truck offers hot dishes such as fries and sausage rolls, as well as hot and cold drinks
The 200-meter-long sandy beach on the man-made beach was lined with tents and umbrellas
“My sister wishes she'd come with us now,” Sam said.
“The water is clean, the kids love it.”
Sam said the site could be improved by allowing visitors to reserve parking more than three days in advance.
“I've already booked for the next two days,” she said. 'We're really looking forward to it.'
Mothers Ashley and Lee said they were 'a little nervous' about visiting the beach after hearing about the alleged duck poop floating in the water.
“There's no duck poop, it's a great space. The kids are having a great time,” Ashley said.
A couple with two young children said the swimming spot “will never beat the ocean, but it's a close second.”
They typically spend more than $100 on tolls, gas and snacks to drive over an hour to Umina Beach south of Gosford, but it's only 15 minutes to the new spot.
Tahnee and Steve, who wore matching swimsuits to the beach with their children, said it was a win for the people of Penrith.
“I understand some of the bad reviews, but some of the things that were said were quite malicious,” Steve said.
“We like anything that's good for Penrith. Good for Penrith.'
A man was seen teaching his daughter how to paddle board on the calm waters
This young swimmer gave two thumbs up to the new Penrith Beach
A police van was briefly seen in the car park at Penrith Beach on Friday
Five police officers were seen walking along the beach before promptly leaving