Swimming is allowed in ‘Slipway One’ on Cockatoo Island. The concrete slipway is netted at the entrance to keep the bull sharks out. The gradual incline provides a ‘soft entry’ and at high tide it’s about 3.5m at the net. A sign states that footwear must be worn. Don’t know about you, but I don’t like swimming in footwear. Never-the-less,  there are old oyster shells attached to the concrete and care needs to be taken for barefoot swimmers.

Concrete being what it is, the surface is slippery, especially at low tide. Swim at high tide and the experience is much more pleasant.

Not too bad as a cool-off exercise, but frankly the swimming quality is low. The island, on the other hand, is a treat. It’s full of history, great facilities, child friendly and a nice place to visit … wouldn’t go out of my way to swim here though.

Wild Swimming #5

Location – Cockatoo Island can be reached by ferry service. Enter the GPS coordinates into Google -33.8474  151.1698

Child friendly 4/5

My rating 2/5