The state government says it's exploring options for greater public access to swimming in Sydney Harbour, after opening a new area of Barangaroo Reserve to people wanting to have a splash.
Safety netting has been installed for harbour swimmers at Marrinawi Cove on the northern end of the reserve, as well as signage and a new shower.
But the government won't add decking or ladders to enter the water until it reviews usage at the end of summer.
Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport minister Rob Stokes said the government was investigating more options for swimming at Barangaroo.
"Our city stopped building ocean and harbour pools more than half a century ago — it's past time to provide more great, safe public places to swim," he said.
"Being able to swim at Marranawi Cove is only possible because we have invested in cleaning up our harbour from industrial wastelands to aquatic playgrounds.
"We'll continue to explore more ways to increase public access to the harbour for swimming and water sports across urban renewal sites including Barangaroo, Blackwattle Bay and Bays West."
Yasmina Bonnet from the Millers Point Resident Action Group has welcomed the announcement after lobbying for the swimming area for years.
She told ABC Radio Sydney the scenery was stunning.
"When you're swimming in the cove you're just to the edge of the CBD but you're surrounded by natural flora, looking across to Goat Island, you can't see many of the buildings in the CBD — so it's a beautiful natural experience," she said.
Ms Bonnet said while the water quality in the area would be affected by boats, the cove was safe for swimming.
"The state government has been testing the water for quite a while before they installed the shark net. It is Sydney Harbour so you're always going to get residue," she said.
University of New South Wales water quality expert Professor Stuart Khan told ABC Radio Sydney it was important to monitor water quality, which varies depending on the weather.
"That often means that when we have wet weather, we have poorer water quality and when we have extended periods of drier weather, we have less storm water discharging into the harbour so we can get better water quality.
"I wouldn't think of it as a set and forget issue with water quality. I think it's something we need to continue to pay attention to during the swimming season."
The Parramatta River master plan has recommended more swimming spots be explored, and Canada Bay Council recently reopened Bayview Park on the Parramatta River after five decades.
Pirrama Park in Pyrmont is also due to reopen for swimming.
