Ever found yourself wandering the CBD on a stinking hot day, wishing you were at the beach? It seems there’s now a solution, as Darling Harbour have created a waterside sandpit that they’re calling Harbour Sands.
The new pop-up is beach right in the middle of Darling Harbour. It’s fitted out with umbrellas, deck chairs and plenty of sand – 150 tonnes of it to be exact.
But, before you whip out your cossie, you should know that Harbour Sands is missing one crucial element of a beach: water. You can’t swim in Cockle Bay – it’s not exactly a pleasant place to take a dip, and it’s busy with boats and ferries.
Regardless, Harbour Sands will have a beach patrol, who – instead of rescuing swimmers stuck in rips – will be busy giving out sunscreen, spraying jets of water and offering free bucket and spades hire. For entertainment, there are giant board games like chess, jenga and snakes and ladders.
Photograph: Supplied
Harbour Sands will also have free live music on Thursdays through to Sundays (6-9pm) and a fireworks display on Saturday January 14.
Nearby, Cockle Bay Wharf has a four-tonne sand sculpture that you can check out, and they’ll host sunset DJ sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Harbour Sands is open daily from 9am to 9pm until January 22.
If you’d rather check out a real beach, here are five secret beaches in Sydney.