The enclosure provides an approximate swimming area 150m long and 95m wide and is subject to tidal variations. The swimming enclosure forms part of Parsley Bay Reserve.
In 1934 a seawall was constructed across the Bay and sand was dredged to create the turfed picnic area. This dredging and other subsequent sand removal created a large hole in the harbour floor below the suspension bridge. This caused the water to become turbid as a result of reduced tidal flushing. In 2003/2004 Council undertook remediation works to improve the Bay’s water quality. The works included