Sidney pools are a summer staple for Sydney residents. This popular swimming spot is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and features a 295 foot slide consisting of a spiral and speed slides, designated swim areas, a picnic area and fully trained lifeguards. The city has a lot to offer for pool lovers and this year was the busiest season in years, according to the park and recreation director. But a water quality issue has forced the city to close the pool for the last week of the season.
In addition to its far-reaching coastline and magical harbour, Sydney is home to 130 urban public swimming pools, many of which are open for a quick dip or a celebratory-style pool day with Thirsty Merc turned up to full volume. But if you want to swim without the crowds or a long commute, head to one of these secret Sydney pools that are tucked away and all your own.
The most famous and coveted of these is the azure saltwater Olympic pool in Woolloomooloo, which is the only pool where you can tear up the same water Ian Thorpe and the rest of the world’s best swimmers did during the 2000 Olympics. Entry costs $8, and there’s a stack of fitness courses and events on offer.
Another must-visit is the Sydney International Convention Centre’s outdoor pool, which offers an enviable view of the CBD and the Sydney Opera House. The pool is a little small, but it’s still perfect for some laps or a splash around. The pool is also home to the city’s synchronised swimming club, which hosts events throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a more chilled-out experience, head to the tucked-away Bronte Baths, whose shingled walls and tumbling staircases give it a distinctly Victorian feel. The baths are a heritage-listed treasure, and they’re serene at low tide and choppy at high, offering a tranquil spot for families to get in the water and relax.
Ocean pools are a feature of Australia’s wild coastline, where tidal movements create calm and safe areas to swim, even when the surf is high. In Sydney, we have the added bonus of a long history with these picturesque spots, with some dating back more than 100 years.
Despite their storied past, there are no new ocean pools being built anymore, with the trend moving towards building indoor and outdoor aquatic centres. Two new pools illustrate this point, with Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre in Green Square opening this week and Parramatta’s upcoming Olympic pool expected to open in 2023. Both feature rather glam architectural designs by British firm Grimshaw (think Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and Sydney’s clunky light rail stops) and local firm Andrew Burges Architects, which mostly does houses. Together, they illuminate the entrenched Sydney habit of slewing public benefit towards the privileged.