Swimming in the ocean is one of Sydney’s most iconic activities but when the waves are too dangerous or you’re just not feeling it, locals turn to their city’s 40 seawater pools. Many were built for the 1936 Olympics and designed to protect swimmers from the ocean surf. Others are architecturally significant. The Beaurepaire Pool on the University of Melbourne campus is a stunning example of modern architecture and art working together (designed by Eggleston, Macdonald & Seacomb, 1957). And at Palm Beach in Sydney’s wealthy enclave, movie stars and moguls have swum laps in a pool that was originally a restaurant, now home to a legendary 77-year-old swim teacher.
Whether you want to splash in some chilly laps or just soak up some sun, these swimming spots are well worth a visit. They’re not only fun for the whole family but they’re a great way to get some exercise, see the coastline and connect with the local community. Plus, they are a lot safer than jumping in the ocean during a shark attack.
The best part of this list is that most of these swimming pools are free and open to the public. But before you go, check the latest travel advice and make sure to follow government recommendations. And if you’re looking to get into your own backyard pool, make sure to research Sydney pools builders carefully. There are a number of laws that all pool builders must adhere to, and you should always ask if their name matches the license and whether they have insurance.
Sydney’s tidal pools are a much-loved feature of the city’s rocky shoreline and provide an opportunity for people to swim, snorkel and sunbake. Tidal pools are also an important habitat for marine life. They were used by Aboriginal people long before European settlement and continue to be a popular recreational activity for both locals and visitors.
From the swanky Palm Beach pool where movie stars and moguls swim to the rugged Bondi Rock Pool that was once a wharf, these ocean and harbourside pools are perfect for all ages to cool off. And when you’re done, you can enjoy a picnic, a book or catch some rays on the nearby beach.
This collection contains a small selection of archives relating to baths and swimming pools in the City of Sydney area. Select a tile below to view particular baths and swimming pools or use the search box at the top of the page to find more items.
The state-of-the-art pool constructed for the 2000 Olympics is a world class facility where you can tear up the same water that Ian Thorpe and the rest of the world’s best swimmers did all those years ago. The pool is huge – with a 50-metre lap pool and plenty of shade umbrellas to escape the summer heat. It’s open all year round. You can even swim under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.