Whether you’re looking for a place to swim with kids, get in some exercise or simply take in the view, Sydney has plenty of pools to choose from. These iconic swim spots are a little less well-known than the Opera House and bridge, but they’re equally beloved by locals.
There’s also the Bronte Baths, a stone pool at the end of the Bondi to Bronte costal walk, where swimmers can hang out on rocks like lizards before diving in for a swim and a look at one of Sydney’s most photographed beaches. Or you can splash out at the state-of-the-art Sydney Olympic Park pools, built for the 2000 Olympics and now a popular training centre for Australia’s best swimmers.
Then there’s the North Sydney Pool, which many believe was a politically motivated vanity project and rate increase that should never have happened. Councillor Zoe Baker describes the $10m grant from the federal government as a “windfall” that shifted the inner-city project up a gear, muddying what would have been a straightforward renovation of a historic asset.
But she’s urging community members not to write off the pool, saying that with careful planning it could become a multi-generational hub for aquatic fun. She points out that the design will be flexible, so it can accommodate activities that aren’t swimming carnivals, including fashion week shows and production companies. Those additional revenue streams might help to recoup the massive cost of the new facility over time.
Aside from public pools, Sydney has a unique collection of ocean pools that have survived for decades and are cherished by residents and visitors alike. In fact, it’s believed to have more ocean pools than any other city in the world. Here are some of them:
In addition to the outdoor pools, Sydney has indoor and rooftop pools that are a hit with locals, as well as a state-of-the-art waterpark that was constructed for the 2000 Olympics. And, of course, there are the beaches – the city’s crowning glory.
So the next time you’re in town, be sure to check out Sydney’s pools – and let us know what you think! And if you’re not yet in the know, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you all the latest tips and advice on where to go and what to do. It’s free to join, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Have fun! -Todd McSweeney, Editor in Chief