We must clarify this question, as opinion seems to be split. Across Brisbane, we found swimming pools in a variety of settings, some with more amenities than others. Here, we explore the best pools Brisbane. At the end of this article, you can help us decide whether Brisbanites prefer indoor or outdoor swimming.
Valley Municipal Swimming Bath
Even a century ago, Brisbanites were health conscious; they opened the Municipal Swimming Bath in 1925. Before then, the Booraboodin Baths operated at this very site. Today, only the façade remains, what's behind this marvellous brick wall is all new.
Well, almost all new. You can still feel the vibe from those bygone days, as the palm-fringed pool is still ringed with spectator stands from long ago. The dive platforms are gone, but the 50-metre pool is now heated, and boasts all-new equipment.
It's not all swimming, all the time at Valley. This facility hosts many events, and the Valley Bar serves up delicious treats and refreshing drinks. You might shop a little, for the latest in swimwear, or treat yourself to a massage from the on-site masseuse.
You may use your Fitness Passport to cover Valley's entry fees.
📍Location: 432 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD 4006.
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM; Saturday - 5:30 AM to 6 PM; Sunday 7:30 AM to 6 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $6,65; various membership packages available.
🌐Web address: https://www.justlifestyle.com.au/swim/valley-pool/
One swimming pool in Canberra comes close to this nostalgic look and feel. But, it's not nearly the size, or as popular, as Valley is.
Manly Pool
Manly isn't the biggest of public pools Brisbane, but it may be the most conveniently located. That is, if you want to make the most of the nearby Manly Park, the jetty, and the sea. Manly is even great for those with accessibility difficulties, as the pool features a ramp.
The pool's swim coaches offer lessons to beginner swimmers of all ages. If you already know how to swim, you can learn how to improve your breathing and stroke technique.
And, on those days when you want to avoid the water, you can work out in Manly's gym. There, you can take group fitness lessons, or work out with a personal trainer.
The Brisbane City Council has brought back its $2 Dip program.
You can access most of these pools for that price, until February 28.
📍Location: 1 Fairlead Cres, Manly QLD 4179
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Thursday - 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM; Friday - 5:30 AM to 6 PM; Saturday - 6 AM to 6 PM; Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM
💲Costs: besides the $2 initiative, adult entry costs $6,65. Manly also offers many membership options
🌐Web address: https://manlypool.com.au/swim/
Anyone looking for a swimming pool with slides would be well-served at Manly, and many other Brisbane-area pools. But many of Australia's top swimming pools feature slides, and other amenities, besides.
Chermside Aquatic Centre
Like many swimming pools Brisbane, Chermside maintains its old-style charm despite its thoroughly modern amenities. It might look a little careworn, but is nevertheless a great place to gather - for leisure, for swim lessons, or for birthday parties.
Chermside boasts a water park, complete with twisty water slides and a splash lagoon. This attraction is only open on weekends, and during school holidays. However, the facility's 25-metre outdoor pool is open year-round. Chermside also features an indoor heated pool, and a café.
All group fitness classes are water-based. You may choose deep-water running, water-yoga sessions, or other in-pool workouts.
📍Location: 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside, QLD 4032
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Thursday - 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday - 5:30 AM to 7 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 6:30 AM to 6 PM
💲Costs: adult entry $6,65; many family and bundle packages available water park costs extra
🌐Web address: https://chermsidepool.com.au/
Water parks are popular attractions across Australia. Gold Coast has several, but the some of the swim facilities in Sydney put them to shame.
Wynnum Wading Pool
This isn't a pool in the style of all the ones mentioned so far, other than its historical value. Relief workers built this tidal pool in 1932, at the height of the Depression. It's shallow and has a sandy bottom, with just enough salty water to play in.
Here, you can barbecue, picnic and frolic, all while taking in the sights. If that's not enough, the nearby aquativity park offers more enticing attractions, like a kids' slide, and squirting whales. Both are safe for even the youngest water enthusiasts. Best of all, both venues are free!
📍Location: On the Wynnum Esplanade, at the end of Clara Street
🕐Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 6 PM daily
💲Costs: free
🌐Web address: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com/kids-outdoors-kids-pools-outdoors-pools/wynnum-wading-pool-wynnum
Search as we might, we could find no swim venue in Melbourne that equals this one. Not to say that that city doesn't have great places to swim. But nothing there topped the beauty and history of this landmark.
Settlement Cove
As Brisbane pools go, this public swimming facility is a cut above. Like Wynnum, Settlement Cove incorporates as much of the natural setting as possible, including a hint of saltwater. However, it's built the environment up a bit more, making this pool the place to be for the whole family.
Also called Redcliffe Lagoon, it boasts a barbecue area and picnic shelters, and restrooms that double as changing areas. Vendors ring the area, offering goodies from ice cream to popcorn and other snack foods. The entire area is accessible, and lifeguards monitor the pool from 7 AM to 6 PM daily.
Fenced off water park
Mushroom fountains
Playground areas
📍Location: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020
🕐Operating hours: 7 AM to 6 PM daily
💲Costs: free
🌐Web address: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Sport-Recreation/Pools/Settlement-Cove
Brisbane Aquatic Centre
Returning now to the built aquatic environment, we find an indoor swimming pool that puts standard facilities to shame. This Aquatic Centre is a part of a larger sports complex that features a velodrome, a BMX track, and a professional-grade sports arena.
Naturally, we're focused on what this centre has for swimmers. In this category, the facility didn't disappoint. It features four pools, each for a specific purpose:
- 50-metre Olympic pool (indoor, heated)
- 50-metre outdoor pool, with diving boards and tower
- 25-metre pool, with ramp access and water slide
- 5-metre-deep dive pool (platforms at: 10m, 7.5m, and 5m; plus dive boards)
Before loading up and heading to the Aquatic Centre, be sure to check their schedule.
This facility hosts many competitions, so the pools may not be available.
As packed with amenities as this complex is, a few nevertheless stand out. We loved their generous scattering of changing rooms, at the 50-metre indoor and outdoor pools, and the 25-metre basin. Even better: they are all accessible! On the downside, we found little for children, and no swimming lessons.
📍Location: Old Cleveland & Tilley Roads Chandler Qld 4155
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday - 6:00 AM to 6 PM; Sunday - 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $6,90; water slide (adult rate): $8,10; swim passes available
🌐Web address: https://sleemansports.com.au/facilities/brisbane-aquatic-centre
Crossing the country, we found many fine swimming facilities, including great pools in Perth. But, none of them are quite like this Aquatic Centre.
Colmslie Aquatic Centre
Brisbane city council pools are working hard to outdo themselves with each facility they manage. This recently opened swim complex features a 50-metre heated outdoor pool, and one half that length indoors.
Other amenities include a kids' play pool, complete with slides, tunnels and sprayers. It's enclosed, so your little ones are safely away from the deeper pools. You may lounge poolside, noshing on your café-bought snacks, as you rest up for your next set of laps.
You can hire Colmslie for your next birthday party or event.
Colmslie offers swim lessons to absolute beginners and advanced swimmers alike. You might also sign up for group fitness classes at the Health Club, if you need a break from the water. Or, you can exercise in the water; Colmslie has aquatics classes, too.
📍Location: 400 Lytton Rd, Morningside, 4170, Qld
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Thursday - 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday - 5:30 AM to 7 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 6:30 AM to 6 PM
💲Costs: adult entry $6,65; family and bundled passes available
🌐Web address: https://colmslieaquaticcentre.com.au/
Though Colmslie has generous facilities for kids to swim and play, Adelaide area swimming pools seem to focus exclusively on children. At least, in the way they market themselves.
Personal Swim Coaches
Some Brisbane pools offer private swimming lessons, but they are few and far between. That can be a challenge for anyone wanting to learn how to swim, but who isn't comfortable in a group setting. Fortunately, 19 Brisbane-area Superprof swim coaches are ready to help.
These experienced coaches will teach you more than how to breathe for swimming, and how to develop stroke technique. They want to help you define your swimming goals, and help you reach them. All at a lower price than you might think.
Indoor or outdoor pools?
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
