Aussies are, by nature, a water-loving folk. Our beaches, lakes and secret swimming holes are the main point of Vision Australia, of our cultural ethos. Swimming pools have their place in that lore. These are the best Canberra pools for your next splash.
Canberra Olympic Pool
Any review of swimming pools in Canberra must begin with this one. Opened in 1955, just ahead of the Melbourne Olympic Games, this facility has since expanded to include a host of amenities.
Today, swimmers keen on doing laps may indulge in the hall's 50-metre indoor pool. Outdoor pools are open during the summer months. One such is a general purpose pool, but you'll also find a toddler pool, and a dive pool.
Besides water sports, this complex offers group fitness classes and personal training in its fully-kitted health club. Or, you can sign up for the ever-popular water aerobics class. Naturally, you'll find showers and changing rooms, as well as kiosk services.
Among other features, this pool is renowned for its 10-metre high-dive platform.
However, the facility makes it clear that it is for club use only; it's not open to the public.
📍Location: 36 Constitution Ave, Canberra ACT 2601
🕐Operating hours: Mon-Fri - 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💲Costs: entry starts at $8,90; membership packages available.
🌐Web address: https://www.canberraolympicpool.com.au/venue/about-us
We've only one question left about this facility. What was wrong or lacking with Melbourne-area swimming pools in 1955, that caused the need for this one, in another state?
Big Splash Water Park
Now, we go from classic facilities with a historic pedigree, to pure fun. That distinction isn't exactly fair, though. Big Splash has history; It's been around since the early 80s. Back then, locals called it Jammo Pool.
Big Splash is the only water park Canberra. This privately-owned facility features a total of 11 slides, scattered across its various pools. Splash Island, the children's area, counts three slides.
This complex is currently down for maintenance and repairs.
It plans to reopen as soon as possible, even if on a limited basis.
The Canberra Daily delivered Big Splash's regrets at not opening for the season. Besides repairs, this team is adding to their long list of amenities, to include:
- upgraded changing rooms
- overhauled kitchen facilities
- updated café decor, with expanded seating
- redesigned landscape
Sad as it is to miss this summer's season at Big Splash, we look forward to its opening in the near future. Keep this complex on your list of pools in Canberra to visit! It is the Australian Capital Territory's only water park, after all. Or you could tour Sydney swim facilities, which boast several such parks.
📍Location: 1 Catchpole Street, Macquarie, ACT 2614
🕐Operating hours: 11 AM - 5 PM daily (subject to change once reopened)
💲Costs: $6 for general admission; slide tickets cost extra
🌐Web address: https://checkout.roller.app/bigsplashwaterpark/products/booknow?date=20201121#/sessions
Lakeside Leisure Centre
As this facility's name suggests, it's not all about swimming. At Lakeside, you'll find a host of amenities, ranging from crèche and café services to group fitness classes and personal fitness training. And shower and changing rooms, of course.
Lakeside's heated indoor swimming pool might not be what you're looking for at the height of summer. However, it's a great place to get your laps in once the weather turns cooler.
Here, you'll find lessons for water sport fans of all ages. If you're a dedicated lap swimmer, you'll love going back and forth in their 50-metre lap pool. And, if you and the kids crave the great outdoors, feel free to play around in the splash park.
📍Location: Athllon Dr & Anketell St, Greenway, ACT 2900
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM; Saturday/Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
💲Costs: adult entry - $8.90 per session; various membership packages available.
🌐Web address: https://www.lakesideleisure.com.au/venue/about-us
The Lakeside facility, with its friendly and helpful staff, reminded us of some of the best swimming pools in Perth.
Active Leisure Centre
We love this facility for far more than its name. In fact, the concept of active leisure - active relaxation, is what drew us to it. We're not overstating things when we say this facility lives up to its name.
This centre offers well-stocked fitness facilities, and personal trainers to guide your workouts. You may also join one of their fitness classes, or take swimming lessons.
If you'd rather go on your own, the facility's 25-metre, indoor heated pool will soothe away any aches you might have.
Afterwards, relax in the steam room, before heading for a refreshing shower.
Active has plenty on offer that doesn't relate to swimming, too. You may reserve squash and tennis courts, or head to the multipurpose hall for badminton, basketball, or volleyball with other community members.
Host your function at Active, in a space that includes a kitchenette, projector/movie screen setup, and room for 70 people.
📍Location: McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa, ACT 2903
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult single-entry to the pool is $8.90; membership packages available.
🌐Web address: http://www.activelc.com.au/about.php
Of all the top swim facilities we toured in Australia, we were most reluctant to leave Active behind. Not just because it has so much to offer, but because it gives off such a great vibe.
Stromlo Leisure Centre
Unlike the swim centres in Adelaide that we visited, ACT aquatic facilities promise lots of leisure. In spirit, they have their motion right. However, it was so exciting to see all these halls have to offer, that 'leisure' - resting and taking things easy, was not on the agenda.
That was the case at Active, and again at Stromlo. We could hardly contain ourselves as we played in the splash park, and relaxed in the infinity (leisure!) pool.
Now, at summer's peak, is the best time to enjoy these outdoor amenities. When the weather turns colder, you'll likely prefer Stromlo's 50-metre indoor heated pool. If swimming laps isn't for you, the program pool allows you to indulge in whichever water-based activities you prefer.
Those might include group in-pool aerobics classes. Or would you rather work out on land? You'll find a complete workout suite indoors, with weights, cardio machines, and other gym equipment.
📍Location: Corner of Uriarra Road and Dave McInnes Rd, Stromlo, ACT - 2611
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM; Saturday/Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
💲Costs: passes start at $8,90; various membership packages available
🌐Web address: https://www.stromloleisurecentre.com.au/swim/aquatic-facilities
Manuka Pool
Our tour of pools Canberra took us from plain fun to downright historical. Manuka outdoes all other facilities, in that regard. Canberra's first swimming pool opened its doors in 1931, and it's maintained its art deco architecture.
Compared to other facilities on our list, Manuka seems rather deprived. You won't find a swimming pool with slides, here. However, what it lacks in expansion, it makes up for in charm and cosiness. Besides, the kiosk offers delicious snacks and drinks, and their ice cream selection is divine!
📍Location: Crescent Griffith ACT 2603
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry starts at $8.90; season passes and other packages available
🌐Web address: https://manukapool.com.au/about-us/
Then as now, Manuka is a place for socialising and community. We said the same about our favourite Brisbane area pool. Except that one lacked the charm Manuka exudes.
AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Looking for public pools Canberra, we find AIS. Anyone can come here for a dip, even children - provided an adult comes with them.
AIS started as a competitive training centre, and it still operates along those lines, to an extent. It used to operate a fully-stocked fitness centre, complete with training programs and coaches. Today, those amenities are no more.
In fact, AIS is as stripped down as a facility can be, while still remaining a great place to swim.
The public is welcome to book time, whenever the public swimming timetable allows. Otherwise, the facility's 25- and 50-metre pools are reserved for training high-performance athletes.
Both are indoor, heated pools, which are available for hire. You might plan a birthday party or graduation event here; or stick with AIS' swim lessons. The range of lessons available includes:
- Parent and bub classes
- adult classes
- lessons for preschool and school-aged swimmers
- swimfit - for anyone swimming for fitness
📍Location: 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce, ACT, 2617
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 9:50 PM; Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:50 PM
💲Costs: adult entry starts at $8.50; class packages available
🌐Web address: https://www.ais.gov.au/visit/aquatic/public-swimming
Swim with Superprof
Should you not want to join a group swimming class, you may choose a Superprof private coach. Before entering the pool, your personal swim coach will ask you what your swimming goals are. And, more importantly, if you have any health conditions that might keep you from reaching them.
With that information, they will design the right program for your needs, be it water aerobics or beginner swim techniques. Whether you meet your Superprof swim instructor at AIS, or the pool of your choice, count on effective lessons at a reasonable price.
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