Often, no matter how long one lives in the same place, they discover new aspects to explore. Such is the case with the best swimming pools in Sydney. That's only in part because we have such a variety to choose from. These are among the top places to get your swim on, based on what they offer.
Prince Alfred Park Pool
The first of our outdoor pools Sydney is remarkable for its natural cooling system. A roof of native grasses helps regulate the water's temperature, even at the height of summer. Also, you'll find public art pieces throughout the facility.
Prince Alfred boasts a 50-metre pool, with at least one lane reserved for play. Nearby, you'll find a splash deck for the smallest swimmers, as the deeper pools' play lanes might be too much for them.
Around the pool, people lounge on bleachers, or find refuge from the sun under shade umbrellas. Many enjoy the drinks and snacks they bought from the kiosk.
📍Location: 105 Chalmers Street Surry Hills 2010
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $7,70; multi-visit passes available, membership packages available, 360 memberships accepted
🌐Web address: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/prince-alfred-park-pool
We would have led off with this legendary swim facility.
However, it is closed for renovations until September 2025.
Reviewing pools across Australia, we found many of the country's most famous facilities either partially, or completely closed. We're of two minds on the subject.
It's great that our most iconic swimming halls get the maintenance they need. However, it means we can't place this city's top basins on our list of best pools in Sydney.
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
Sydney's native son, a five-time Olympic Gold medallist, has earned naming rights to one of the city's most popular swim facilities. If he had input over which centre should bear his name, he chose well. This complex is loaded with amenities.
- 50-metre pool for laps
- an indoor leisure pool
- a warm-water program pool
- spa and sauna
- a café, with seating indoors and out
As befits a swim centre with such a famous name, swim lessons here cover all the bases. 'Learn to Swim' lessons are targeted at toddlers and children; Swim Squad training is group coaching for adults. You may also take aqua aerobics classes. They're designed for fitness fans of all abilities and ages.
📍Location: 458 Harris Street Ultimo 2007
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $8,80; multi-visit passes available, membership packages available, 360 memberships accepted
🌐Web address: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/ian-thorpe-aquatic-centre
One of the top swimming facilities in Melbourne also has a famous namesake, though perhaps we should say infamous. The Harold Holt Swimming Centre is named after the prime minister who vanished in 1967.
Cook + Phillip Park Pool
Anyone looking for swimming pool with slides in the Sydney area might be disappointed with this facility. They should look again. Cook + Phillip's indoor wave pool is bound to cause a thrill.
Wave pools are great for fun and relaxation, but they also work therapeutic wonders. If bobbing among the waves doesn't help your sore muscles, try Cook + Phillip's hydrotherapy pool. And, if you're of sound body and want nothing more than to get your laps in, this centre's 50-metre pool is the basin for you.
As with the other public swimming pools in Sydney we've reviewed, this one offers swimming lessons and aqua aerobics. Unlike the others, you can get a massage here, but you have to bring your own snacks and drinks, as the kiosk is closed.
📍Location: 4 College Street Sydney 2000
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $8,80; multi-visit passes available, membership packages available, 360 memberships accepted
🌐Web address: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/cook-phillip-park-pool
A few of the best swimming centres in Adelaide focused on wellness and hydrotherapy. But, not to the degree that Cook + Phillips does.
Gunyama Park
Last year, an ABC News report revealed the poor state of swimming facilities in Australia. It further questioned where the money would come from for repairs and overhauls. For a water-loving folk, this is, indeed, of great concern.
But not over this aquatic facility. Gunyama recently had a complete overhaul. Now, it boasts four pools including a hydrotherapy pool, a splash and play area, and generous lounging amenities.
You might drop your toddlers off at the crèche before enjoying an indulgent treat from the café. The entire facility, including the pools, changing rooms, and parking are fully accessible.
📍Location: 17 Zetland Avenue Zetland 2017
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $8,80; family passes available; you can also access the facility with your 360 membership
🌐Web address: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/gunyama-park-aquatic-recreation-centre
Victoria Park Pool
Of all the public swimming pools Sydney we explored, this one has the most to offer, and is the least expensive. With its 72-year history of welcoming water enthusiasts, t's also among the oldest pools in NSW. In fact, it was Sydney's first-ever in-ground pool.
People come here for more than its historical value. This complex's 50-metre outdoor pool is heated year-round, a beacon for lap swimmers. You can access the nearby splash pool from the beach, and play among its water installations.
Beginner swimmers can sign up for swim classes, open to all ages. This facility's swim coaches also offer Swim Squad training to help you develop your stroke technique.
Swimming is a part of a healthy lifestyle, which you can kickstart with Victoria's aqua aerobics classes. Or you can tone down the fitness initiatives, and simply enjoy some downtime. The crèche will take care of the babies, and the café will provide the treats.
📍Location: City Road, on the corner of Parramatta Road, Camperdown 2050
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $7,70; family passes available, and 360 membership accessibility
🌐Web address: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/victoria-park-pool
Brisbane, a city generally known for its laid-back vibe, also has a swim facility with a historical claim. Queensland's capital city also boasts many swimmable tidal pools, and commercial aquatic facilities.
Icebergs
This may well be the world's most famous ocean pool. This outdoor marvel is a Sydney institution, complete with historical pedigree. Bondi Icebergs has been around for nearly 100 years, thrilling swimmers with its unique view of this famous beach.
The Bondi Icebergs is the name of the swimming club based at this pool.
The basin's actual name is Bondi Baths.
Swimming here is worth it for the legend alone. The scenery makes the experience that much more impactful. The club's amenities make a day at Icebergs complete:
- main pool (50 metres)
- child's pool (20 metres)
- gym
- sauna
- massage
- full-menu bistro
📍Location: 1 Notts Avenue Bondi Beach NSW 2026
🕐Operating hours: Monday-Friday - 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM (closed on Thursdays for cleaning); Saturday/Sunday - 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
💲Costs: adult entry: $10,00; multiple entry bundles, family passes, and membership packages available
🌐Web address: https://icebergs.com.au/pool-conditions/
Hard as it might be to come away from Icebergs, you may also want to sample all the great swimming facilities Canberra has for you.
Wylie's Baths
This heritage-listed swimming spot is famous for hosting Australia's first-ever swimming championships. It's also among the first Australian tidal pools to permit mixed-gender swimming. This pool predates the Bondi Icebergs by 20 years, when Henry Wylie carved it out of coastal rock for his daughter.
Mina Wylie, Henry's daughter, was among the first female Australian swimmers to represent our country at the Olympics. She won Australia's first Gold medal by a female swimmer.
Among the amenities to enjoy here, you'll find changing facilities, a kiosk and a swim store. Besides the pool, the boardwalk is the most prominent attraction.
📍Location: 4B Neptune St, Coogee NSW 2034
🕐Operating hours: Summer season - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily; Winter season - 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
💲Costs: adult entry: $6; multiple entry and season passes available
🌐Web address: https://wylies.com.au/contact/location-hours-fees
A trip to Wylie's must be in the cards for its historical value, if not the scenery. Some of Perth's best swimming venues tantalise with the same combination of history, views, and value for the money.
The Best Private Swimming Lessons Sydney
Across the greater Sydney area, we find ocean pools, as well as entire facilities dedicated to aquatic sports. Finding swimming lessons at the pool of your choice could prove challenging. So, Superprof swim tutors step in where such services are lacking.
Sydney's 19 Superprof swim instructors have the training and experience to help you improve your stroke technique. They can teach you how to optimise your breathing for better swimming, as well as water safety skills. All for less than you might pay for instruction at the best aquatic centres Sydney.
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