Whether you’re an Olympic-caliber swimmer or just a novice, you can find the perfect pool for your needs. The city’s best pools offer state-of-the-art features, such as water slides and underwater treadmills, and are designed to accommodate a variety of fitness and social activities. There’s even a lazy river for inner tube floats. Several of the city’s pools have free entry, making it an affordable activity for the whole family.
There’s something intrinsically comforting about swimming laps in a public pool. Whether it’s because of the way we were conceived in utero or our childhood experiences as kids, the act of swimming laps is deeply relaxing. It’s no wonder so many people enjoy spending time in the water. And Sydney is a swim-lovers paradise, with an impressive array of pools and pristine beaches.
In the suburbs, community pools are a great option for those who want to stay in shape and enjoy a swim in a safe, family-friendly environment. Many of these pools have a range of activities, from yoga classes to aqua aerobics, and are located in convenient locations close to home. Many also feature hot tubs and saunas.
This collection includes a small selection of archives relating to baths and swimming pools in the Sydney area. Select a tile below to see more information about a particular bath or pool.
A pool shall not be constructed within or adjacent to a building unless it is an accessory structure for residential purposes, and provided that a special permit is obtained from the Planning Board. A nonaccessory pool, which is not for residential use and does not comply with the requirements of this chapter, may be constructed only upon a special permit granted by the Planning Board, after a hearing on an application.
Originally built for the 2000 Olympics, this state-of-the-art pool is one of the most modern indoor pools in the world. The pool is still open, and the cheapest entry costs $8, giving you access to the same waters that Ian Thorpe and the other world’s best swimmers swam in 18 years ago.
The pool has a full roster of classes and events, as well as a café and snack bar. It is also a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind after work or school.
There is a wide array of outdoor swimming pools in Sydney, including many with spectacular views of the harbour. Some of the most beautiful include the Coogee Rockpools, which are just off the southern end of the beach, and Wylie’s Baths, a stone pool named after an Australian champion long-distance swimmer.
Alternatively, you can splash around at the refurbished Cook + Phillip Park or Andrew Boy Charlton pools in Woolloomooloo. These pools have sweeping harbour views, a cafe and other facilities to make your visit enjoyable. Another option is to rent a private pool through Swimply, an Airbnb-style service that connects pool owners who want to earn extra money with swim-less Sydneysiders who are looking for a place to splash around.