With a 295-foot spiral slide, designated swimming areas for the little ones and plenty of space to soak up the sun, the pool is perfect for families. The pristine, blue-green water is always that perfect, jump-right-in temperature. It’s no wonder it nabbed two National Architecture awards in 2014 and is a summer favorite for inner-Sydney locals. Plus, the pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day!
The cliff-side baths were established by champion long-distance swimmer Henry Wylie, and are among the most beautiful of Sydney’s tidal pools. They’re also a lovely spot to take in the ocean views and the Southern Coastal Walk.
There’s no more Australian than stripping down to your cossie or boardies and diving straight into the harbour – and many of its beaches have their own rock pools, too. From Newcastle’s quaint Bogey Hole, carved out of the rock by convicts in the 1800s, to the sculptural Sea Nymphs at Manly and Nielsen Park on the northern beaches, these pools are perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just chilling.
Ocean pools aren’t immune to the ravages of climate change, however. They’re built on rock platforms and rising sea levels will “change how they work,” Nicole Larkin, an architect who specialises in ocean pools, tells Jordan. The ones that get flushed by the swell will need to be raised, and there will come a time when they can’t be kept at the same height, she adds.
The North Sydney Pool is one of the most iconic ocean pools in the city, a flashback to the 1936 Olympics with its steep concrete grandstands and brightly-coloured art deco. It’s a fun place for lap-swimmers and kids who want to splash around, but the pool also has a spa, a sauna and a gym, making it ideal for those who are looking to keep fit as well as splash around.
A popular family destination, this pool is set on the edge of a cliff in the heart of the city and offers a range of aquatic activities. It features a 50-metre pool and a kid’s splash pool, as well as lap pools and water fountains that make it ideal for lap swimming and aqua aerobics to shape muscles and burn calories. It’s also a great place to take the family for a swim after a day at the beach. It’s no wonder the pool won an Australian Family Travel Award for Best Aquatic Facilities in 2017. It’s open all year round, with a full schedule of activities and events. You can even join the swim club to receive regular news and tips on swimming technique and fitness. It’s free to join! The pool is also home to the NSW Swimming Association and has an active volunteer programme.