An endless summer’s day at the beach may seem to be the only way to experience Sydney’s waterside splendour, but the city offers many other aquatic escapes ranging from swimming pools and seaside baths to salty ocean baths. Below are some of Sydney’s best spots for taking a plunge into its waters.
Ocean Pool Whilst Sydney’s iconic landmarks such as its opera house and bridge may be well-known, its ocean pools may be less so. According to Marie-Louise McDermott – an expert who’s written extensively on them – Sydney boasts more manmade public seawater pools located along its surf coast than any other city globally.
As opposed to beaches, which can become rough or shallow with sea urchins and bluebottles lurking nearby, swimming pools have been specifically created for swimming purposes and should be set back from shore so that any waves roll over them. Furthermore, lifeguards are present and they’re routinely drained, cleaned and disinfected to maintain optimal conditions for use.
Bondi Icebergs stands out among ocean pools as the go-to spot for water activities, from thrills of tobogganing down its toboggan slide to more tranquil activities such as floating in an inner tube – it offers something fun for people of all ages to do and experience!
Nielsen Park Pool in Vaucluse is another family favorite and provides weekly free aqua aerobic classes and swimming lessons, along with its deep end for adults to practice their strokes or children to splash around and splash around themselves.
Prince Alfred Park Pool in Surry Hills provides inner city dwellers who don’t have easy access to beaches with an oasis of summer, complete with buttercup yellow sun umbrellas and lush lawns dotted with swimmers. When upgraded in 2014, these pools received two national architecture awards – making the 50 metre pool the ideal jumping-right-in temperature!
Cook + Phillip Park Pool can be found tucked away in Woolloomooloo Bay near Royal Botanic Gardens and Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is situated north of the CBD – all are open year-round to visitors.
If you prefer unchlorinated pools that still offer refreshing swimming experience, Fredom Pools mini pools might just be what you’re looking for. Ideal for residential installations in small outdoor spaces.
Subscribers only may read this article in full. To do so, log in or purchase a subscription and read it online or download as PDF form – subscriber can also access all archived issues here – alternatively read The Sydney Morning Herald online here.