The days are getting shorter but that doesn’t mean the sun doesn’t still shine. Make the most of the blue skies before they start to fade to grey with a swim. Oh come on, with pools like these, the setting alone is enough to take your mind off the chill. Plus haven’t you heard, swimming is a great workout.
For the coolest (but not chilliest!) pools in Sydney, here’s our guide to Sydney’s best swimming pools.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton
Best for: paddling and people watching
Just kidding! Sort of. This stunning eight lane, 50 metre pool perches on the edge of the Botanic Gardens overlooking Woolloomooloo. The deck is a hotspot for sunbathing and schmoozing.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton
1C Mrs Macquaries Road
Olympic Pool North Sydney
Best for: the view
If you’re on the north side of the bridge, make time to duck down to this pool for a swim. In the shadow of the Harbour Bridge and right by the waterside, this pool is a big part of Sydney’s history, as the site of 86 world records. Good inspiration for laps!
Olympic Pool North Sydney
4 Alfred Street South, Milsons Point
Prince Alfred Park Pool
Best for: inner city weekend dips
The bright yellow beach umbrellas and spiffy new facilities of this inner city pool attract the young and old. As do the Sunday morning Aquarobics. Go on, give it a go, why should the oldies have all the fun?!
Prince Alfred Park Pool
105 Chalmers St, Surry Hills
Cook + Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Best for: lunchtime power swims
In the shadow of St Mary’s Cathedral, this pool is great for a speedy lunchtime swim. If you’re super serious you can join a squad. Otherwise we recommend swimming a few laps on your own before hopping in the Hydrotherapy or leisure pools.
Cook + Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre
4 College Street, Sydney
Wylies Baths
Best for: escaping the crowds at the beach
Perched above the main drag and busy beach of Coogee, the Wylies Baths ocean pool is open 365 days of the year. Dating back to 1907 and classified by The National Trust, the baths are a part of local history. They are to this day, one of the best spots for an ocean pool swim.
Wylies Baths, Coogee
Neptune Street, Coogee
All-Access Membership
Feeling inspired? City of Sydney’s new 360 Membership will get you into Andrew (Boy) Charlton, Cook + Phillip, Ian Thorpe, Prince Alfred and Victoria Park Pools so you can pool hop to your heart’s content. The 360 Pro includes entry into all five pools, along with squad training, aqua aerobics and fitness classes in the gyms. The 360 Active option gives you access to the three city locations, Andrew (Boy) Charlton, Prince Alfred Park Pool and Victoria Park Pool, plus squad training and some fitness classes. If you’re after a lighter option, pick 360 Go and get pool-only access.
