Located on the east coast of Australia, Sydney has some of the most stunning public pools in the country.
These public pools in Sydney offer calm, peaceful respite in winter, and are the perfect place to be during the heat of summer. If you’re a local, get in early and make one your go-to. If you’re a visitor, make sure to plan a trip to these gorgeous public pools in Sydney as soon as you can.
Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens with the sparkling Andrew Boy Charlton Pool. © Ethan Rohloff for Destination NSW
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool on Sydney Harbour
Overlooking the wharves of Woolloomooloo (yes, this trendy suburb really does have that many double oos!), this salt water Olympic-sized pool is set along the edge of The Domain’s 34 hectares of parkland. The Domain is also a popular spot for large-scale outdoor events such as Opera in the Domain in January, and Carols by Candlelight every year in December.
Whether you’re there for a serious workout or just to relax with your toes in the water, at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool you’ll be welcome to lap up the stunning views and friendly atmosphere all throughout the season. You might even catch an alfresco yoga session! The pool closes during winter and opens on September 1, 2022.
Stay at the Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar in Surry Hills and have great experiences like this on your doorstep. Make yourself at home in one of the 38 guestrooms, featuring kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers.
This 4-star hotel is a 15-minute walk from beautiful Hyde Park (Sydney’s oldest park), Sydney Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building (known by locals as the QVB) where you will find some of best shopping, cafes and restaurants in Sydney. A short stroll will also have you in Pitt Street Mall, which is bursting at the seams with high-end shopping and entertainment venues such as the stunning State Theatre.
Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain. © Destination NSW
Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain
One of the most iconic public pools in Sydney, the Dawn Fraser Baths are incredibly popular during the summer season but there’s plenty of room to spread out. These historic baths make up the oldest harbour pool in the Southern Hemisphere, built all the way back in the 1880s when Australia’s first ever swimming and water polo clubs were born. Today, you can still see the Victorian wooden pavilions surrounding the pool in their striking white and green colours.
Stay nearby at the Best Western Plus Camperdown Suites and experience the best that this trendy inner west suburb has to offer. This cool Inner West hotel is located a 10-minute stroll to the buzzing restaurants, bars cafes and vibrant nightlife of Newtown, and guests can also enjoy meals and facilities at Deus Cafe and Newtown Hotel for a discounted price.
Early morning swim at Bondi Icebergs. © Destination NSW
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi
There’s no way we could leave this one off the list. It is, after all, the world’s most famous ocean pool. Bondi Icebergs is perched on the edge of Sydney’s iconic Bondi headland, and most visitors come here just to snap a pic of the idyllic surrounds, but we reckon you should go the extra mile and take a dip. The pool was built back in 1929 and has had a die-hard local following since its inception. It’s not just a pool however, it is an entire complex complete with daily casual bistro dining from 11am, offering indoor and outdoor seating, all with panoramic views of Bondi Beach and the historic Icebergs pool.
Ocean pool at Sydney’s northernmost beach. © Destination NSW
Palm Beach Rock Pool, Palm Beach
Right on the northern cusp of Sydney, Palm Beach is an über popular weekend spot among locals but it’s not uncommon for people to travel great distances to sun themselves on the shores of this picturesque beach. Palm Beach Rockpool offers views across to the Central Coast and is overlooked by Barrenjoey Headland. If you really want to earn your refreshing dip, take on one of the hiking trails that leads up to the lighthouse – the views are unbeatable.
Hidden leafy entrance to Wylies Baths, Coogee. © Destination NSW
Wylie’s Baths, Coogee
Wylie’s Baths is another local favourite on famous Coogee Beach (before you embarrass yourself, Coogee is pronounced Couldgee) with a raised deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and nearby Wedding Cake island. The baths are noted for holding the first Australian Swimming Championships and for being one of the first swimming baths for mixed gender swimming in Australia. This tidal pool is the perfect spot to soak up some rays on a sunny day and it’s the perfect spot to surfers doing their thing. There’s also an on-site kiosk where you can grab a coffee and a hot muffin, and there are regular yoga classes held here if that’s your thing. While in the area you could dry off and do the Coogee to Bondi walk, which takes about an hour and a half (at an amble) and offers stunning views from every twist and turn.
Shelly Beach Ocean Baths in Cronulla. © Destination NSW
North and South Cronulla
In Sydney’s south, you’ll find plenty of options lining the beaches of Cronulla. Younger swimmers might enjoy a visit to the small, shallow Cronulla North Rock Pool while lap swimmers can head across to South Cronulla where an 8-lane, 50-metre lap pool provides the perfect place for a good workout. The further along Cronulla’s gorgeous coastal walk to go, the more ocean baths you’ll find – and they truly are some of the most stunning public pools in Sydney, so be sure to visit more than just one.
Sun rising over Maccallum Seawater Pool at Cremorne Point with view of Sydney harbour. © Destination NSW.
MacCallum Pool
Head north over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and into leafy, well-to-do Neutral Bay, Mosman and Cremorne, and on one of the most stunning harbour walks in the world through Cremorne Reserve, you’ll find before MacCallum Pool. A peaceful ocean pool just before Cremorne Point, it has jaw-dropping views over Sydney Harbour to Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. This unique 33 metre pool was originally created by local residents as a safe harbourside swimming spot, and its current architectural style dates from the 1920s. It is still very much a local’s spot, and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with dogs on leads welcome around the entire area.
Aerial view of Mahon Pool, Maroubra. © Destination NSW.
Mahon Pool
Another eastern suburbs favourite is Mahon Pool in Maroubra. Take the steep steps down the rugged cliffs from the car park and be rewarded by a spectacular view of rock outcrops, the azure pool and the ocean. There is a toilet block, showers and change rooms on the cliff overlooking the pool. Nab a spot on the rocks to lay out your towel and enjoy!
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. © Destination NSW.
Murray Rose Pool
Murray Rose Pool (or Redleaf to the locals) is a beautiful swimming spot only ten minutes from the CBD. With steep stairs leading down to the water, it feels like a hidden gem. Stroll around the boardwalk, or bask on one of the two floating pontoons. There is a kiosk for coffee and brunch, and the nearby Woollahra Gallery to check out. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day in Sydney – and with such beautiful views and a relaxed vibe, you may end up staying longer than you planned!
Stay at the boutique hotel Aiden by Best Western, and you’ll not only have Darling Harbour at your fingertips, it’s also within easy reach of public transport giving you a great jumping off point to explore the city and all these fabulous pools and baths. One of the most recent offerings from Best Western, it is a fantastic fusion of convenience and style under the one roof, with 88 luxe and compact accommodation rooms, one-of-a-kind hand-painted murals and a combined lobby, cafe and bar, encased in a beautifully remodelled 1930s Art Deco building.
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