With its beautiful beaches and gorgeous public pools, Sydney is a swim lover’s paradise. The city is home to some of Australia’s most stunning ocean and harbour pools, and they’re a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking to take a calm respite from the city in winter or beat the summer heat, Sydney’s pool culture is a must-see.

Ocean Pools

One of Sydney’s lesser-known secrets is its collection of ocean pools. Ocean pools are man-made, public seawater pools situated on a surf coast, so waves can wash over them. They’re a key part of the Sydney’s swim culture and are popular for both fitness swimmers and winter swim clubs. Some have been around for over a century, and they’re also a great option for people who don’t feel comfortable swimming at a regular beach.

The iconic Bondi Icebergs, for instance, is a bright-white lap pool that’s a year-round favourite for Instagrammers and swimmers alike. It’s located at the end of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, and it’s a popular place for tourists and locals to stretch out and soak up the sun. It can get crowded in summer, but if you’re able to visit on a weekday morning between 7 and 8:30, you might just have the pool all to yourself.

There are plenty of other spectacular, historic ocean pools in the area too. The triangular-shaped Fairy Bower Pool on Marine Parade is enticingly calm and clear compared to the crashing waves of nearby Manly Beach, while MacCallum Pool on Cremorne Point was built in the 1920s above the high water mark and has stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The pool is small and narrow (just two lanes wide), so it’s not ideal for swimming laps, but the location makes it a special spot to chill out after your swim.

Swimming is a great form of exercise that doesn’t put stress on your joints. Unlike other types of cardio, such as running and jogging, swimming is low-impact, meaning it’s easier on your knees, back, hips, and ankles. This can be especially helpful for older adults and people with a range of health conditions, such as arthritis, who may not be able to exercise on land.

The City of Sydney boasts world-class aquatic facilities, and we offer programs that encourage kids and adults to enjoy the water. These include intensive swimming courses for kids that run for 6-8 days and provide focused training. The programs allow students to practice daily, which helps reinforce their skills and build muscle memory. They’re also an excellent way to improve your child’s confidence in the water. In addition, children who learn to swim at a young age are more likely to swim independently later in life. That’s why we believe that swimming is an essential skill for every child.