The outdoor swimming movement is a big thing in Australia. There are no shortage of outdoor pools and rock pools in Sydney to choose from. Almost all of Sydney’s main beaches have a rock pool. Some of the outdoor pools are called baths because historically they were actually used for bathing in the past. Then, there are some outdoor public pools in Sydney too. We have 10 of them here to tell you about.
Bondi Baths
Bondi is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney and the Bondi Baths are probably the most well-known outdoor pools too. The Bondi Baths are on the southern end of Bondi Beach with a 50 metre lap pool and a kids pool. They are both manned by lifeguards during open hours. The Bondi Baths have a rich history since they were built over 100 years ago. Part of the history includes the Icebergs swim club.
Bronte Beach Rock Pools
Bronte Beach is a short walk south of Bondi, so you can experience both beaches and both pools. Bronte is not as crowded as Bondi is. You can find surfing here as well as the saltwater lap pool and ocean pool which is great for kids or inexperienced swimmers. Bronte Beach’s rock pools are one of the post photographed outdoor rock pools. Getting to Bronte Beach and Coogee Beach from Bondi can be done with one of Australia’s other big holiday pastimes, bushwalking through the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Clovelly Beach Pool
As you continue south on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Clovelly Beach is your next stop. Clovelly is actually a small bay that is very calm. Then there is an ocean pool that is built into the rocks of the headland. It is a great spot for a beachside picnic because there are picnic tables available and a grassy park nearby.
Coogee Beach Pool
Coogee Beach is the last spot on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk and there are outdoor baths here separate from the surf of the beach. The calm waters and surf lifesaving patrols make it a great choice for families. Plus, there are nearby playgrounds, barbecue facilities and a promenade with shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
McIvers Baths - Coogee
McIvers Baths are a historic spot. It has been a women’s bathing spot dating back to 1876. The pools weren’t even built here until 1886 and today, it remains the last women’s and children’s only pool in all of Australia. The McIvers Baths are also unique because the are built of the face of the cliff and rock platform between Coogee Beach and the Wylies Baths. In addition to the baths, McIvers Baths features a brick sunbathing area, changing rooms, an amenities block and a small clubhouse.
Wylies Baths - Coogee
Wylies Baths were built in 1907 by champion long distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie. The baths here are actually considered a tidal pool. The views here are just as great as the swimming, you have a 180 degree panorama of the Pacific Ocean along with the fantastic landscaped Wedding Cake Island. The facilities here include a refreshments kiosk and yoga classes or massages are available.
Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach is near Sydney Harbour on the foreshore so the beaches are enclosed in the harbour side within the parklands of Mosman. It is in walking distance from the Taronga Zoo, so you can combine a day of fun at the zoo and the beach. Balmoral Beach is made up of several sheltered beaches including a netted tidal pool at Little Sirius Cove. There is also a playground and nearby sites to explore including the footbridge and a variety of different beachside cafes and outdoor restaurants.
North Sydney Olympic Pool - Milsons Point
This pool is right under the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge and offers up amazing views of Sydney Harbour. The outdoor pool is heated and has 50 metre long lanes. There is also a 25 metre indoor pool too. Other pool facilities include a gym, sauna, spa and cafe.
Maccallum Poo
The Maccallum Pool is on the western side of Cremorne Point on Sydney Harbour and it is a great sunbathing spot. It was originally built as a rock pool in the 1920’s and was restored and preserved in 1986. You can enjoy amazing views of the iconic Sydney Harbour while swimming and sunbathing here.
Andrew Boy Charlton Pool - The Domain
The Andrew Boy Charlton Pool is known as (ABC) for short. It is on the shores of Woolloomooloo Bay near the Royal Botanic Gardens and offers up some amazing views of Sydney Harbour. It is a great heated saltwater pool where you can swim laps or just relax and socialise. There is a learners pool that is heated and shaded and a Poolside CAfe with terrace seating available.
Summary
It is important to remember your sunscreen year round in Australia. When you are swimming, reapply often. If you are planning an outdoor swimming adventures in Sydney, be sure to check the schedules to see when they are open and when they are being cleaned. Some pools have entrance fees or special events. All of this information can be found online, plus you can see what amenities each pool has so that you can plan your swim outing appropriately.
Posted By jasonhall
Updated : 14th June 2017 | Words : 887 | Views : 3535
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