Sydney Pools
The Sydney harbour bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach might be the city’s most iconic landmarks, but its many ocean pools are arguably just as important. The city is believed to have more of these tidal pools than any other city in the world, and many have been around for decades. Whether you’re looking for a spot to take a dip or simply a great place to relax, they’re well worth checking out.
The most comprehensive online resource seems to be a dissertation written by Dr Marie-Louise McDermott, who defines an ocean pool as “a public, man-made, seawater swimming hole that is situated on a surf coast and so can be flooded at high tide.” McDermott also maintains a Flickr account with tons of photos.
It’s easy to understand why these places are so beloved: They have a certain charm that other swimming holes can’t match, including the sense of history and community attached to them. They’re often in scenic spots with views of the water, which is even more attractive. They can be chilly and a little rough at times, but there’s something about the water that makes people feel comfortable. Maybe it’s from the time they spent in utero, but whatever the case may be, there’s no doubt that a good swim can decompress and relieve stress.
One of the more recognizable ocean pools is Bondi Icebergs, which has been around for 100 years and is considered a Sydney institution. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while you look out at the stunning views. It’s also the only pool that is a member’s only club, so it can get pretty packed on weekends.
If you’re looking for a more secluded place to swim, check out the MacCallum pool in Cremorne Point. It’s the smallest and quaintest of all of the harbor-side pools, built in the 1920s by a local philanthropist. Patrons originally paid five shillings a year for membership badges that they sewed to their bathing suits, and the money went toward upkeep. Today, it’s free to enter.
There’s nothing wrong with taking a swim in a council pool, as long as you follow a few rules. When the Herald tested two council pools, the old-school Victoria Park Pool and the new-school Parramatta Aquatic Centre, both recorded ENT (enterococcus faecalis) readings of zero, which means they’re bacteria-free.
If you don’t have a private pool to use, a website called Swimply (essentially the Airbnb for pools) connects pool-less Sydneysiders with owners who are willing to rent their pools. You can usually find a pool to rent for between $30-$90 per hour.