It’s no secret Sydney and greater NSW are home to some of the country’s most stunning outdoor pools. While all are perfect for a casual dip, not all are fit for lap swimmers. We’ve found the best outdoor lap pools for those who take swimming seriously. Let’s dive in.
This scenically situated 50m, eight-lane pool at the northern reaches of Freshwater Beach is one of Sydney’s best rock pools for serious swimmers. There’s public bathrooms and change rooms nearby, as well as a kiosk at the surf club for after-swim sustenance. northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
This one needs no introduction. Sydney’s (and arguably Australia’s) most famous pool is the perfect spot for some morning laps. Get in early to beat the crowds, because it does get busy. The pool is open from 6am on weekdays and 6.30am on weekends. icebergs.com.au
On the western side of Cremorne Point sits Maccallum Pool. This 33m, seawater pool is surrounded by a wooden deck – perfect to lounge on, post swim – and boasts stunning views of Sydney Harbour. It’s free to use, but heads up the weekends do get busy. northsydney.nsw.gov.au
A heritage-listed, tidal saltwater pool in Balmain, Dawn Fraser Baths is a must for lap swimmers. It is 50m long and conveniently has facilities like change rooms, solar-powered hot water showers, and a kiosk for those who have worked up an appetite. innerwest.nsw.gov.au
This 25m, four-lane, saltwater pool is perfect for lap swimmers and mainly reserved for them. With the beach just steps from the pool, those looking to splash around or leisurely float about tend to opt for the ocean rather than the pool so you won’t get held up in the lanes. randwick.nsw.gov.au
Mere metres from Central Station, this 50m outdoor, heated pool is perennially popular with office workers fitting in a few laps. A toddler splash pad and sloped lawn dotted with cheery yellow umbrellas makes it a welcome respite for urban families, too, with a popular learn-to-swim program. princealfred.org
Tucked away just outside the botanic gardens, this harbourfront pool juts out over Woolloomooloo Bay in the eyeline of the hulking ships docked at the naval base. With eight lap lanes, the heated, saltwater pool is ideal for getting in a couple of kms, with a sun-lit deck and an open-air cafe for unwinding afterwards. The season runs until 30 April, with the pool shutting through winter until 1 September each year. cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
An impressive new addition to the City of Sydney’s public pools, this health hub in Green Square boasts four pools – indoors, a 25m lap pool, accessible hydrotherapy pool and splash pool; and outdoors a heated 50m lap pool surrounded by a larger, irregular pool with a shallow lagoon area. The impressive aqua play area and crèche makes the facility a favourite with families. gunyamapark.com.au
Fun fact: Merewether Ocean Baths are the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere, measuring 50x100m. They are free to use and are 10 lanes wide, leaving room for serious lap swimmers and those who want to go at their own pace. newcastle.nsw.gov.au
A perfect spot for families and swimmers of all abilities, Continental Pool has a 50m and 45m pool, as well as a toddlers pool. Parents can take turns swimming laps, while the tots have a splash. The saltwater pool is unaffected by the tides, so conditions are always perfect for a dip. Changerooms, bathrooms, showers and free Wi-Fi make up the list of handy facilities on site. wollongong.nsw.gov.au
When lap swimmers are taking a breather at either end of this 50m, tidal, saltwater pool they can take in sweeping views of Corrimal Beach (northwards) or Wollongong Beach, at the other end. Bliss. wollongong.nsw.gov.au
A two-hour drive and a South Coast gem, this Olympic-size, 50m swimming pool boasts eight laps, which means on busy days it doesn’t feel overcrowded. The saltwater pool is accompanied by a long-list of facilities like BBQs, showers, change rooms and a shaded children’s pool, making it the perfect place to spend a summer’s day. shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
This duo of ocean pools sitting at the southern end of Austinmer Beach is one of the ’Gong’s most popular swim spots. The longer, narrower pool is preferred by lap swimmers, and is a bit deeper than its squatter counterpart. Change facilities and showers are found in the historic pavilion overlooking the pools. Keep an eye on storm surges, as things can get choppy. wollongong.nsw.gov.au Please note: Some outdoor pools are affected by the weather and tide. Check relevant websites for whether a pool is open and safe to swim in.
