Sydney Pools – A Little-Known Secret

For a city known for its far-reaching beaches and magical harbour, Sydney is also home to a surprising number of urban public pools. A little-known secret is that the city has more ocean pools (35) than any other in the world.

“Sydney’s big collection of these seawater pools is unique,” says Marie-Louise McDermott, an expert on the swimming spots. She defines them as “man-made public seawater pools situated on a surf coast so that waves can wash over their sides.”

The first hand-built ocean pools were built by convicts. At the time, they were considered a luxury. They were a popular attraction for visitors as well as locals. Today, some of them are used for recreational swimming and others serve as lifeguard stations and bathing platforms. Others are simply abandoned. But some, such as Bronte Baths and Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, are cherished by regulars who use the tidal pools to train and socialise, with sweeping views over the crashing surf to Wedding Cake Island.

Some were created during the Depression era, when councils had access to unemployment relief money. Others, such as Mahon Pool at Maroubra and North Curl Curl Pools, were the brainchild of community improvement associations, which gathered volunteers to build them. Creating these pools was hard work, but a good way for unemployed people to earn a bit of money.

In some cases, the rock pools have been part of a town’s fabric for generations. In Sydney, many of them are considered landmarks. Others are a reminder of the city’s turbulent past, including the riots and sackings that occurred after the first World War. The pool at Manly is an example of how a local community rallied together to build a pool in 1929, which sits alongside Marine Parade near Fairy Bower beach. The pool is framed by sculptor Helen Leete’s ‘Oceanides’, which resemble dancing aquatic spirits and look especially magical when the sun sets over the surf.

Whether you’re looking to swim laps or lounge with a good book, these swimming holes can be a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They’re a great spot to get your Thirsty Merc on and chill out with friends or the family. And of course, a swim is the ultimate workout — you can burn calories and strengthen your muscles in no time.

The pool in the park at Mount Druitt is not only a great place to swim, but it’s also a wonderful place for families to escape from the city and spend some quality time together. You can also visit the nearby café for a bite to eat or go fishing with your kids.

The most important thing is to make sure that you have a safety-first mindset when entering the water, no matter where you choose to take a dip in Sydney. And if you’re not sure about your swimming skills, don’t worry, there are plenty of lessons available to help you get started in the water.