At the risk of sounding trite, Sydney is a city best observed from the water. But for those among us who have a hate-hate relationship with sand, a dip in the ocean is not always the peaceful experience it is sold to be. That's why we're bringing you our favourite pools to lounge by when the city brings the heat. When you don't feel like bobbing in the waves, and would rather do laps in (or lounge by, we're not judging) the pool, there are more than a few picturesque spots dotted across the city to choose from.
Below, nine of our favourite outdoor pools Sydney has to offer.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, Sydney
View this post on Instagram
After a year-long closure, the Andrew Boy Charlton pool officially reopened its doors on September 1, with a season of harbourside swims upon us. The 50m saltwater pool is a favourite for pre- and post-work laps, thanks to its convenient inner-city location. On the weekend, you'll also find plenty of Sydney-siders lounging poolside, watching the sun glint on the harbour, boats drift past, and the Royal Botanic Gardens at your back. Post-swim, you can head upstairs to the open-air café for a flat white and poached eggs with a side of impeccable views.
Bondi Icebergs Pool, Bondi Beach
View this post on Instagram
No list of Sydney pools would be complete without this one. Bondi Icebergs is as much a visual icon as it is a swimming spot — a bright blue lap pool carved into the rock at the southern end of Bondi Beach. On a stormy day, waves crash over the edge and wash into the lanes. There’s also a sauna and gym, and a bar upstairs, for when you’d rather bask in the views than swim.
MacCallum Pool, Cremorne Point
View this post on Instagram
This harbourside swimming spot is a little more low key. A timber deck wraps around the pool (which is filled with sea water, not chlorine), and there are postcard views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in the distance. Originally built in the 1920s by local residents, MacCallum Pool still feels like a locals-only secret — although be warned, it gets busy on a hot day.
North Sydney Olympic Pool
View this post on Instagram
Sydney has some damn scenic pools, so believe me when I say that North Sydney Olympic Pool takes the cake. Wedged between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Lunar Park, and with a eye-catching Art Deco harbour wall, we wouldn't blame you for forgetting what lap number you're up to with these landmarks towering above. In February 2021, the pool closed for a much needed facelift expected to take two years. Catch you on the other side.
Wylie's Baths
View this post on Instagram
Propped up along the rocky outskirts of Coogee Beach awaits heritage-listed Wylie's Baths, an oceanside pool that feels like something out of a Charles Meere painting. Get comfy up the top level or sunbathe down the bottom. For those who have boycotted the McIver's Ladies Baths after its then-management openly discriminated against trans patrons, Wylie's serves as a far more inviting alternative a short walk further along the coast. That being said, The Star Observer has reported that McIver's Ladies Baths is under new management, who have restored the pools to a safe haven for all women.
Dawn Fraser Baths
View this post on Instagram
Dawn Fraser Baths, how we've missed you! After closing for refurbishment in 2019, we were all forced to take a breather from what is my personal favourite non-beach swimming spot in Sydney. Facing Cockatoo Island and the harbour with Balmain's Elkington Park as its neighbour, the Dawn Fraser Baths are the oldest existing public pools in the southern hemisphere. It has a shark net so you can swim safe knowing that you're protected from any flotsam or flounder in the vicinity and better yet, it has a canteen serving neon yellow hot chips. A true delight.
Karloo Pools
View this post on Instagram
Sometimes paying for a ticket to look out onto a concrete cityscape is not the vibe. It's moments like these when the only thing to do is pack some snacks, throw on some walking shoes and drive out to Heathcote, where, at the end of a short (and honestly, beautiful) walking track through bush sits Karloo Pools. Fresh water naturally pools in this rocky swimming spot, which is an oasis on a hot summer's day. Go during the week to have it to yourself, or make the journey on the weekend if swimming alone in natural swimmings spots gives you the creeps.
Prince Alfred Park Pool
View this post on Instagram
Not feeling up to braving the crowds at the Eastern beachside baths, nor are you ready to aggressively search for a car park for 45 minutes? Save yourself the headache and flock to Prince Alfred Park Pool instead. It's comfortable, it's clean and it's easy to while away the hours sun-safe under one of those cheerful yellow parasols.
Bronte Baths
View this post on Instagram
Bondi Icebergs may have the rep, but if you're not in the mood to navigate all that intense energy, then hop two beaches over to Bronte where you'll find the same dreamy seascapes at a more welcoming pace. Swim laps in the baths, get sprayed with ocean fizz, or simply read on the sandstone overhang, dipping in and out as you please.
Hit the sand instead with the best Sydney beaches according to the RUSSH editors.
Feature images: Dmitry Osipenko via Unsplash, and Clarinta via Unsplash.
