The Best Sydney Pools & Baths In Each Part Of The City

Nestled on the edge of the city’s coastline and harbour are a beloved collection of Sydney pools and baths that have been enjoyed by casual bathers for generations.

Cut into the base of cliffs and rocks at the edge of nearly all of Sydney’s beaches are the city’s unique rock pools. There are 30 between Palm Beach and Cronulla and together with over 40 harbour pools, make Sydney a Mecca for swimming.

Construction of the pools began in the late 19th Century, partly to protect swimmers from drowning and shark attacks, but many were also a conciliatory gesture by councils because swimming at beaches in daylight hours was illegal until 1903 and landowners didn’t want swimmers on beaches near their properties. Many more were built by unemployed labour during the depression and have been classified by the National Trust.

Although they may belong to a different era, most are free of charge, have changing and shower facilities and are well-maintained. Swimmers are rediscovering their charm.

In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

Bronte Baths

Nestled into the side of the southern headland at Bronte Beach, the Bronte Baths attract everything from lap swimming grandmothers in floral bathing caps to skylarking adolescents and families. Alick Wickham, a Solomon Islander, astonished onlookers when he performed a “crawl" stroke there in 1901 – which later became freestyle.

Built in 1887, the pool is easily accessed via the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and is always open, except during rough surf conditions. There’s a five-lane lap-swimming area with a maximum water depth of one to two metres and change rooms are available between 8:30am to 6pm.

Location: Calga Place, Bronte
Opening hours: always open
Entrance fee: free

Bondi Icebergs

Built in 1887 at the southern end of Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi Icebergs comprises a 50-metre eight-lane Olympic-sized pool and a shallow 20-metre pool suitable for children. It’s also home to four amateur swimming clubs, the most notable being the Bondi Icebergs where full membership can only be attained by swimming three out of four Sundays every month from May to September for five years.

“We are the Bondi Icebergs, The toughest men they breed, Happy and contented, Cold water’s all we need, We’re not soaks or crooners, We just sing as we drink our beer, So bring out all your schooners, ‘cause the ‘Bergs are here." – Icebergs Anthem, written by Joe Wallace, 1940

Location: 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach
Opening hours: Mon to Wed & Friday 6am to 6:30pm, closed Thursdays, Sat to Sun 6:30am to 6:30pm
Entrance fee: Adult $9, Child (12 years & under) $6, Seniors $6, Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) $25

Wylie’s Baths, Coogee

Established by Henry Wylie, a champion long distance and underwater swimmer in 1907, Wylie’s Baths underwent extensive restoration in 1995-97 and was heritage-listed in 2003. Swimming there is like being in an aquarium; the walls and floor are covered in lichen and seaweed, and lap swimmers disturb schools of tiny colourful fish. The constant intrusion of white water at high tide is a challenge, as the pool merges so completely with the ocean it’s like swimming in a washing machine on spin cycle.

The heritage-listed Wylie’s Baths in Coogee. (Image: Ian Lever)

Location: 48 Neptune Street, Coogee
Opening times: Mon to Sun 7am–7pm (October to April) & Mon to Sun 7am–5pm (April to September)
Entrance fee: Adult $6, kids $3

McIvor’s Ladies Baths, Coogee

Just a stone’s throw from Wylie’s are McIvor’s Ladies Baths, dug into the existing rock shelf at the southern end of Coogee Beach. Built in 1876 and later operated by the McIvor family from 1901 to 1922 until the Randwick Ladies Amateur Swimming Club was formed and took over the lease. It’s been a women-and-children-only pool for almost 95 years, the only one of its kind in Australia with an exemption under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act. The pool is short (just 20 metres) and the steep decline means it’s not easily accessible for everyone. But it’s a haven for many women who seek privacy while bathing.

Location: 145-149R Beach St, Coogee
Opening times: Monday to Sunday 7am to 7pm
Entrance fees: drop $2 in the bucket as you enter

Mahon Pool, Maroubra

Most rock and beach pools are situated to offer some protection from the sou’westerleys, but not Mahon; built in 1932, the 33-yard pool sits on a rock platform overlooking Lurline Bay and has been dubbed the “impossible" pool because it’s at the mercy of the waves which crash into it at high tide and can carry swimmers off course. The Sydney Swans regularly use the pool for recovery sessions.

Location: Marine Parade, Maroubra
Opening times: always open
Entrance fee: free

In Sydney Harbour

Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain

The Victorian elegance of this corrugated iron and painted cream and green wooden pavilion tucked below Balmain’s sandstone cliffs makes it unique among Sydney’s harbour pools. Built in 1883, they were formerly called Elkington Park Baths but were renamed in honour of the Olympic champ, who lived nearby and learnt to swim there.

It is the oldest harbour pool in the southern hemisphere and was the home of Australia’s first swimming and water polo clubs. There’s a pontoon of diving blocks at one end which allows 50-metre laps. The heritage-listed pool reopened in September 2021 after an $8 million heritage refurbishment that included water polo lights, new boardwalks, solar panels and engineering works to lay new foundations and to raise the decking floor to combat the effect of rising sea levels.

The heritage-listed Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain is beloved for its Victorian elegance. (Image: Destination NSW)

Location: Elkington Park, Fitzroy Ave, Balmain
Opening times: Every day 7:15am-6:30pm
Entrance fee: Adult (17+) $6.90, child (5-16) $4.10, child under 5 free, senior $3.70, family of four (max two adults) $15.10. No booking required but time limit of one hour applies under current restrictions

MacCallum Pool, Cremorne

Located on the western side of Cremorne Point on Sydney’s North Shore with stunning views taking in the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, MacCallum Pool was originally a rock pool created by residents as a safe harbour swimming hole, then reconstructed in the 1920s above the high water mark. Although the historic 33-metre pool is small and narrow (just two lanes wide) it’s long enough for laps and is ringed by a wooden boardwalk with plenty of shaded spots to take in the sights of the harbour after a dip.

Location: Behind 24 Milson Rd, Cremorne Point
Opening times: always open
Entrance fee: free

Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo

For the first time in 50 years, a new harbour swimming spot has opened up on the west side of the Harbour Bridge. Marrinawi Cove , in one of Sydney’s hottest precincts Barangaroo, offers up gentle and clear waters and is surrounded by large rock steps on which swimmers can sit and sunbake.

Its proximity to the CBD is handy, yet the cove itself is surrounded by grass and trees with a great view across the harbour. The opening of Marrinawi Cove is thanks to clean-up efforts around this section of the harbour. Now, the site is clean and approved for swimming, with safety nets, signage and a shower all installed.

Location: Barangaroo Point Reserve, Barangaroo
Opening times: always open
Entrance fee: free

On Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Fairy Bower, Manly

Reached from the promenade linking Manly and Shelly beaches on the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this small but well-maintained pool hasn’t changed hugely since it was built by local residents in 1929. It’s a roughly triangular shape, with its longest side – about 30 metres – adjoining the promenade. Note the Sea Nymphs sculpture that sits on the pool’s outer edge and continue around to the next headland to find the 50-metre Freshwater Rock Pool, which opened in 1925 and was the first ocean pool built on the North Shore.

Location: 5B Marine Parade, Manly
Opening times: always open
Entrance fee: free

North Narrabeen Rock Pool

Built during the depression, North Narrabeen is large by rock pool standards, but a 50-metre eight-lane swimming area has been sectioned off with a timber boardwalk in the southwest corner and there is also a wading pool for children. The sandy bottom means there are no lines to follow for laps. There are showers by the cliff on the poolside and changing rooms and toilets nearby. The pool is home to three amateur swimming clubs and also has a free learn-to-swim summer program for anyone aged six to 70.

Location: Narrabeen Park Parade, North Narrabeen
Opening times: always open
Entrance fee: free

Palm Beach Rock Pool

Located at the southern end of Palm Beach with sweeping views back to Barrenjoey Headland and its famous sandstone lighthouse and up towards the Central Coast, Palm Beach rock pool is just the right length, 50 metres, and has an amenities block. It’s a favourite training place for participants in the annual Palm Beach to Whale Beach swim.

Location: 1 Rock Bath Rd, Palm Beach
Opening times: always open
Entrance fee: free

Discover the best things to do in Sydney

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The best outdoor swimming pools and baths in Sydney