North Sydney Olympic Pool has thrown open its doors, ending the long wait for one of Sydney’s most photographed stretches of water.
The harbour-side North Sydney Olympic Pool, which first opened on 4 April 1936, welcomed swimmers back on 8 August, with extended opening weekend hours. It has now moved to standard hours: 5.30am to 9.30pm on weekdays, 7am to 7pm on weekends, and 8am to 5.30pm on public holidays. Pools close 30 minutes before the facility does.
A pool with a serious record collection
The views are hard to beat.
If the venue feels like hallowed ground, that’s because it is. 86 world records have been broken in the Olympic Pool, including Shane Gould’s famous 100-metre freestyle swim in January 1972, which toppled Dawn Fraser’s long-standing world record. Fraser herself swam here, as did Murray Rose, Frank O’Neill, Michelle Ford, Jon and Isla Konrads and Lorraine Crapp. The site hosted the fourth British Empire Games – now the Commonwealth Games – in February 1938.
It remains the only surviving example in Australia of a harbour-side Olympic pool built in the neo-classical style of the 1930s, and is heritage listed.
What’s new
Focus on all the little details.
86 world records have been broken here.
The gym covers about 500 square metres.
Quite a lot. The refurbished outdoor 50-metre program pool now has a boom that splits it into halves or quarters, so carnivals, squads, lap swimmers and birthday parties can all run at once. Indoors there are two more pools – a 25-metre lap pool and a program pool – plus a spa, sauna and steam room.
Families get a children’s outdoor splash pad and a creche with indoor and outdoor play spaces, catering for children from eight weeks to six years at $7 per hour.
The gym has moved to Level 2, covering roughly 500 square metres with floor-to-ceiling views of the harbour, bridge and CBD. It’s kitted out with 42 cardio machines, 21 pin-loaded resistance machines and 92 pieces of free-weight equipment. The old Lane 9 gym space has been converted into a group fitness studio, and a new Reformer Pilates studio on Level 1 houses 12 beds.
Then there’s the cafe serving Campos coffee, a gelato bar on Level 2, and an upgraded sun deck with astro turf and new sun lounges.
A temporary animated artwork, Whale Dreaming by Saltwater Elder Uncle Bryce Moran, is on display against the downstairs living sandstone wall. Described as a Dreamtime story of the Cammeraygal Nation told through the whale’s journey to the Headland and north for mating season, the painting was animated by First Nations creative consultation company Dark Lightning, with cultural consultation from Auntie Jeanie Moran. A permanent commissioned work is expected to be announced in early September, with installation late this year.
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The old bones are still there
The North Sydney Olympic Pool still has its heritage charm.
Four heritage walls and structures remain, including the Eastern Stair Tower and the Southern Heritage Wall with its restored neoclassical stucco motifs. Original 1930s bricks were salvaged and reused where possible, with replacements hand-painted to match. Look out for the brass frogs scattered through the facility – a nod to the original frog motifs on the heritage walls – and the children’s pool sign, recreated as an exact replica from a plaster cast of the original.
Details
North Sydney Olympic Pool first opened in 1936.
Casual entry is $11 for adults, $8.80 for children and $8.25 for concession.
Weekly memberships start at $37 for a Legends adult membership, with Legends Plus at $65 including unlimited Reformer Pilates and hybrid run club.
Learn to Swim lessons start at $24 and squads from $42.50.
Cafe-only visitors can wander in free of charge, provided they’re not dressed for swimming or carrying a swim bag.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
