As sweltering summer temperatures soar across Sydney, many residents and tourists are turning to the ocean pools for relief. Located along the city’s coastline and harbour’s edge, these spectacular tidal swimming spots offer safe, salty and refreshing swims and are often a great deal less crowded than a hectic stretch of sand. The iconic Bondi Icebergs pool, for example, has become an Instagram favourite all year round — and it’s only a short walk down the cliff to Bondi Beach.
The rocky coves of Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, also offer spectacular tidal swimming spots. The Fairy Bower Pool is a beautiful spot to dip your toes in the sea, while a short stroll through Jack Vanny Reserve leads to the stunning Mahon Pool, set among exposed rock outcrops with spectacular views and a sense of seclusion. The pool is accessible via a coastal walking track from a car park at the base of Marine Parade.
Bronte Baths is another popular pool on Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The small ocean lap pool is tucked into the south headland of the beach and offers safer swimming than the riptide-torn surf. Bronte Baths is free to use, and a row of cute cafes serve up traditional Australian breakfasts for those wanting to take a rest from a morning swim.
Just north of Double Bay, the tidal pool at Murray Rose (formerly Redleaf Beach) provides swimmers with a safe harbourside tidal enclosure, with a wraparound pontoon to allow for more sunbathing space. It’s a great location for children to safely swim, and there are plenty of shaded seating areas for parents and families.
It was at the same pool, referred to by locals as ‘the wonder pool’, that 10-year-old Murray Rose whipped the boys in the NSW Under-12 110 and 440 yards freestyle titles in 1938. It would be the first of 86 world records Rose would go on to claim at the inner-city pool, which was built as Australia emerged from depression and just two years before the city hosted the 1938 Commonwealth Games.
The North Sydney Olympic Pool is currently closed for renovations, with completion estimated to be late 2024 or early 2025. However, its spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and Luna Park make it an ideal venue for weddings and other events.
Tink Baker, who lives nearby, says she is concerned about the redevelopment’s impact on the pool’s heritage values. She believes the $10 million grant, which she calls a “windfall”, shifted the project up a gear, and muddied what could have been a straightforward renovation of an historic asset.
The sdy pool debate highlights a growing movement within Sydney councils to lower the cost of pool entry for local residents. Almost 30 councillors from Greens and independents across the city and Lane Cove are moving motions at this week’s meetings, calling for the pool fee to be cut by up to 50%. They join more than 40 other Australian local councils that have already reduced pool entry fees to attract visitors and boost revenue.