While the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are more well-known, the city has a lesser-known secret: It has more ocean pools than any other city in the world. These secluded swimming spots – usually rocky areas with a deep section where swimmers can do laps without being swept out to sea – are perfect for those who want to swim in the water but don’t feel comfortable on the surf’s edge or are concerned about shark attacks. They also provide a sheltered space to swim when strong southerlies sweep in, making it ideal for families with young children.

In her book, All Into Ocean Pools, the author Marie-Louise McDermott writes that the pools came about because “people wanted to do regular swimming in clean freshwater that was easy to access at predictable times unaffected by tides and waves.” Designed by men’s and women’s amateur swimmers’ clubs in the late 19th century, they were “an important addition to coastal recreation for those with no access to safe ocean swims,” she says.

Today, the pools are still popular. But in an era of tighter council budgets, some are closing their doors and cutting swimming lessons. Royal Life Saving Australia says the move could push children to dangerous rivers and lakes where they are more likely to drown – more than 200 people have died in NSW’s lakes and rivers over the past five years. “If there is a pool nearby, we should be encouraging people to use it,” the association’s general manager for capability and industry says.

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, here are some of the best sidney pools to check out:

Icebergs Pool, Bondi Beach

With a history stretching back 100 years and its iconic views, there’s no place like Icebergs to watch the sun come up over Sydney’s iconic beach. The pool itself isn’t the biggest, but it’s one of the most popular in the city because of its atmosphere and history. Whether you’re soaking up some rays on the deck or imagining yourself in a summery coming-of-age film, it’s a must-see attraction.