sdy pools

Sydney has a little-known secret: it’s home to more ocean pools than any other city in the world. The iconic swim spots, situated on a surf coast where waves wash over the sides, are loved by locals and visitors alike. They also serve as an enduring reminder of the city’s maritime past, which was so heavily influenced by the water.

With one of the city’s most famous pools currently undergoing a controversial upgrade, Gary Nunn revisits how Australia’s pool culture came about.

The first ocean pool was built in 1882, and has since become a city icon with a reputation for being an ideal swimming location. Designed by Charles Bonnet, it is an example of the early Victorian architecture that was popular for public buildings in Sydney at the time, and has since been listed as a heritage-listed site. Today, the pool is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers and offers views of the city skyline and Opera House.

There are plenty of other ocean pools in Sydney, with most located near beaches and coastal walks. The Mahon Pool in Maroubra, for instance, is set among exposed rock platforms with spectacular views and a sense of seclusion. The pool’s staircases are steep, but the water is safe for all ages and abilities.

Another of the city’s most beloved pools is the Murray Rose Pool in Double Bay, which offers swimmers a safe harbourside tidal enclosure. The pool is surrounded by cliffs and provides a beautiful spot for a stroll, with the added bonus of being able to swim in the harbour at low tide.

At Balmain’s Elkington Park Baths, the corrugated iron and painted cream and green pavilion tucked below the sandstone cliffs is an example of the classic Victorian style. The pool was named after Olympic champion Chris Bowden, who lived nearby and learnt to swim there as a child. The pool is a great place for a family swim, as it has shallow waters and a lifeguard on duty.

With its high cost, the North Sydney Pool’s renovation has raised questions about whether it will be financially viable, especially given that the council faces elections in September. Baker’s recriminations aside, she believes the pool will need to be shared beyond swimming carnivals to recoup its huge bill. For instance, charging fashion week shows and production companies – which are outside the pool’s usual remit – could help to cover costs.