Sydney’s iconic opera house and harbour bridge may get all the attention, but a lesser-known claim to fame is that the city has more ocean pools than any other in the world. A quick glance at the sand-dotted coastline will reveal some 40 seawater enclaves, from the infinitely Instagrammed Bondi Icebergs to tucked away pools at the northern beaches. They’re a rarity: public pools built on a surf coast that allow the ocean to wash over their sides. “Sydney’s big collection of ocean pools is really unique,” says Marie-Louise McDermott, an expert on the swim spots who maintains an extensive online resource and a Flickr account.
But they’re also a reminder of the city’s history of swimming in the rough, when swimmers would brave the waves to cool off on summer holidays. As budgets shrink and swimming lessons are cut, many families will be heading to river dams or lakes instead, and Royal Life Saving warns that a single drowning can cost councils multiple years of pool openings.
Anyone who grew up in Sydney in the 1990s begged their parents to take them to Shelly Park Beach and swim at its saltwater pool. Whether you just want to dunk your head in, do a few laps or hang out with the family in the sun, it’s a beautiful spot to relax.
The pool is also where you’ll find the best spot to watch dolphins in the city, but the aquatic show isn’t its only draw. The pool offers a full range of facilities from a waterslide to a whirlpool and is the perfect place for a day out with the kids.
Located at the end of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, the baths are a beautiful way to start or finish your day on the beach. Float lazily in the water and soak up the rays, or sit on the rocks and enjoy one of Sydney’s most picturesque beachside parks. It’s a great spot for dog lovers, too, as dogs are allowed on the beach and in the pool.
It’s a little bit of a mystery how these iconic pools came to be, but they were likely built as a response to the wild coastline’s exposed surf. The sea pool essentially acts as an artificial reef that protects swimmers from the powerful waves and tidal surges. The water is also treated to be safe for swimming and the pool’s dimensions are carefully planned to ensure that it isn’t too deep, which is important because the rocky shoreline can sometimes cause rip currents that can drag swimmers out to sea. Concrete is a popular material for swimming pools because it’s versatile and can be designed to incorporate any number of features, finishes, or coping options. It also allows for room to adapt the design over time as tastes and preferences change. This adaptability makes it a smart choice for new builds.