For a warm day in Sydney? There’s nothing better than a fresh morning dip followed by a long (and possibly boozy) brunch. Whether you’re on the hunt for seafront scenery, Olympic-sized baths or just somewhere to have a casual splash about with your pals, check out our guide to the top swimming pools in Sydney and where to grab brunch after. Goggles at the ready...
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Bondi Baths & Icebergs Dining Room And Bar
One of the most recognisable places to swim in Sydney, Bondi Baths is perched on the cliffs to the southeast of the city, offering incredible views of the beach and crystal clear waters beyond. Members of the public are welcome to swim here, with entry starting at just $9 for a full day of splashing and sunbathing. And if all that sounds like thirsty work? There’s the handy onsite Icebergs Dining Room And Bar, serving a selection of fruity spritzes and classic brunch plates: from fruit-topped pancakes to rich eggs Benedict.
Arrive early to check out one of the best outdoor pools in Sydney.
Prince Alfred Park Pool & Forrester's
Prince Alfred Park Pool is one of the best public swimming pools in Sydney, offering heated water, 50-metre lengths and a shaded lounging area. Open from 6am on weekdays, the hidden gem is nestled into the city’s bustling Central Station, providing an oasis of peace away from the bustle of the CBD. Enjoy a splash session before drying off at Forrester's, a charming pub and restaurant located just down the road.
Cool off under the signature yellow umbrellas before heading to Forrester's for boozy brunch fun.
Wylie’s Baths & Coogee Pavillion
While Bondi’s white sands and Bronte’s rugged landscapes are more often splashed across your Insta feed, Wylie’s Baths serves as one of the best natural rock pools in Sydney. The lesser-known tidal spot regularly plays host to ocean creatures, so don’t be surprised to find friendly fish. Finish off your morning at this charming spot with rooftop drinks at Coogee Pavillion, the stylish three-storey dining complex from the team at Merivale.
Wylie's Baths offer the chance to swim in fresh seawater, with the benefit of showers and sun loungers being close by.
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre & Chin Chin
For indoor swimming pools in Sydney, they don’t come much swisher than the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. Named after one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes, the $40 million facility boasts three heated pools along with a spa and health club, all underneath an iconic wave-shaped roof. Spend your morning doing lengths before refuelling with a big brunch at Chin Chin, complete with tasty Asian bites and mega-sized sharing cocktails.
Like these centres? There's a similar one in Parramatta too.
Cook Phillip Park Pool & Lankan Filling Station
Located in the heart of the CBD, Cook Phillip Park Pool is an elegantly designed recreational facility, fronting floor-to-ceiling windows designed to bring the outdoors in. A great option for those on the hunt for indoor pools in Sydney, the 50-metre-long swimming spot regularly plays host to fitness classes and weekend events. Finish up your morning with lunch at Lankan Filling Station which can be found just a 15-minute stroll away.
With both indoor and outdoor areas, Cook Phillip Park Pool is popular all year round.
Ivy Pool Club
A slightly quirkier option for a Sydney swimming pool, Ivy Pool Club combines resident DJs, punchy cocktails and light bites with crystal clear waters. The late-night haunt is perfect for those looking to cool off from the city’s heat, while socialising with friends. Open from noon Thursday to Friday (and on Saturday night), the exclusive venue serves a selection of freshly baked pizzas and antipasti sharing plates.
Want outdoor swimming pools in Sydney? Ivy Pool Club welcomes a crowd of fashionable city slickers.
Bronte Baths & Three Blue Ducks
Another picture-perfect ocean pool, Bronte Baths is the ideal place for a spot of wild swimming. Better yet? It’s completely free to enjoy. Its clifftop viewpoints are often snapped by travel bloggers, drawn in by the vivid blue hues. Follow your sesh with brunch at Three Blue Ducks, the oh-so-gorgeous café found just a stone's throw away. Serving breakfast from 8.30am on the weekends, the sunny eatery is known for its healthy offering of corn fritters, bircher muesli and toasted sourdough bread.
Bronte Baths is brilliant if you're after free swimming pools in Sydney.
Olympic Park Aquatic Centre & LouLou's
When it comes to swimming pools in Sydney for toddlers, Olympic Park Aquatic Centre offers lessons for all ages. Fancy a little TLC? The event space also has a steam room and sauna so you can break a sweat while relaxing. Or head to the spa, which is surrounded by palm trees and beaut mosaics. After working up an appetite, mosey down to LouLou's for modern Aussie fare and wood-fired pizzas.
Sydney Olympic Park's swimming pool offers a pretty backdrop.
Sofitel Sydney Harbour & Le Rivage Pool Bar
Undoubtedly one of the best hotel pools in Sydney, Sofitel’s rooftop hideaway is home to some of the city’s prettiest views, spanning the harbour and beyond. To nab yourself a waterfront sunlounger, you’ll have to book in for the night with rooms starting at $300. Should your pockets go deep enough though, you’ll be able to lounge all day at Le Rivage Pool Bar and sip on rum cocktails while munching on crispy squid.
If you're looking to really push the boat out? Enjoy a staycation at the Sofitel in Sydney Harbour.
Parramatta Aquatic Centre & Social Hideout
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor swimming, Parramatta Aquatic Centre has a plethora of lessons on offer, as well as fun group activities and a wellness centre. After perfecting your backstroke, reward yourself with a meal over at Social Hideout. You'll get to chow down pretty brunch plates such as pink smoothie bowls and Ferrero Rocher French toast.
Cute brunch spots and a swimming pool in Parramatta? Sounds like a dreamy day out.
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