The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and opera house may get all the glitz, but the city’s sdy pools have a special beauty. Dotted along the coastline and harbour’s edge, these man-made ocean pools offer a magical place to swim, some of them more than 100 years old.
The pools are a defining feature of Sydney’s landscape and are a draw for locals and visitors alike. Their charm comes in part from their storied past, as well as the fact that they are a great place to soak up the sun and sea air while taking in the scenery.
But despite their popularity, these pools are facing some big challenges. Many are overdue for a major renovation, and the cost is a big issue. But while the debate about funding has been a hot one, locals are united in their belief that these swimming holes are a vital part of Australian life and culture. They are a place where children grow up, where memories are made, and where Australia’s legendary swimmers have honed their craft.
There are dozens of sdy pools in Sydney, and each offers something different. Some are family-friendly, with a kiddie pool and changing facilities; others are more secluded, perfect for a romantic swim or an invigorating surf. Many of them are a short walk from the beach and offer breathtaking views, as well as the chance to relax in the fresh salt water of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the most famous is Bondi Icebergs, a chilly-water pool that’s an Instagram favourite in winter but also attracts swimmers all year round. Another is Bronte Beach, a short but scenic stretch of sand that’s home to a row of cute cafes serving up delicious Aussie brunch. Tucked away at the beach’s southern end is Bronte Baths, an ocean pool that dates back to 1887.
Other popular sdy pools include Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, established by champion swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. The tidal pool is elevated on decking built into the cliffs and features a 50m swimming pool and a shallow splash area for kids. The lane markings aren’t as precise as you might find in an Olympic-sized pool but the lanes are normally double width, so it’s easy enough to overtake down the middle.
Other sdy pools include Bondi Beach’s icy-blue lap pool, Bondi Icebergs, and Coogee’s McIver’s Ladies Baths, which was the first ocean pool in Australia specifically designed for women and children. And in the suburb of Manly, you’ll find the enchanting Fairy Bower Rockpool, which is a serene oasis with bronze sculptures and spectacular views of the famous Fairy Bower surf break.