The best swimming pools in Sydney 2026, including indoor pools, outdoor pools, 50m Olympic pools, and ocean pools, compared by location,
Fitness Desk is a contributing writer covering fitness and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
The swimming pools below are selected for the quality of the facilities, the accessibility, and the range of programs offered. The list includes 50m Olympic pools, indoor pools, outdoor pools, and ocean pools. All information is accurate as of mid-2026 and should be verified with the pool operator before you visit.
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Sydney Olympic Park is the largest aquatic centre in the southern hemisphere. The centre has a 50m Olympic pool, a 50m warm-water pool, a diving pool, a children's pool, and a water slide. The centre is home to the NSW Institute of Sport swimming program and has hosted several national and international competitions. The centre is accessible by train to Olympic Park station. Entry is $6 for adults and $4 for children. The centre is open from 5:30am to 9pm on weekdays and from 6am to 8pm on weekends.
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo is a 50m indoor pool in the inner city. The centre has a 50m pool, a 25m warm-water pool, a children's pool, and a water slide. The centre is named after Ian Thorpe and has a strong learn-to-swim program. The centre is accessible by train to Central station. Entry is $6 for adults and $4 for children. The centre is open from 5:30am to 9pm on weekdays and from 6am to 8pm on weekends.
Andrew Boylan Pool in Chippendale is a 50m outdoor pool in the inner city. The pool is located in a heritage-listed building and has a 50m pool and a children's pool. The pool is heated in winter. The pool is accessible by train to Central station. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 6pm on weekends.
Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre in Ryde is a large indoor aquatic centre with a 50m pool, a 25m warm-water pool, a children's pool, and a water slide. The centre has a strong learn-to-swim program and a range of aquatic fitness classes. The centre is accessible by bus or car. Entry is $6 for adults and $4 for children. The centre is open from 5:30am to 9pm on weekdays and from 6am to 8pm on weekends.
Rushcutters Bay Indoor Pool in Rushcutters Bay is a 25m indoor pool in the eastern suburbs. The pool is located in a historic building and has a 25m pool and a children's pool. The pool is heated in winter. The pool is accessible by bus or car. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 6pm on weekends.
Max Webber Library Pool in Parramatta is a 25m indoor pool in the western suburbs. The pool is located in the Max Webber Library complex and has a 25m pool and a children's pool. The pool is heated in winter. The pool is accessible by train to Parramatta station. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 6pm on weekends.
Prince Alfred Park Pool in Surry Hills is a 50m outdoor pool in the inner city. The pool is located in Prince Alfred Park and has a 50m pool and a children's pool. The pool is not heated. The pool is accessible by train to Central station. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 6pm on weekends during the summer months.
Victoria Park Pool in Camperdown is a 50m outdoor pool in the inner west. The pool is located in Victoria Park and has a 50m pool and a children's pool. The pool is not heated. The pool is accessible by train to Newtown station. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 6pm on weekends during the summer months.
Lavender Bay Pool in Lavender Bay is a small outdoor pool on the harbour foreshore. The pool is located in Lavender Bay Park and has a 25m pool and a children's pool. The pool is not heated. The pool is accessible by train to Milsons Point station. Entry is free. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 6pm on weekends during the summer months.
Wylie's Baths in Coogee is a heritage-listed ocean pool with views of the coast. The pool is enclosed by a wooden boardwalk and is fed by tidal ocean water. The pool is 50m long and is suitable for lap swimming. Entry is $3 for adults and $1 for children. The pool is open from 6:30am to 5pm on weekdays and from 6:30am to 7pm on weekends.
Bondi Icebergs Pool at Bondi Beach is a 50m ocean pool on the rocks at the northern end of Bondi Beach. The pool is fed by tidal ocean water and has views of the beach. Entry is $6 for adults and $3 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 7pm on weekends.
Manly Cove Pool in Manly is a 25m ocean pool on the harbour foreshore. The pool is fed by harbour water and has views of the Sydney CBD. Entry is $4 for adults and $2 for children. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 7pm on weekends.
The NSW Government provides free learn-to-swim lessons for children through the SwimStart program. The program provides up to 10 free lessons for children aged 5 to 12 who are not already participating in a structured swimming program. The lessons are available at participating swimming pools across NSW.
Many aquatic centres in Sydney also offer learn-to-swim programs for children and adults. The programs are taught by qualified swimming instructors and follow the national swim school curriculum. Prices vary, but a 10-lesson course typically costs $150 to $250.
More information about swimming pools in Sydney is available at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and your local council website.
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