When you think of Sydney, you likely picture the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. But one of the city’s lesser-known claims to fame is its impressive collection of ocean pools. According to research by Marie-Louise McDermott, an expert who has written about ocean pools, Sydney is home to more of these man-made public seawater swimming pools than any other city in the world. The nearest competitor is Cape Town, which has 19.
Despite their relative scarcity, these pools are beloved by locals and visitors alike. They are often the most scenic swim spots in the city, with dramatic views and sandstone formations, some of which were carved by glaciers. They also offer a respite from the surf, which can be dangerous for swimmers. However, they are usually only accessible at low tide, when the sea is calm and the rocks provide a secure edge.
Most of these pools were built in the 19th century by private associations, including men’s and women’s swimming clubs. They were designed to be safe from shark attacks and strong waves. McDermott says they were popular with recreational and competitive swimmers.
The newest of these, the 10-lane Victoria Park Pool, is a beautiful and inviting place to swim. Its lanes are wide enough for multiple swimmers, and the water is a comfortable 26C. A few young people in bikinis and rash guards splash around, while easy-going locals drift around the edges. A few of them even stop for a quick latte midmorning.
It may be the newest, but it’s not the cleanest. The change rooms are a mess and need a renovation, and the roof over the pool itself has been in limbo for years because of a Covid pandemic, a La Nina and other delays. It’s expected to be open in 2025.
There are also a number of other proposed new pools, which would occupy sites in Beare Park, Pirrama Park and Glebe Foreshore, a series of walkable public parks that connects Bicentennial Park to Sydney’s famous fish market. They are slated to be completed by 2020. ABA, the architect behind this project, has previously completed Sydney’s Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, currently Australia’s second-largest aquatics facility. The pool will include indoor and outdoor areas, including a spa, sauna, a “program pool” and a splash area. The total cost of the project is estimated at about $100 million. The new pools are being funded by a grant from the Australian Government and local councils. The city has also earmarked $10 million to improve the existing pools. The money will be used to upgrade the change rooms, repair cracked concrete and replace old plumbing, as well as to improve safety features such as fencing. It’s a good investment, considering that Sydney has the second-highest number of beaches in the country and the highest number of shark attack fatalities. The new pools are expected to attract more swimmers, and hopefully help reduce the number of shark attacks.