A History of Sydney Pools
Among Sydney’s many claims to fame is its pool culture. The city has more ocean pools than any other in the world, and its iconic swim spots are beloved by residents and visitors alike. But how did this unique collection of public seawater pools come to be? And what’s the story behind one of them getting a much-debated upgrade?
Meegan Zen asked this question on our Facebook page and, with the help of experts from the Northern Beaches, Waverley and Randwick libraries, we’ve put together a bit of a history of sidney pools. Read on to learn about the fascinating, often controversial, history of these beautiful Sydney treasures.
It’s a long way up to the water from the parking lot, but once you make it you will find that the walk is not as steep as it seems (unless you’re really out of shape). And if you can’t quite face the climb down the rocks, just keep walking along the cliff and you will eventually find yourself at the edge of the swimming area.
The water here is shallower than you might expect, but it’s nice and warm – especially in summer. It’s also sheltered from the waves, making it a great place to swim and hang out if you don’t feel like jumping in the surf. There are some large rocks to climb up onto if you want to take a break from the pool, and there is also a toilet if you need it.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter than the beaches on Sydney’s northern shore, head to this rockpool for a splash. This idyllic spot is a hidden gem of the Northern Beaches and is best reached via the beach during low tide. It is not recommended for lap swimming, but it’s perfect for fish spotting and cooling off on a hot day.
The redevelopment of North Sydney Pool has run into more delays, with a 2025 completion date now looking unlikely. The project began in 2018 and had a budget of $28m, but critics say that the scope of the work was too big and the final bill could have been blown out of all proportion. Those in favour of the project cite a need to protect this historic asset, while those against see a $60m vanity project that is a political folly. Tink says the problems started in April 2019, when the project received a $10m federal grant meant for regional and remote women’s sports. The sudden windfall, she says, shifted the project up a gear and muddied what would have been a fairly straightforward renovation.