Sydney is a swimmer’s dream with its expansive coastline, charming harbour and abundance of urban public swimming pools – from humble rockpools hewn from beach headlands to high-tech aquatic leisure parks it offers something for every type of swimmer imaginable – making it one of the world’s premier destinations to take a dip.
Ocean pools in Sydney have long been one of the city’s premier attractions, frequently appearing in “must-do” and “best outdoor swimming pool” lists online. You’ll find them across Sydney with some of the oldest (and perhaps most picturesque) located at Bondi and Bronte.
Not only are Australia’s swimming spots beautiful places for relaxing or playing water-sports, they’re also part of our cultural history, relics from when swimming was seen as more than just an elite activity. They were built specifically to make swimming accessible to everyone – an integral component of Australian lifestyle today.
North Sydney Olympic Pool was constructed in 1936 for use at the 1938 Empire Games, proving an incredible feat of engineering. Even more incredible are Sydney’s numerous neighbourhood pools found along its northern beaches tucked into corners and corners of cliffs to give residents safe places to swim in their natural environment without fear of shark attacks or strong waves.
Today, these beautiful gardens remain in use with their charming stone walls, wooden walkways, and softly lapping waters. Although perhaps not as pristine as they once were, these garden still exude charm; you may see people sitting by their edges drinking Thirsty Merc or enjoying peanut butter sandwiches just like before.
McIver’s Ladies Baths in North Sydney is an iconic women-only swimming pool opened in the 1800s that still remains open today – testament to Australia’s egalitarianism, they serve as an important reminder that our country was founded upon freedom, liberty and justice for all.
No matter if it’s for an epic pool day with friends or an individual swim, nothing beats cooling off in a Sydney pool this summer! Make the most of this great opportunity and put on your favourite tunes before donning sunscreen and heading into the water!
This article first appeared on ABC News.