Sydney’s Best Swimming Pools Are Back
Swap Your Brollies for Bikinis: Sydney’s Best Local Pools Are Back
After what feels like endless weeks of grey skies and soggy school runs, Sydney’s finally serving up a reason to pack away the raincoats and swap your brollies for bikinis. Just in time for the first hint of sunshine, our favourite Inner West pools are reopening this September and October — ready to turn all that cabin fever into cannonballs.
Whether you’re chasing harbour views, shaded splash zones for little ones, or grassy spots perfect for a post-swim picnic, there’s a pool waiting to be your family’s go-to this spring.
🌊 Andrew Boy Charlton Pool
📍 Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney | 🗓 Reopens 1 September
Find out more →
Sydney’s most glamorous pool is back, and honestly, we could all use a little glamour after months of wet socks and mouldy washing. Perched above Woolloomooloo Bay, Andrew Boy Charlton is where you go when you want a swim and a moment.
- Best for: Morning laps with a side of harbour views, weekend picnics by the bay, and pretending you’re in a Qantas ad.
- Parent tip: Hit the Poolside Café post-dip. Bribing small humans with banana bread is 100% a valid survival strategy.
🌅 Drummoyne Swimming Centre
📍 Henley Marine Drive, Drummoyne | 🗓 Reopens 1 September
If pools came with dating profiles, Drummoyne’s would simply read: “Harbour views, heated saltwater, loves long sunsets.” Perched right on the water, it’s a hit with lap swimmers and families who like their swims with a side of seafood.
- Best for: Golden-hour dips, scenic family weekends, and anyone determined to tire the kids out before bedtime.
- Don’t miss: The smaller kids’ pool, perfect for warming up little fish after a winter away from the water.
🏊♀️ Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre
📍 Petersham Park, Petersham | 🗓 Reopens 1 October
Nestled inside leafy Petersham Park, Fanny Durack is the Inner West’s low-key favourite. No harbour selfies here, just a relaxed, family-friendly vibe where the biggest drama is whose turn it is to hold the hot chips.
- Best for: Toddlers splashing in the shaded paddling areas, after-school swims, and anyone whose weekend aesthetic is “esky + picnic rug.”
- Parent tip: Reopens later than most, so manage expectations now. We suggest calling it a “soft launch” to keep the tantrums at bay.
🌴 Cabarita Swimming Centre
📍 Cabarita Park | 🗓 Reopens 1 September
Plan your visit →
Cabarita has everything: a 50m Olympic pool for those who take their strokes seriously, a heated indoor pool for year-round splashers, and a toddler-friendly splash zone designed to wear out small humans faster than a trip to IKEA. Surrounded by Cabarita Park, this is a whole-day kind of outing.
- Best for: Families who like variety, playground stops, and claiming the shady picnic real estate early.
- Parent tip: Pack snacks. Trust us — nothing burns through energy (or moods) like four hours of back-to-back bombing competitions.
🐚 Dawn Fraser Baths
📍 Elkington Park, Balmain | 🗓 Reopens early September
More info →
Old-school charm, tidal waters, timber boardwalks, and views for days — Dawn Fraser Baths is pure Balmain magic. This historic harbourside spot has been splashing locals since the 1880s and offers a swim that feels like a mini holiday.
- Best for: Salty-haired kids, laid-back parents, and anyone nostalgic for simpler summer days.
- Fun fact: Named after Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, who literally trained here. Big “heritage swim” energy.
💦 Steel Park Water Play Park
📍 Illawarra Road, Marrickville | 🗓 Re-opens 1 September
Explore the park →
Not technically a pool, but Steel Park deserves an honourable mention. With fountains, sprays, and shallow splash zones, it’s toddler paradise and parental sanity insurance rolled into one — and it’s free, which makes it the unicorn of Sydney water play.
- Best for: Preschoolers with endless energy and parents who prefer “low-commitment swimming” (read: you can keep your clothes on).
- Bonus: BBQs, bike tracks, and plenty of shady picnic spots make this a full-day affair if you want it to be.
🌞 Spring Survival Tips
- Check dates: Not all pools reopen at once (cough Fanny Durack cough).
- Book early: Some spots, like Andrew Boy Charlton, fill up fast in school holidays.
- Sun-smart everything: Rashies, reef-safe sunscreen, and hats you’ll spend half your time chasing in the wind.
Want more? Check out our full review of Sydney’s best swimming pools.
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