These Sydney Harbour pools offer a unique swimming experience, combining the city’s iconic views with refreshing dips in some of the most stunning locations.
We have highlighted eight swim spots, including the newest place to take a dip in the harbour. From historic baths in the harbour’s north to modern accessible facilities in the east, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy a swim with a unique backdrop.
Swimming by the harbour is pretty memorable, taking in the view while relaxing or pushing out ten laps is a lovely way to spend an hour or two in Sydney.
Where to swim in Sydney Harbour
Taking a dip in these first 5 pools means you are actually swimming in Sydney Harbour. Something you probably wouldn’t have considered a couple of decades ago when the waters were anything but crystal clear. These day the water is very clean, over 600 species of fish now live in these waters and a dip here is a pleasant experience.
Lets start with the newest pool that opened in 2023.
Marrinawi Cove
Marrinawi Cove is the new kid on the block when it comes to Sydney Harbour pools. You will find it at the north end of Barangaroo Reserve just a short walk from the new Barangaroo metro stop.
Marrinawi Cove offers a chance to experience what swimming in Sydney Harbour might have been like for the Gadigal people before European settlement.
Key features:
- 700 square metre swimming area
- Surrounded by native plants and sandstone
- Safety netting to keep out unwanted marine life
- Natural, rustic environment
- Free entry
Tip: If you’re not used to walking on rough surfaces, you might want to wear swim shoes. It can be a bit slippery and there are sometimes sharp oyster shells.
While are you here check out some of the artworks and other features of Barangaroo
Getting there: You’ll find it at Marrinawi Cove in Barangaroo Reserve
Opening hours: Open every day, but check the website for cleaning dates when the pool is closed. Cost: Free entry
Related: Check out some of Sydney’s secret beaches
Watson’s Bay Baths
Watson’s Bay Baths offers a unique swimming experience with its stunning harbour views and accessible facilities. A 2 million dollar renovation in 2010 saw the Watsons Bay Pool become the first (and only) wheelchair friendly harbour pool.
Key features:
- Two swimming areas: an Olympic-size pool and a smaller one
- Wheelchair access ramp to the water
- Two immersible wheelchairs available – see the website to accessing these.
- Sunbathing pontoons and shaded areas
- Change rooms and lockers
- Shark net for safety
The baths combine historical charm with modern accessibility, making it a popular spot for swimmers of all abilities.
Tip: Take a walk up to Hornby lighthouse after your swim for some great views over Sydney Heads.
This is the world’s first wheelchair access to a tidal sea pool.
Getting there: The pool is near Watson’s Bay ferry wharf. There is also a 324 bus terminus nearby Opening hours: Check the website for current hours and any seasonal changes.
Greenwich Baths
Greenwich Baths, built in the 1920s and refurbished in the late 1990s, offers a family-friendly harbour swimming experience on the western side of the harbour.
This historic spot combines a decent patch of sand with the shade of big old trees, making it an ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
Key features:
- Sandy beach area
- Shaded areas provided by mature trees
- Cafe on-site
- Changing rooms and showers
- Deck chairs available
- Shark-netted swimming area
The baths provide a perfect blend of history and modern amenities, with modest entry fees and lovely views over the harbour.
Tip: There are no nearby cafes or shops outside the baths, as it’s in a suburban area. However, this makes it perfect for a quiet swim and a walk to admire the interesting local architecture.
Note for visitors: As this is a seasonal facility, be sure to check opening dates before planning your visit.
Getting there: The baths are located in Albert Street Greenwich a short walk from the wharf. Alternatively, the 265 bus stops nearby.
Opening hours: Open from September to March. Check the website for specific hours and any seasonal events.
Murray Rose Pool
Murray Rose Pool in Double Bay, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a pretty pool surrounded by a wooden boardwalk. This 90-meter long enclosed saltwater pool is frequently described as one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.
The pool is named after Murray Rose, a famous Australian Olympic swimmer who won multiple gold medals in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. It was renamed from Redleaf Pool in 2012 after Rose’s passing.
Key features:
- Large harbour pool with shark net enclosure
- Boardwalk running around the edges, popular for jumping off
- Floating pontoons
- Small sandy beach area and grassy slope with shady trees
- Facilities include change rooms, showers, and a café
Tip: Visit on weekday mornings or outside peak summer times to avoid crowds. The steep stairs back up can be challenging with children and beach gear.
Getting there: The pool is accessed through Blackburn Gardens. There are paths leading to stairs down to the pool area. Limited parking is available nearby. The 324/325 bus stops at the pool.
Dawn Fraser Baths – Balmain
The Dawn Fraser Baths are 134 years old and still going strong. This is the oldest swimming pool in Australia and another well-kept secret. The pool on the west side of Sydney Harbour is a saltwater tidal pool.
Renovations were undertaken in the late 1990s, and thanks to its National Trust listing it has retained its gorgeous period features. You can swim here from October to April.
Key features:
- Historic architecture with Victorian-style changing rooms
- Wooden decks for sunbathing
- Kiosk for refreshments
- Separate shallow area for children
The first game of water polo in Australia was played here in the late 1880s. This is also the pool where Australian Olympian Dawn Fraser learnt to swim when she was a child.
Getting there: Fitzroy Avenue, Balmain – in Elkington Park
Opening hours: Check the website for current hours and any seasonal changes.
Tip: Combine this with a visit to Balmain Markets on Saturdays or a self-guided Balmain history walk.
Three “Traditional” Harbourside pools
These next three pools differ from the previous ones in that you’re not actually swimming in the harbour itself. Instead, these are traditional swimming pools located alongside the harbour, offering the benefits of a controlled swimming environment while still providing stunning harbour views.
Maccallum Pool
Maccallum Pool, nestled in Cremorne, offers a charming and historic swimming spot with the most breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.
This small two-lane pool, built in the 1920s, provides a unique and picturesque swimming experience.
Key features:
- Two-lane pool filled with harbour water
- Sunbathing deck
- Free entry
- Open year-round
- No facilities (not even toilets)
The pool has a rich history, originally built as a rock pool by local residents. It’s believed that local Olympic swimmer Frederick Lane played a key role in the pool’s development.
Tip: Maccallum Pool is a great place to cool off after walking the harbour path from North Sydney and also a fantastic place to get photos of the Sydney Harbour view.
Getting there: The pool is right by the Cremorne Point ferry wharf.
Opening hours: Check the website for the cleaning schedule
North Sydney Olympic Pool
The pool is closed for renovations and is not expected to reopen until 2024.
This is a great spot for Sydney visitors to swim. Right underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can’t get much better views than this. There are lanes for serious swimmers, or you can just cool off and take in the view.
Getting there: 4 Alfred St Milsons Point, right at the Milson’s Point ferry wharf or a short walk from Milson’s Point train station.
Opening hours: The pool is heated in winter and open from 5.30am to 9 pm weekdays and 7 pm weekends.
Tip: Before or after your swim take a stroll past Luna Park to Wendy’s Secret Garden
Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool – Woolloomooloo Bay
Closed for renovation until the 2025 spring season
You will find the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool nestled on the Botanic Gardens’ edge well hidden from those, not in the know.
The centre offers two pools; an eight-lane 50-metre saltwater pool and a smaller heated pool with sun protection that is perfect for kids. There are great harbour views, and the budget traveller entry fee makes it worth a visit.
Andrew “Boy” Charlton was an Australia freestyle swimmer who won Gold at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Opening hours: Usually open September to April from 6am-7pm (8 pm in summer) but check the website Boy Charlton Pool for any recent changes.
Getting there: Located at 1C Mrs Macquarie’s Road The Domain, the pool is just a short walk from the Art Gallery of NSW. The closest bus route is the 441 which stops at the Art Gallery.
Have you found a pool you want to take a dip in?
Sydney’s harbour pools offer unique swimming experiences for everyone – from serious swimmers to families and tourists. Each pool has its own charm, whether it’s historic architecture, stunning views, or modern facilities.
These pools provide a perfect alternative to crowded beaches, allowing you to enjoy Sydney’s beach culture and harbour scenery in a more relaxed setting.
Have you visited any of these harbour pools? Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
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Main image: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW
My g’father was a mate of Freddie Lane, I think they swam a lot at the Domain Baths early 1900s.