At the end of a summer day on Sydney’s beaches, you might find yourself relaxing in one of its iconic ocean pools. They provide an idyllic spot to take a refreshing swim at low tide; then choppy as high tide approaches. These original infinity pools make for incredible coastal views and make for the ideal ending of the day – ideal if you want to make like you’re living out a coming-of-age movie, or just for taking a refreshing dip – all worth making the journey from your hotel or apartment!
These are Sydney’s best seaside swimming spots – from Instagram-famous Bondi Icebergs to hidden pools tucked into cliff edges in the northern suburbs – for seaside swimming.
Sydney’s coast is punctuated with headlands that project into the Pacific Ocean, regularly battered by winter swells coming up from the south and summer cyclone swells that move hundreds of kilometers northwards. Over two centuries swimmers and locals created or created artificial tidal pools on Sydney beaches to shelter from wave energy and provide refuge from full force of waves.
Marie-Louise McDermott of All Into Ocean Pools notes that these structures were often constructed for men’s and women’s recreational and competitive swimming clubs, often built for men and women separately. People were fearful of shark attacks; therefore they desired safe places where they could swim laps safely.
Though Sydney has not constructed any new ocean pools since the 1960s, you can still visit many of its older ones. A great way to experience them is the Coogee to Bondi Walk which passes many coastal pools and beaches on its journey. Also take time to visit Giles Baths (known locally as Bogey Hole); McIver’s Ladies Baths which provides female swimmers with a protected space since 1870s; or Giles Baths where locals call out “Boogey Hole.”
Or why not join Iconic Ocean Pools’ Bondi to Coogee Eco Sculpture Walk and see some of Sydney’s beloved ocean pools first-hand? Located along an iconic beachwalk, this tour provides access to several of Sydney’s seaside pools while you stroll from one iconic beach to the next.
Sydney Harbour pool has earned itself the moniker “world’s most beautiful”, due to its immense ambition. Yet this project has been marred by controversy and delays, with costs ballooning past $100m, heritage concerns raised about potential pork-barrelling claims as well as allegations of pork-barrelling from council infighting causing delays for opening day which has now been postponed to 2025.
Imagine this incredible facility nestled right in the bustling heart of Sydney: designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1940s, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge Gardens by Frank Lloyd Wright have long been favorites of locals for their quiet location, breathtaking views and sunlit deck – perfect for an afternoon lounging session!