Though Sydney may be best-known for its opera house and bridge, many residents and visitors to Sydney may be unaware that this city boasts more ocean pools than any other in the world. These iconic swimming spots were created due to Australia’s mild temperatures and gentle waves caused by its east Australian current; ideal conditions for ocean swimming, surfing and bathing activities.
Although some of Sydney’s iconic pools have closed over time, others remain open for locals and visitors to enjoy. Balmoral Baths in Balmoral Square, Murrage Rose Beach in Mosman and Dawn Fraser Baths in Vaucluse remain among the remaining popular options; beach and harbour areas can also provide opportunities for taking a dip.
Manly is home to Sydney’s most impressive pool: Freshwater Rock Pool was opened in 1929 near Cabbage Tree Bay along the promenade between Manly and Shelly beaches on Sydney’s Northern Beaches promenade and can be reached via following Sea Nymphs sculpture walk from Cabbage Tree Bay beach. This triangular-shaped oasis has an outer side which faces onto the promenade for maximum viewing pleasure.
Sandstone headlands form the other sides of Sydney’s pools, creating a stable foundation upon which waves can pass over them and help maintain depth while also preventing their shape from changing or filling with too much sand. Marie-Louise McDermott, an academic who has written extensively about Sydney’s ocean pools history explains that these pools were mostly constructed for recreational needs of swimming clubs between the late 19th and early 20th century.
McDermott believes Sydney’s pool culture stemmed from people wanting a safe place to swim and bathe without risk of shark attacks and strong winds from surf beaches. Swimming clubs were formed as an outlet for those not strong or confident enough in their skills to enter open waters such as beaches.
As soon as new testing protocols and double vaccination protocols come into place, more chlorinated outdoor pools should reopen across the state. UNSW epidemiologist Professor Marylouise McLaws states that rapid antigen testing combined with double vaccination will guarantee safe reopenings, with only minor setbacks possible along the way.