Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, Wooloomooloo Bay, Sydney

The four photos above were taken 21 Oct 2007, the following ones 9th october, 2006.

Sydney is blessed with an abundance of marvellous swimming pools.

This one on part of the Harbour called Wooloomooloo Bay, with a redeveloped Finger Wharf behind is simply beautifully located.

Andrew 'Boy' Charlton (the nickname comes from the fact that he was only 14 when he came to prominence, in 1921). He won a gold medal at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, swimming 1500 metres in 20 mins 6.6 seconds. He swam in 1928 in 1932 Olympics, won a further 3 silver and 1 bronze medal, and broke 5 world records.

Category: Public Pool website

More info: Swimmers Guide

Prince Alfred Park Pool, Surry Hills, Sydney

Category: Public. Website.

"Popular for its old world charm" means it hasn't been renovated and is a bit neglected. It seems though that there are plans to redevelop it, announced today 9 October 2006. More here.

This pool used to have an ice rink next to it; it closed in the 1980s.

Looks like Sydney City Council has plans for another pool in the city area.

Victoria Park Pool, Chippendale, Sydney

Right in front of Sydney Uni (which has its own 50m indoor pool), this pool is very popular with lap swimmers and families (and when I was passing, trainee scuba divers). I have swum here, and it's great; the lane discipline is fairly tight.

Once in the 1970s I attended a rock concert in the park - the acts performed on the roof of the pool building.

Category: Public. Website

More: Swimmers Guide

Fitness First, Rockdale

At 6.01 am most weekday mornings, I am the first to slip into the pool at the gym. I swim 1.5 kms, which takes about 38 minutes...(which means I won't be challenging Grant Hackett, the current short course - 25 m pool - world record holder's 14:10:10 or his long course - 50m - record at 14:34:56 any time soon!)

Some mid-winter mornings I've had the pool to myself the entire time. Now it's light at that time, a few more lappers arrive as well, though I still generally get the first few minutes to myself...I love that solitude - just me and the water.I love the silky feel of the water as I glide through it, and it's a great way to start the day. I prefer the lane second from the left (for some reason I can't explain).

I can't imagine my life without swimming. I remember teaching myself to swim at about age 4, and it's been my preferred form of physical activity for the past 45 years.



Category: Private. Gym Membership required. Can visit as guest of a member.

Moruya War Memorial Swimming Pool

A good place to get your laps in. A 25 metre pool with clean, clear water. 1 October 2006

Category: Public pool
Details: Heated. 10 am - 3pm Sun & Public holidays; 6 am - 6 pm Mon-Sat. Phone 4474 2343

McIvers Baths, Coogee

McIvers Baths is under a cliff face, on a rock platform between Coogee Beach and Wylies Baths. The baths have magnificent oceans views and are relatively well screened from the surrounding area. (I took the shot from inside.)The baths were built in 1886, but accordign to the National Trust it has been a popular swimming spot for women since before 1876.This pool (entrance donation 20 cents) is popular with nuns, Muslim women, lesbians, and elderly women (well women of all ages, really). In 1995, after a challenge int he courts, it was granted an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act to continue operating as women-only.







Category: Public - Women and Children only.
Information: 20 cents entry. Swimmers Guide

Malvern Baths / Harold Holt Memorial Swim Centre

Malvern Baths, where I learned to swim (and dive from the board). A beautiful Art deco pool surrounds built in 1927. Times change, and as you can se below, in the 1960s it was re-developed. The building, now classified by the National Trust, is considered to be among the most notable examples of Brutalist architecture, a style adopted in the 1960s. Which means it is incredibly ugly! But the pool itself is great.

Malvern Baths 1927

Malvern Baths 1927

Malvern Baths opened November 1927

In the late 1960s, Malvern Baths were re-developed at the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Pool. The new pool was to be named the City of Malvern Olympic Swimming Centre, however following the tragic death at sea in December 1967 of Malvern's local member and Prime Minister of Australia, the new pool was named the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre. The Centre was opened by the Prime Minister, John Gorton in March 1969.

More of the history can be read here.

Category: Public.

Link for information: Swimmers Guide

Malvern Baths / Harold Holt Swimming Centre 2

October 2006

The 'modern brutalist' concrete building is heritage listed.

Indoor 25 m pool and kids' pool

Hydrotherapy pool

The diving pool is currently closed because the spiral ladder does not meet safety requirements

Hours: Mon-Thur:5.45am-8.45pm; Fri:5.45am-7.45pm; Sat: 6am-6.45pm; Sun: 7am-6.45pm; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

General Entry:
Adult General Entry: $4.60
Adult Concession General Entry: $3.80
Child General Entry: $3.60
Student General Entry: $3.80
Family General Entry: $13.00
Swim/Spa/Sauna: $8.00
Swim/Spa/Sauna Concession: $7.00
Non Swimming Supervisor/Spectator: $1.80