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This month, we take you to a few sea pools both north of the bridge and away from the coast.
The combination of concrete and saltwater is coveted, worshipped by beach bums, beach novices, and even people who don’t like the beach at all. Emerging from the sea onto a surface not covered in sand, with clean ankles and clean feet you could jump into bed with, feels like you have achieved a grand victory and cheated nature’s system.
Along the coast, particularly Manly (Fairy Bower Pool located along Manly promenade, pictured above), Freshwater and Dee Why, there are sea pools galore.
But the thing that makes Sydney Harbour one of the best in the world, in conjunction with its beauty, is its cleanliness. The ability to swim in the fresh waters of the harbour makes Sydney not just a feast for the eyes, but for the spirit too. The first sea pool in Australia is credited to Newcastle’s Bogey Hole, constructed by convicts in 1819. Since then, a smothering of sea pools have followed. Australia’s tumultuous seas, waves and strong swells means ocean pools make swimming accessible.
MacCallum Seapool, Cremorne
MacCallum Seapool has some of the best views over Sydney Harbour. I got chatting to a local who told me mornings and evenings are usually fairly quiet, but during hot days it can become hectic. There is seating all round the perimeter of the pool though, and regardless of the crowds, you can always find a spot to sit. You can get to MacCallum Pool via ferry at Cremorne Point Wharf. Ferries run about every 45 minutes from Circular Quay. There you’ll meet Bernie (pictured below) who has run the cafe for about 20 years. I recommend picking up a coffee from him and sipping it while contemplating how good your life is.
Northbridge Baths
A popular pick for our local North Shore swimmers, Northbridge Baths is set within the native bushland of Middle Harbour. The venue has a BBQ, picnic area, change rooms, toilets and hot showers. There is also shark netting and when I visited, 8 swimming lanes for the Ian Thorpes’ out there.
While the parking is limited, I’m told the venue doesn’t get super busy, even during peak times when the sun is doing its best work. It is important to note these baths are unsupervised, so make sure you know what you’re doing and check in on loved ones whenever visiting.
Greenwich Baths, Greenwich
Greenwich is a calm, city-facing pool, which is perfect for children and families. It has a loyal group of local swimmers who are there every day, no matter the weather conditions. There is a small canteen and shop and unlike other sea pools, it has its own little beach. When I visited, there was an army – albeit a very small army – of fluro-rashied children. They run a mock nippers there on the weekend, where kids can practise their surf skills in a more controlled environment before graduating to beach nippers along the coast.
