As a family that love the water it made sense to plan an adventure where Australian Living Legend, Ian Thorpe, won a number of Gold Medals back at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. How could we resist swimming in the very same pool? With a clear weekend and the sky a little overcast we decided to make the short journey to Homebush and spend the day at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
Parking was easy peasy, although we thought it was going to be over $20.00 for our trip. We were surprised on exiting that it was covered in our entry to the pool. Entry to the actual pool was only $25.00 for our family of four. Prices vary depending on who is going to swim. Full details can be found here.
If you haven’t ever been to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre you are going to be amazed at its sheer size. You can’t really prepare for it. It’s obviously a lot smaller than Kevin Costner’s Waterworld, but it it bigger than any other pool centre I’ve been to. It contains five spas and both a sauna an steam room. It has a rapid river ride, spray jets, spurting volcanos, a water slide and bubble beach, a toddler pool, 51 metre competition pool, a 33m utility pool mainly used for diving, water polo and synchronised swimming, a diving platform and so many change rooms I lost count.
On entry we headed to the water slide area and toddler pool. Be warned, seating is difficult to find. People reserve their spaces by draping their towels and belongings across the seats while they swim, often for hours. I’m unsure what the lockers are for a mere 10 or so metres away. (My only gripe).
Both kids adored the toddler pool and spent at least an hour wading before their courage grew and they started going up and down the water slide. This lasted for another few hours until the pool was closed. They then moved to the swimming pool where they did a few laps before we called them out to dry.
On our way out we stopped by the swimming hands. Master R was excited to see Ian Thorpe’s hands and declared that when he is a ‘big boy’ his hands will be bigger. Time will tell, I guess.
The pool is open all year and I highly recommend it. There are pool attendants right around the pool the entire time watching to ensure everyone is safe. Head there one day. You’ll love it!
