North Sydney Olympic Pool : Swimming Under the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Australia is a nation of swimmers. We love swimming and we seek it out when the temperature rises, the local swimming spot becoming a beehive of activity. Of course this could be the beach, the lake, the pool or even the dam. Parents are encouraged to take their children to lessons as early as possible, and schools usually build at least a fortnight of swimming lessons into their yearly program. It is ingrained in Australian psyche.

When we travelled to Daylesford, Victoria back in January, I came to the realisation that there are many, many historic pools all around the country that have been carved out of the bedrock of creeks, lakes and bays. It’s become a little project to see which I can locate.

The North Sydney Olympic Pool is one such pool and it has fascinated me for years. Built in 1936 and quickly dubbed the “wonder pool”, it was within its waters that 86 world records were broken and where the 1936 Empire Games took place. In 2001 it underwent a little facelift with an indoor, heated pool added.

The site is amazing with, what must be, the most spectacular view of the harbour from North Sydney. It sits right next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge with views out across the city to Anzac Bridge in one direction and the Sydney Opera House in the other.

The original pool features a series of art deco styled arches along its southern side. The arches feature a plaster relief of eagles, frogs and dolphins. Originally white, they were painted in the 1980s and are now quite bold in colour. You can sit below each arch in your own little pod overlooking the harbour. We actually found this a little hot and preferred the bleachers. There’s also a sun deck where we saw dozens of people sun baking (and I thought that had gone out of fashion!). The original pool is filled with salt water. You may need some goggles as it is quite strong to the eye. The kiddy pool is shallow, shaded and great for toddlers.

The new pool is chlorinated, 25 metres in length and heated. This area of the site also has a sauna and a spa – both off limits to kids under 12. The pool always features a recreation area where the kids can play. It is at least 120 cm at its shallowest end so an adult will always need to be with non-swimmers and young children.

Change rooms can be a little hit and miss. Often they are unclean, crammed and have a funny smell. The North Sydney Olympic Pool change room is large, well cared for and even has hot showers (they do cost .50c). My Miss N found the change rooms a surprise as the change section is an open plan space. She was a little shocked to see women walking around nude and I had to explain that it is normal although she could choose to change in private if she was more comfortable.

You can visit the North Sydney Olympic Pool by taking a ferry from Circular Quay across to Milson Point wharf, by driving (pay by credit card and then be reimbursed at the machine when you enter the pool area), or by public transport. An adult ticket is current $7.50 and child tickets are $3.80. The Sauna and Spa are optional extras. You will find a cafe on site.