Sydney is famous for its pools, from rustic rockpools carved out of beach headlands to high-tech aquatic leisure parks. Each pool holds special significance – Bondi Icebergs or Palm Beach Pool have their own distinct charm, but what lies behind their story?
Curious Sydney investigates.
Sydney is well known for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge; but Australia’s largest city also boasts an amazing collection of ocean pools – no other city compares with Sydney’s 35 pools according to Marie-Louise McDermott, author of All Into Ocean Pools.
Man-made public seawater pools were created to offer swimmers protection from dangerous surf, located along Sydney’s surf coast so waves can wash over their edges and provide swimmers with shelter from harmful surf conditions. From simple concrete platforms to elaborate swimming centres with speed and spiral slides – each public seawater pool was designed with swimmers in mind.
Men and women swim clubs recognized the need for an environment in which to practice freestyle laps without fear of shark attacks or rough surf, leading to the birth of Australian ocean pools in 1890.
Dawn Fraser Baths, constructed in the 1880s and nestled away in Balmain’s leafy inner harbour neighbourhood since 1882, are beloved landmarks. Wood decks and National Trust-listed Victorian pavilions surround a pocket of water originally used for hygiene and bathing in privacy; today however it attracts locals dressed up in dental-floss bikinis or budgy smugglers! Victorians would likely be amazed to witness such modern practices like dental-floss bikinis!
At Coogee beachside enclave, fewer tourists flock to clothing-optional McIver’s Ladies Baths and Wylie’s baths where gender mixing was first permitted back in 1911. Situated beneath high tide level, they’re flushed twice daily by seawater to retain their Victorian air. After using them, its easy to grab some refreshments at Coogee Pavillion!
At one time in the early 20th century, people would dynamite rocks and devastate ecosystems to build pools. Although environmental laws would now prohibit this practice, scientists are actively trying to repair some of this damage today. At Cabbage Tree Bay near North Sydney Sea Pool for instance, Sydney Institute of Marine scientists are helping restore urchin habitats that had been destroyed by massive concrete walls.
Sydney pools remain immensely popular with both residents and visitors, regardless of any controversy they might cause. A survey showed that 80 per cent of Sydney citizens consider them an alternative to ocean swimming and 78 per cent said their facilities were well maintained. But why are Sydney pools controversial? Due to council infighting, pork barrelling allegations, heritage concerns and delayed opening dates of North Sydney pool – it could become the world’s most beautiful.