Melbourne's Best Heated Swimming Pools for Winter

Australia may have the most glorious summers in the world but Melburnians know winter down south can really pack a cold, wet punch. If you're a swimmer, it can be tough to maintain the motivation to throw yourself into a freezing cold body of water when you could be curling up on the couch eating cookie dough.

But the right pool — specifically one that won't freeze the flesh off your bones — can make all the difference. And while most of our pools close after autumn, there are a few that keep the fire burning. Check out our list of Melbourne's best heated swimming pools for winter and dive in head-first.

Recommended reads:

The Best Pools in Melbourne
The Best Spas in Melbourne
The Best Thermal Hot Springs Near Melbourne
The Best Melbourne Pubs and Bars with Fireplaces
The Best Day Trips From Melbourne to Take in Winter

Fitzroy Swimming Pool

As you may know, Fitzroy Pool is outdoors — but hear us out on this one. Yes, it might seem insane to swim outside in winter, but the pool is heated to a balmy 27 degrees during the cool months, which is frankly a lot warmer than most places in Melbourne.

If you can stomach the mad dash from pool to towel, then you may actually really enjoy a refreshing outdoor swim. The 50-metre heated pool itself is beautiful, surrounded by a glorious modernist building with decent facilities (although you'll need to bring your own hairdryer to this one). Best of all, you're almost guaranteed to get a lane to yourself during winter.

Fitzroy Swimming Pool, 160 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy. Open Monday to Friday 6am–8:45pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6:45pm. 

Harold Holt Swim Centre

It may be a little dark to name a swim centre after a man who drowned at sea, but, hey, everyone else seems to be okay with it. In fact, the Harold Holt Swim Centre is a pretty great memorial to the former Prime Minister.

Not only does it have a 25-metre indoor pool, gym, spa, sauna, it also has an epic 50-metre outdoor pool which is heated and open late all through winter. This pool is a little oasis in the middle of the eastern 'burbs and a great way to get through winter.

Harold Holt Swim Centre, corner Edgar and High Streets, Glen Iris. Open Monday to Thursday 5.45am–9pm, Friday 5.45am–8pm, Saturday 6am–7pm, and Sunday 7am–7pm. 

Wikimedia Commons

Melbourne City Baths

Melbourne City Baths, standing in the cradle of Swanston, Franklin and Victoria Streets in the CBD, is a triple threat. It may look like an old-timey gaol from the outside, but inside you'll find a gym with a comprehensive group fitness program as well as a heated indoor 33-metre lap pool.

The pool is quite small and can get crowded during peak times (on weekends and after 5pm) but that comes with it the being most central heated indoor swimming pool in Melbourne. Plus, it welcomes casuals and the amenities are fantastic (including GHDs in the change room so you won't leave looking like a half-drowned rat).

Melbourne City Baths, 420 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Open Monday to Thursday 6am–10pm, Friday 6am–8pm, and Saturday and Sunday 8am–6pm.

Brunswick Baths

Brunswick Baths on Dawson Street is the perfect place for swimmers of all levels. The indoor pool is in a beautiful tiled hall which has was redeveloped by Henderson + Lodge Architects — and while it's small at only 20 metres, it will keep you toasty warm all through winter. It's a good idea to check the lane availability before you rock up in your togs though, as the pool is often booked out for water workout classes.

If you want to really go for it, there's a 50-metre heated outdoor pool in the same facility. The cost of entry covers both pools, but for a few dollars, you can treat yourself to the spa, sauna and steam rooms and enjoy a hard-earned relaxation sesh after your swim.

Brunswick Baths, 14 Dawson Street, Brunswick. The indoor pool is open Monday to Friday 5:30am–9.45pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–7.45pm. The outdoor pool is open Monday to Friday 5:30am–8pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6pm during winter.

St Kilda Sea Baths

We wouldn't send you to the sea baths in winter if they weren't warm, and, luckily, St Kilda's baths are heated to a sweet 25 degrees. The 25-metre pool is filled with heated seawater, meaning that it isn't as irritable as chlorine (but still hygienic), and is open until 9:30pm Monday to Thursday. And once you're done, you can reward yourself with a drink and some nosh up at Captain Baxter next door.

St Kilda Sea Baths, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. Open Monday to Thursday 5am–9:30pm, Friday 5am–8:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6:30pm. 

Richmond Recreation Centre

The indoor pool at the Richmond Recreation Centre is one of the best Melbourne pools to frequent in winter. The cavernous facility houses a wide 50-metre heated swimming pool flanked by grandstands, as well as two gymnasiums, a group fitness studio, spa, sauna and steam room.

While the pool is reasonably temperate, it doesn't feel soupy and over-chlorinated like so many indoor pools do. The changing rooms are clean and serviceable (if a little old) and the facility opens quite late all year-round so you can avoid the crowds if you need a solitary or relaxed swim.

Richmond Recreation Centre, 11-15 Gleadell Street, Richmond. Open Monday to Friday 6am–8.45pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6.45pm.

Marriott Docklands Rooftop Pool

Rooftop pools have a traditional summer association — lounging, cocktail in hand, with the city skyline around you and a blazing summer sun overhead — but the blessing of these pools is that it's decidedly easy to switch on the heating. Such is the case with Marriott Docklands, which boasts a gorgeous infinity pool.

The 28-metre wet-edge pool is heated to a balmy 28 degrees, meaning there's no need to abandon your rooftop vision just because it's chilly out. And while the pool is made readily available to hotel guests, you can book a day pass at a winter rate of $50, which includes towels and access to the pool, gym and sauna. Numbers are strictly capped, so plan and book this swim well in advance.

Marriott Bonvoy Docklands, 15 Waterfront Way, Docklands. Open daily from 11am to 5pm.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Crown Hotels (@crownhotels)

Crown Metropol Pool Deck

Another sky-high mention, Crown Metropol's 25-metre indoor pool mixes the hotel's contemporary style with panoramic aesthetics and an oh-so-scenic setting for a toasty dip. And like Marriott, there's no need to fork out the full price of a room for a swim, day passes are available to book online.

Prices vary depending on the week, cheapest at $25 per person from Monday to Thursday, then $30 per person if you go for an evening dip from Monday to Wednesday or from an early afternoon visit from Friday to Sunday.

Crown Metropol Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank. Open daily to guests from 6am to 10pm. Pool day passes available for 9am–5pm Monday to Thursday, 4–8pm Monday to Wednesday and 12–3pm on Friday and Sunday.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jarred Reinke | Luxury Travel (@theluxehotelier)

Le Splash, Le Méridien

One of Melbourne's most popular summertime spots in the city is actually just as nice in the winter. Le Méridien's pool bar, Le Splash, is warmed to a cosy 28 degrees come winter, and keeps all the splendour of a sunny summer pool with the inclusions of its pool pass, available daily in two four-hour timeslots.

Your pool pass will get you access to the pool and dry sauna, plus a complimentary beverage of your choice (hot and cold) and a scoop of Le Splash gelato. Warm up in the water and stay warm on a sunbed — or come for the separate sunset session to end the day with a stylish splash.

Le Méridien, 20 Bourke St, Melbourne. Open daily in sessions from 8am–12pm, 1–5pm and 6–9pm.

Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park

Now, first things first, Halls Gap is not strictly in Melbourne, yes. But if you're in need of a winter day trip, you might be able to help justify the hours spent behind the wheel with a swim in one of Australia's only woodfire-heated pools, heated to a sublime 32 degrees in winter. This one doesn't come with a day pass, though, so split your trip with an overnight stay.

Just imagine it though, a day spent exploring the Grampians, your legs are tired and sore. Drop your kit off in your room and go soak in this supremely cosy tub. It can get crowded in the peak winter season with one of two pools closed, so plan and swim accordingly.

Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, 23-27 Tymna Drive, Halls Gap. Open to guests from 10am until dusk.

Looking to cool off instead? Browse our list of the best (unheated) pools in Melbourne instead.

Lead image: Le Méridian Melbourne