City of Sydney Swimming Pool Open Day

Overview

Not every Sydneysider has the luxury of being able to nab a cheeky beach dip in Tamarama after work. The words "hectic traffic", "epic trek", "generally CBF" start a long list of pretty solid excuses. If you're an inner-city dweller, chances are you've found your nearest community pool for cooling off and doing mad laps in. Luckily, the City of Sydney's built a fair few aquatic centres around town. And the first day of summer's the perfect time to try 'em all. For free.

On Saturday, December 1, the City of Sydney is opening up four of its swimming pools for free from 10am till 3pm, inviting locals to try out everything each 50-metre pool has to offer — including the insanely pretty Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool located on the edge of the harbour, Redfern's lovely yellow-hued Prince Alfred Park Pool, Victoria Park Pool in Camperdown and Cook + Phillip Park Pool on the edge of Hyde Park. You could hope between each one for a full comparison. Do note that the $40 million Harry Seidler-designed Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre isn't doing an open day, despite being located in the City of Sydney.

There'll be a range of activities for all ages on the day, including tours, fitness classes, aquatic inflatables, learn-to-swim information, barbecues and face painting. Plus, you get to swim for free.

The idea behind the open days is to give you a chance to test out the facilities associated with the City of Sydney's 360 card — $54.50 a fortnight for access to all five of the City of Sydney's aquatic centres across the city, and their adjoining fitness facilities.

Image: City of Sydney.