Overview
Located a stone's throw from The Domain in the heart of Sydney's inner city sits the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool. Known for post- and pre-work swims right by the harbour, as well as its bustling, recently revamped Oh Boy Cafe, it remains one of the Harbour City's most beloved public swimming pools — but it's about to be out of action for 16 months from this autumn.
The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool will close for an extended temporary period from May (the pool's usual colder month shutdown period) and it's expected to reopen in September 2025. So that means you can count it out as a swim option during the 2024/25 spring and summer period.
According to the City of Sydney, the shutdown will allow it to conduct "critical and extensive maintenance work". This will include transitioning the pool heating to electric heat pumps, an upgrade that will future-proof the pool and make it more climate-conscious.
"The City is committed to tackling climate change, and we aim to reach our net zero goal by 2035," says a City of Sydney spokesperson.
"All of our operations are powered by 100-percent renewable electricity and transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels will be crucial to reducing emissions in the City's operations."
DNSW
On top of this, the tiles and waterproof membrane in both the 50-metre and 20-metre pools will be replaced.
Luckily, the pool will still be open for a few more months until it closes, so you can head over for harbour-front swims and poolside eats at the Oh Boy Cafe. While it lasts you can even book yourself in for a bottomless brunch featuring free-flowing mimosas, sparkling wine and rosé alongside a selection of choice dishes from the menu and some killer views.
The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is located at 1c Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney. It will close in May 2024 and is expected to open in September 2025. Find out more about the pool at the City of Sydney website.