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 — five in all. And summer's the perfect time to try 'em all. For free.
Over a series of Saturdays, the City of Sydney is hosting a series of free open days in their swimming pools, inviting locals to try out everything each 50-metre pool has to offer — from the insanely pretty Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool located on the edge of the harbour, to the $40 million Harry Seidler and Associates-designed Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. 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 — $53.40 a fortnight for access to all five of the City of Sydney's aquatic centres across the city, and their adjoining fitness facilities.
CITY OF SYDNEY SWIMMING POOL OPEN DAYS
Prince Alfred Park Pool: Saturday, October 21 from 10am–3pm
Victoria Park Pool: Saturday, October 28 from 10am–3pm
Cook + Philip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre: Saturday, November 4 from 10am–3pm
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool: Saturday, November 18 from 10am–3pm
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre: Saturday, November 25 from 10am–3pm