Overview
Sydney's seeing a lot of change from today. With NSW's latest eased restrictions coming into effect, a selection of normal, everyday activities that have been off the cards since March are permissible once again. Restaurants are reopening for dine-in service, bootcamps are resuming and you can now have five mates round, picnic in a park and — despite dropping temperatures — dive into an outdoor pool. All while social distancing, of course. So, if you prefer a swim over running or yoga in your living room, it's time to get the goggles ready.
Over the past month, Sydney beaches have gradually been reopening for swimming, surfing and sand running. Now, with ocean pools open for exercise once again, you can swim some laps between the coast and the mighty Pacific, without the risk of rips (or sharks). There are restrictions in place though, with only ten people allowed in a pool at any one time.
There are over 100 ocean pools lining the NSW coastline — and Sydney is home to some of the most stunning among them. Although you can now travel however far you need to do essential services (including exercise), you can't go on an overnight trip — so it's best to stay local.
So, which ocean pools can you swim in? We've broken it down.
The below information is correct as of Friday, May 15. We'll update as any new announcements are made.
Destination NSW
EASTERN SUBURBS
As of Friday, May 15, Randwick Council has reopened most of its pools, including Coogee's Giles Baths, Ivor Rowe Rockpool and Ross Jones Memorial Pool, Clovelly's Geoff James Pool, Mahon Pool in Maroubra and Malabar Ocean Pool. Wylie's Baths and McIver's Ladies Baths remain closed. The council is encouraging swimmers to practice social distancing, good hygiene and are limiting numbers to ten people at a time.
Waverley Council is reopening its ocean pools with an anticipate ten-person limit, too. This includes North Bondi Children's Pool and Bronte Baths. Bondi's famed Icebergs remains closed.
As of Wednesday, May 6, Woollahra Municipal Council reopened its harbourside pools — Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf) and Watson Bay Baths — with 'Swim & Go' measures.
Bilgola Beach by Paros Huckstepp
NORTHERN BEACHES
On the northern beaches, all ocean and harbour pools have reopened to swimmers (with restrictions), including rock pools at Bilgola, North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl, Avalon, Collaroy, Freshwater, Mona Vale, Newport, Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Queenscliff, North Narabeen, Fairlight and Dee Why.
The Manly and Warringah Aquatic Centres are opening for swimming in outdoor pools only, with a limit of one person per lane up to a maximum of ten people. To ensure this, a booking system will be introduced.
SOUTH SYDNEY
Sutherland Shire is gradually reopening some services and facilities, including outdoor pools such as Cronulla Rock Pool and the pool at Oak Park Beach. For updates, check in here.
To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Top image: Bronte Baths, Paros Huckstepp