Australia’s 7 Best Pools For Laps

From Sydney to St Kilda, lap these up.

Swimming. It’s the all-year-round, no excuses workout that engages all your muscles, increases your cardio fitness, endurance, and strength. With that in mind, we compiled a bucket list of lap pools in Australia – they are as aesthetically pleasing as they are about to whip you into shape. Stay cool.

@nataliexlouise

ANDREW BOY CHARLTON POOL, NSW

Adjacent to Woolloomooloo and the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, swimming in this eight-lane, 50-metre pool feels like you're *almost* floating in Sydney Harbour. Andrew Boy Charlton is filled with saltwater for added levity (salt makes it denser and easier to float) AND, it’s gentler on the skin. Bonus points for the poolside cafe where you'll find a nourishing menu for your post-swim hungries.

@benmack_

BONDI ICEBERGS, NSW

Ask any Sydney tourist and they’ll tell you they were here. Bondi Icebergs pool, which overlooks the Southern side of Bondi Beach, is a must-do. It was originally built in 1929 for lifeguards to maintain their fitness over winter (and still fits the bill today for lifeguards and civvies alike). Pro tip: jump in the sauna for post-swim recovery. All of that and a hot shower for a $9 entry is a bargain, wouldn’t you say?

@beccsteele

ST KILDA BATHS, VIC

Recently restored, this 25-metre heated pool that's filled with seawater has been The Spot to swim since the 1800s. In modern times, the Baths have been home to the 2012 APAC Ironman Championship, so don’t let the name ‘baths’ fool you if you’re a competitive swimmer. While you’re here, suss out the hydrotherapy spa and aromatherapy steam room to ease sore muscles.

@zacfreuden

MELBOURNE SPORTS & AQUATIC CENTRE, VIC

If this pool is worthy of the 2006 and 2007 Commonwealth games, you owe it some laps. The two 10 lane pools stretch 50 metres and service two million swimmers each year, so it’s a tried and tested recommendation (4.4 stars on Google, we checked). Plus, if you're into diving, you'll find 14 boards here too! Not to mention a sauna and steam room for some much-needed R&R after testing out every diving board.

@placesweswim

SPRING HILL BATHS, QLD

Built in 1886, the heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths are as functional as they are aesthetic. You’ll find a 23-metre pool big enough to practice beating your own butterfly BP. As Brissy’s first in-ground pool, entry is a conservative $5.80 and we’re definitely not mad about it.

@melbourne_walks

MELBOURNE CITY BATHS, VIC

Melbourne CBD's largest indoor pool, open since 1904 is an architectural dream (and so say the council, it’s heritage-listed). Stretching 30 meters and open all year, there’s no excuse not to practice your strokes in the city. Plus you can relax in the spa and sauna when you’re finished, or head to a group fitness class to double down on your wellness goals.

@theluxbubble

NORTH SYDNEY OLYMPIC POOL, NSW

As the setting for 83 world records and a world-class location, this pool gains points for its uniqueness, history and beauty. And it’s the only place you can (safely) backstroke with the view of Sydney Harbour Bridge – exercise and tourism in your own city simultaneously! The upcoming multimillion-dollar renovation promises a serious upgrade to the eighty-three-year-old facility.