Where to Swim in Sydney's Inner West

Pools Harbour Water Play

🏊‍♀️ Swimming Pools

Year-round and seasonal pools with facilities for serious swimmers and families

Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre

Indoor 50m pool plus splash pool with water features. The indoor setting offers year-round sun-safe swimming, making it perfect for families with young children.

Location Enmore Park

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round

Features

Indoor

Dedicated Splash Pool

Kiosk with Sundeck

Limited Parking

Excellent for Young Kids

Public Transport Nearby

Website

Ashfield Aquatic Centre

Five pools, including 50m outdoor and leisure pools, plus crèche, café and extensive gym facilities.

Location Ashfield

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round

Features

Indoor

Outdoor

All Ages

Five Pools

Crèche

On-site Café

Public Transport Nearby

Parking

Website

Cabarita Swimming Centre

Three heated pools (50m, program, and toddler) in a stunning parkland setting. The 27°C water temperature and extensive park facilities make it perfect for a family day out.

Location Cabarita Park, Concord

Cost Paid entry

Season Seasonal (Sep-Apr)

Features

Outdoor

Natural Shade

BBQ Facilities in the Park

On-site Kiosk

All Ages

Dedicated Toddler Pool

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

Drummoyne Swimming Centre

Heated salt-water Olympic pool with dedicated shaded toddler splash area. The green spaces and riverside setting make it feel more like a park day out than just a pool visit.

Location Cabarita Road, Drummoyne

Cost Paid entry

Season Seasonal (Sep-Apr)

Features

Outdoor

Great for Toddlers

Dedicated Shaded Splash Area

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

Enfield Aquatic Centre - CLOSED FOR RENOVATION

Classic neighbourhood pool featuring a 25m indoor pool, a 50m outdoor pool (open October to April), an Outdoor Splash Park, and a program pool. Note: Enfield Aquatic Centre is currently closed for renovations.

Location Henley Park, Enfield

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round

Features

Indoor

Outdoor (seasonal)

Great for Little Kids

Splash Park

Public Transport Nearby

Parking

Website

Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre

Classic open-air pool in a beautiful parkland setting with an extended season. Features a 25m outdoor pool, a toddler pool, and a splash pad. The park location and Splash café make it perfect for relaxed family days with picnic vibes.

Location Petersham Park

Cost Paid entry

Season 1 September - 30 April

Features

Outdoor

Natural Park Shade

Splash Café

BBQ facilities in Nearby Park

All Ages

Splash Pad

Public Transport Nearby

Limited Parking

Website

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

State-of-the-art aquatic centre featuring a heated 50m pool, program pool, leisure pool with spa, plus sauna, steam rooms, and gym facilities. Ideal for serious swimmers seeking year-round indoor training in top-notch facilities.

Location Ultimo

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round

Features

Indoor

On-site Café

Best for Older Kids & Adults

Public Transport Nearby

Limited Parking

Website

Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

5 pools, including an outdoor 50m pool (currently closed for renovation), a dive pool (currently closed for renovation), a hydrotherapy pool, an indoor toddler pool, and the outdoor mushroom pool and splash pad.

Location Lilyfield

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round, with the Mushroom Pool seasonal (1 Sep to 30 Apr)

Features

Indoor

Outdoor (50m and Dive Pool closed for renovation)

On-site Café

Great for all ages when upgrades are complete

Public Transport Nearby

Parking

Website

Victoria Park Pool

Convenient 50m pool with a leisure centre right by major transport routes. The toddler pool is also available. The proximity to Victoria Park's extensive shaded lawns adds to the appeal for families.

Location Camperdown

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor

BBQ Facilities in Park

On-site Café

All Ages

Public Transport Nearby

Limited Parking

Website

🌊 Harbour Swimming

Natural harbour and river swimming spots with scenic views

Bayview Park Baths

Netted river swimming area with proper picnic facilities and an accessible design. The car park and extensive BBQ areas make it perfect for larger family gatherings.

Location Concord, Parramatta River

Cost Free

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor

Some Natural Shade

Netted Swimming Area

BBQ Facilities

All Ages

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Accessible Design

Website

Cabarita Beach

A natural riverside beach located within the same park as the swimming centre. Perfect for families seeking a sandy beach and a natural water experience.

Location Cabarita Park, Concord

Cost Free

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor

Shaded Areas

Natural Sandy Beach

BBQ Facilities

Shared Kiosk

Ideal for Young Kids

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

Chiswick Baths

Quiet netted river swimming spot with scenic views under Gladesville Bridge. More peaceful than other harbour options, but note the closure policy after heavy rain.

Location Bortfield Drive, Chiswick

Cost Free

Season Year-round (closed 3 days after heavy rain)

Features

Outdoor

Natural Shade

BBQ Facilities

Café Nearby

Better for Older Kids and Adults seeking Relaxation

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

Dawn Fraser Baths

Australia's oldest tidal harbour pool with iconic nets and a historic kiosk. The harbour views and heritage setting make it a quintessential Sydney swimming experience.

Location Elkington Park, Balmain

Cost Paid entry

Season Seasonal, Opens late September (check Beachwatch for water quality)

Features

Outdoor Harbour Setting

Some Shelter

Historic Kiosk On-site

Better for Older Kids & Adults due to Tidal Nature

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

💦 Water Play & Splash Zones

Free interactive water features and splash playgrounds perfect for young families

Darling Harbour Playground

Fountains, jets and jungle gym equipment offering variety for different ages. The combination of water play and traditional playground equipment suits different energy levels. Note: currently under maintenance until 25 September 2025.

Location Darling Harbour

Cost Free

Season Year-round (maintenance until 25 Sep 2025)

Features

Outdoor

Some Shelter

Numerous Cafés & Restaurants

All Ages

Public Transport Nearby

Paid Parking

Website

King George Park Playground

New all-inclusive playground featuring a water play area, plus stunning views of the Parramatta River. Developed with the Touched by Olivia Foundation for all-abilities access.

Location Manning Street, Rozelle

Cost Free

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor

Sailcloths & Trees for Shade

BBQ facilities

All Ages and Abilities

Inclusive Playground

Water Play for Younger Kids

Public Transport Nearby

Parking

Website

Livvi's Place Timbrell Park

Inclusive playground with water play features, part of the Touched by Olivia Foundation network. Established an inclusive play space with a dedicated water play area for cooling off.

Location Five Dock

Cost Free

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor

Shade Structures

BBQ Facilities

On-site Café

All Ages and Abilities

Inclusive Playground

Water Play for Younger Kids

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

Pirrama Park Playground

Gentle water play with jets in a harbour-side setting. The smaller scale and harbour views make it less overwhelming for younger children than larger water play areas.

Location Pyrmont

Cost Free

Season Year-round (8am-6pm, closed Tuesdays)

Features

Outdoor

Some Shade

Limited BBQ Facilities

Limited Nearby Café Options

Water Play for Younger Kids

Public Transport Nearby

Limited Parking

Website

Rozelle Parklands

New multi-purpose parkland built on the old Rozelle Railyards site with a Hills Hoist-inspired water play unit and wetland boardwalks. Industrial-themed playground reflects the area's heritage.

Location Lilyfield Road, Rozelle

Cost Free

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor

Minimal Shade

BBQ Facilities

All Ages

Water Play for Younger Kids

Public Transport Nearby

Street Parking

Website

Steel Park Waterplay

Free interactive water features themed around river cycles and environmental themes. The covered picnic areas and BBQ facilities make it easy to spend the whole day here.

Location Marrickville South

Cost Free

Season 1 September - 30 April (9am-6pm daily)

Features

Outdoor

Covered Picnic Areas & Shade Structures

BBQ Facilities

Perfect for Young Kids & Toddlers

Public Transport Nearby

Parking

Website

Putney Park

A large water play area featuring two shallow splash pools connected by a creek, situated on the banks of the Parramatta River. The landscaping features colourful spheres, cubes and pyramids, making it visually striking.

Location Pellisier Road, Putney

Cost Free

Season Year-round

Features

Outdoor with Shade Sails & Trees

BBQ Facilities

Café Nearby

All Ages - Separate Areas for Younger & Older Children

Water Play for Younger Kids

Limited Public Transport

Parking

Website

Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre & Splashers Playground

Iconic indoor pools with slides, a rapid river ride, and a giant water playground. The year-round indoor facilities and extensive water features make it worth the trip from the Inner West.

Location Sydney Olympic Park

Cost Paid entry

Season Year-round

Features

Indoor

On-site Café

Excellent for Toddlers through Teenagers

Public Transport Nearby

Paid Parking

Website

🛟 Safety Notes

• Always check Beachwatch status for harbour and river swimming locations, especially after rain.
• Seasonal facilities (Drummoyne, Cabarita, Fanny Durack, Steel Park) operate roughly September to April - always confirm current hours.
• Most pool facilities require an entry fee; harbour/river baths and water play areas are usually free.
• Indoor options (Annette Kellerman, Ian Thorpe, Leichhardt, Olympic Park) provide year-round swimming regardless of the weather.

Inner West Guide