If you’re looking to swim in some of the most stunning natural pools in Sydney, you can’t go past these beautiful tidal pools. Unlike ocean beaches where waves crash over, these walls of water provide a safe swimming alternative and are the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun. The sheltered waters also attract wildlife, including sting rays and octopus.
While some people are reluctant to use the pools, they offer an important service to people who cannot safely swim in the sea, particularly the elderly, children and those with disabilities. They can also be a great option for people who don’t want to deal with the stress and cost of going to the beach. In addition, the pools are cleaned regularly, so they are much safer to swim in than the ocean.
Aside from the environmental benefits, these pools are a great place to get some exercise or simply relax with a book. Some of the best-known tidal pools are Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, which was founded by champion long-distance swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907, and McIver’s Ladies Baths in Maroubra, Australia’s only ocean pool designed exclusively for women. Others can be found at Balmain’s clifftop Elkington Park Baths, the historic Corrugated Iron pool in Paddington, and the sandstone baths at Bondi.
The history of the sidney pools is an interesting one. Initially, they were conceived of as a way to make the beaches more accessible for those who didn’t feel comfortable swimming in the ocean. The first pools were built using dynamite and carved from the rocks, but modern construction methods are now being used.
But controversy over the project has raged, with claims of pork-barrelling, council infighting and a lack of transparency, heritage concerns and criticism from health organisations. The budget has blown out to more than $100m and the opening date has been put back to 2025.
The mayor of North Sydney, Zoe Baker, describes the saga as a “political folly” and says it’s not normal for local councils to take on $60m projects. The problem, she argues, is that the pool’s scope has swelled from a simple pool to a deluxe community facility and it may need to charge fashion week shows, production companies and private parties (far outside the usual remit of a local pool) in order to cover the massive bill. As such, she aims for a seamless rather than a speedy opening. Her goal is to ensure the pool can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.