Best Beach Baths around Bondi

If you are into doing laps or just want to avoid the crashing waves of many Sydney beaches, there are plenty of beautiful ocean baths around Bondi to choose from. Usually perched at one end of the beach, not only are these baths protected from rips and rough seas but they also have a hell of a view along the length of the sand – people watching anyone?

Here are our top picks for a quick dip or a relaxing swim. Let’s start with the obvious …

Bondi Baths at Icebergs

These baths have been a Bondi institution for over 100 years. The larger pool is just for laps but there is a smaller kids pool that is open to paddlers. Being one of the most iconic beachside pools in Sydney, you do have to pay a small fee to enter but you will also have access to the Sauna and have the added safety of qualified lifeguards patrolling at all times.

Wylie’s Baths – Coogee

This one is not located right at Coogee Beach, in fact, it’s a few hundred metres to the south below the Coastal Walkway. The pool is open to everyone, no matter what their swimming desires. There’s also a kiosk and plenty of on-land space so you can really make a day of it.

Side note: If you are walking from Coogee Beach to Wylies Baths, you will notice McIver Baths. These baths are the last ladies-only ocean pool in Australia. Children are also welcome. So, if you are wanting a girls day out to relax and cool off – this is the place.

Other options in Coogee available to all that seek a swim are the Ross Jones Memorial Pool and Giles Baths – there really is plenty to choose from!

Murray Rose Pool – Double Bay

Murray Rose is more of an enclosure than a pool. This harbour tidal pool is netted and enclosed by a looping boardwalk. The views of the harbour are spectacular and, as it is a rather large space, there is plenty of room for everyone.

Bronte Baths

Taking a dip at Bronte is never a hard thing. The picturesque crescent shape of this quaint beach surrounded by the lush green of the grass and trees – you really can’t complain. Bronte Baths is build into the rock of the headland so that makes for some extra intrigue. Lap swimmers and casual frolickers alike can enjoy the space.

Mahon Pool – Maroubra

You can find Mahon Pool at the north end of the beach just by Jack Vanny Reserve. Surrounded by craggy rocks and cliffs, this is one to see as it’s quite different to some. It’s very popular but you can still find times when you may be wading along with only a few locals.

Around town

If you are up for exploring further afield than the Eastern Suburbs, there are plenty of other swimming spots to choose from. From the Northern Suburbs to the Inner West, these beautiful baths definitely make it worth venturing away from Bondi.

• Dawn Fraser Baths – Balmain
• McCallum Pool – Cremorne
• Fairy Bower Pool – Manly
• Greenwich Baths

Beach, if you please

Do you still like to feel the sand between your toes as you wander into the cool ocean waters or do you just want a calmer swim session? Here are some non-surf beaches that are great for a leisurely dip.

• Balmoral Beach and Chinamans Beach – Balmoral/Mosman
• Gordon’s Bay – Clovelly
• Milk Beach and Parsley Beach Reserve – Vaucluse

An honourable mention goes to the ‘proper’ pools with sweeping Sydney views including North Sydney Pool and Andrew Boy Charlton Pool. These are more for the lappers than the paddlers but they sure do showcase Sydney from their vantage points!

words by emily carstairs