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Bondi BathsSydney, New South Wales
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Bondi Baths is the most famous ocean pool in Australia due to its long history, its location next to Sydney's most famous beach,
and the dedicated swimmers known as the Bondi Icebergs who call it home. According to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the current
baths were opened in 1931 and replaced the baths that were originally built on this site in 1887.
Above: Bondi Baths with Bondi Beach in the background. Image source:
andym5855
There are two pools at this cordoned off complex: an Olympic sized (50 metre) lap pool for serious lap swimming, and a smaller 15 metre pool tucked in behind it, further back from the waves, for a more relaxed swim.
For anyone visiting from overseas, I would imagine a trip to Bondi Baths is on the to-do list. The views of the beach, the dramatic waves crashing over the sea wall and the icebergs club house perched on the cliff all look idyllic. However the reality is less inviting than other ocean pools along the New South Wales coastline, and somehow the charm of this place feels like it has been replaced by a kind of exclusivity that comes from being too famous.
This manifests itself in the entrance fee (most ocean pools are free, but not this one), the celebrity pages (visits from Oprah, Prince Charles, etc.),
the functions, the restaurant, the corporate sponsorship by beer and wine companies, the live streaming pool cam, etc.
All this peacocking when all I wanted was a swim. I'm sure there are dedicated, long-term members of the Icebergs who would
disagree with me, and if you want to better understand the vibe of this place, joining the Icebergs is probably the best place
to start. If like me you want a swim with less sheen but fewer expectations, head around the headland to the ocean pool
at Bronte Baths.
The pool is best for swimming at low tide, but the most fun and at its most spectacular at high tide. Near high tide in rough seas, waves can crash over the edge of the pool.
View Larger Map
Above: Bondi Baths with Bondi Beach in the background. Image source:
andym5855
There are two pools at this cordoned off complex: an Olympic sized (50 metre) lap pool for serious lap swimming, and a smaller 15 metre pool tucked in behind it, further back from the waves, for a more relaxed swim.
For anyone visiting from overseas, I would imagine a trip to Bondi Baths is on the to-do list. The views of the beach, the dramatic waves crashing over the sea wall and the icebergs club house perched on the cliff all look idyllic. However the reality is less inviting than other ocean pools along the New South Wales coastline, and somehow the charm of this place feels like it has been replaced by a kind of exclusivity that comes from being too famous.
The pool is best for swimming at low tide, but the most fun and at its most spectacular at high tide. Near high tide in rough seas, waves can crash over the edge of the pool.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Notts Ave, Bondi Beach, New South Wales, 8 km (approx. 20 min drive) south-east of the Sydney CBD.
Latitude:-33.894922 Longitude:151.274501
Getting there: From the city head west along William Street and New South Head Road, then south along Ocean Street and west again along Syd Einfeld Drive and Bondi Road. Parking in the area can be costly. By public transport take bus 380 or 333 from Circular Quay, or a train to Bondi Junction and then catch the 380 or 333 bus to the beach.
Facilities: Too numerous, so I'm sure I've missed something, but there are toilets, change rooms, a gym, a sauna, a function room, a day spa, life preservers
Entrance fee: Pool entry fees similar to a municipal pool. You can also pay a small fee to hire a towel if you need. Use of the sauna is included in the entry fee.
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Concrete
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners at low tide, experienced at high tide when waves can crash over the pool edge.
Prohibitions: No swimming if the pool is closed due to dangerous surf conditions or for cleaning.
Sun shade: In the afternoon there is some shade on the water from the cliffs. No shade at other times in or out of the water at the water's edge, but you can always retire to the cafe.
Opening times: 6.30 am to 6.30 pm weekends, 6am to 6.30pm weekdays, excluding Thursdays when the pool is closed for cleaning. If tides and weather permit, staff re-open the pool on Thursdays after cleaning.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair access to the pool deck
Managing authority: Waverley Council
Nearby attractions: Bondi Beach for a surf or Bronte Baths for a grittier but more relaxed ocean pool.
Before you head out, make sure to read the
swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Latitude:-33.894922 Longitude:151.274501
Getting there: From the city head west along William Street and New South Head Road, then south along Ocean Street and west again along Syd Einfeld Drive and Bondi Road. Parking in the area can be costly. By public transport take bus 380 or 333 from Circular Quay, or a train to Bondi Junction and then catch the 380 or 333 bus to the beach.
Facilities: Too numerous, so I'm sure I've missed something, but there are toilets, change rooms, a gym, a sauna, a function room, a day spa, life preservers
Entrance fee: Pool entry fees similar to a municipal pool. You can also pay a small fee to hire a towel if you need. Use of the sauna is included in the entry fee.
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Concrete
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners at low tide, experienced at high tide when waves can crash over the pool edge.
Prohibitions: No swimming if the pool is closed due to dangerous surf conditions or for cleaning.
Sun shade: In the afternoon there is some shade on the water from the cliffs. No shade at other times in or out of the water at the water's edge, but you can always retire to the cafe.
Opening times: 6.30 am to 6.30 pm weekends, 6am to 6.30pm weekdays, excluding Thursdays when the pool is closed for cleaning. If tides and weather permit, staff re-open the pool on Thursdays after cleaning.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair access to the pool deck
Managing authority: Waverley Council
Nearby attractions: Bondi Beach for a surf or Bronte Baths for a grittier but more relaxed ocean pool.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the pool. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Comments:
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I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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