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Bronte BathsSydney, New South Wales
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Bronte Baths is an ocean pool that was constructed in the late 1880s, built into the sandstone cliffs at the southern end
of Bronte Beach. The pool is roughly 38 metres long, divided into two sections by a barrier in the water. On one side
of the barrier there are several marked lanes for 30 metre lap swimming, with water play and bathing available behind
the barrier and either side of the lap swimmers.
Above: The view of the ocean from Bronte Baths. Image reproduced with permission from
Operal Photography
For anyone training, pushing yourself that extra 5 metres in this pre-Olympic swimming pool will give you a physical and psychological edge when switching down to your standard half-size 25 metre Olympic pool.
If you want to swim here regularly, you can join the
Bronte Splashers who swim in the pool every Sunday morning,
even throughout winter.
Above: The sandstone cliffs at Bronte Baths. Image reproduced with permission from
Operal Photography
The pool has a concrete wall with a wide walkway on the ocean side, which you can walk along or sit down on as you dangle your feet in the water. On this side there are spectacular views out into the Pacific Ocean and to the north along Bronte Beach.
On the other side of the pools are the sandstone cliffs, which jut out over the edge of the pool. You can wade or swim in underneath these
cliffs, or take shelter from the sun here in the afternoon.
The pool is best for swimming at low tide, but the most fun and at its most spectacular at high tide. Near high tide, waves can crash over the edge of the pool, making it a bit choppy at times, but lots of fun as you wait with excitement for each wave to break over the concrete wall.
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Above: The view of the ocean from Bronte Baths. Image reproduced with permission from
Operal Photography
For anyone training, pushing yourself that extra 5 metres in this pre-Olympic swimming pool will give you a physical and psychological edge when switching down to your standard half-size 25 metre Olympic pool.
Above: The sandstone cliffs at Bronte Baths. Image reproduced with permission from
Operal Photography
The pool has a concrete wall with a wide walkway on the ocean side, which you can walk along or sit down on as you dangle your feet in the water. On this side there are spectacular views out into the Pacific Ocean and to the north along Bronte Beach.
The pool is best for swimming at low tide, but the most fun and at its most spectacular at high tide. Near high tide, waves can crash over the edge of the pool, making it a bit choppy at times, but lots of fun as you wait with excitement for each wave to break over the concrete wall.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Calga Place, Bronte, New South Wales, 10 km (approx. 20 min drive) south-east of the Sydney CBD.
Latitude:-33.905229 Longitude:151.269294
Getting there: From the city head south along Anzac Parade and then head east along Alison Road, Darley Road and Macpherson Street. At the end of Macpherson Street turn left along Bronte Road and then do a hairpin turn into Calga Place. There is paid street parking along Calga Place. By public transport take bus 440 from Bondi Junction Station.
Facilities: Public toilets, change rooms, hot showers
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Cold
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.
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.
Opening times: Always open, except during very rough surf and during scheduled cleaning times. See the managing authority website for the latest cleaning schedule, which typically involves closing the pool for a morning or afternoon during low tide approximately once per week. The change rooms are open 8.30am to 6pm.
Wheelchair access: None
Managing authority: Waverley Council
Nearby attractions: Bondi Beach, which is a 1-2 km walk around the headland, north of Bronte Beach
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:-33.905229 Longitude:151.269294
Getting there: From the city head south along Anzac Parade and then head east along Alison Road, Darley Road and Macpherson Street. At the end of Macpherson Street turn left along Bronte Road and then do a hairpin turn into Calga Place. There is paid street parking along Calga Place. By public transport take bus 440 from Bondi Junction Station.
Facilities: Public toilets, change rooms, hot showers
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Cold
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.
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.
Opening times: Always open, except during very rough surf and during scheduled cleaning times. See the managing authority website for the latest cleaning schedule, which typically involves closing the pool for a morning or afternoon during low tide approximately once per week. The change rooms are open 8.30am to 6pm.
Wheelchair access: None
Managing authority: Waverley Council
Nearby attractions: Bondi Beach, which is a 1-2 km walk around the headland, north of Bronte Beach
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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