The Best Pools And Waterparks In Sydney’s Inner City And Inner West

We may not have many beaches here in the inner city and inner West but our area is home to some amazing pools.

So go test the waters at some of Sydney’s newest pool complexes, dive straight into an old favourite or take the kids for a splash at a waterpark. Here are our favourites.

Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre
17 Zetland Avenue, Zetland

Photo from Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre website

Top of our list is the brand new, totally stunning Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre at Green Square. Gunyama is a local Aboriginal word meaning “wind from the southwest”. Described as an “urban beach” the centre has no fewer than four swimming pools, including a 50-metre heated outdoor pool, 25-metre indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool and a beach pool plus an aqua play area. There are also tonnes of other amenities in the complex, such as a creche and cafe. Entry fees apply.

Victoria Park Pool
Corner of City Road and Parramatta Road, Camperdown

Photo from Victoria Park Pool website

Did you know that when it opened in 1935, Victoria Park Pool in Camperdown was the first in-ground public pool in Sydney? Fast forward to today and the 50-metre outdoor pool located in gorgeous Victoria Park has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a splash pool. It’s open all year round and a truly beautiful place to enjoy a summer day. Entry fees apply.

Prince Alfred Park Pool
105 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills

Photo from Prince Alfred Park Pool website

Originally built in 1954, the Prince Alfred Park Pool in Surry Hills has been recently revamped with the building of a green roof of native grasses to regulate temperature and other sustainable water-saving features. The 50-metre outdoor pool is heated and fully accessible. There’s also a water play area for the kids. Entry fees apply.

Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre
Enmore Park, Black Street, Marrickville

Photo from Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre

Located in Enmore Park, this indoor 50-metre pool is a family favourite thanks to its splash zone and learn to swim classes. It’s named after legendary Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman who was born in Marrickville in 1886. Kellerman was a champion swimmer, as well as the first woman to attempt to swim the English Channel. She was also an early adopter of the women’s one-piece swimming suit.

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
458 Harris Street, Ultimo

Photo from Ultimo

Named after Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe, this indoor aquatic centre in Ultimo boasts three pools alongside fitness facilities and a cafe.

Steel Park Water Play Park
Illawarra Road, Marrickville South

Photo from Steel Park Waterplay Park

Located in Marrickville, Steel Park Water Play Park on the banks of the Cooks River has been specially designed to show off all stages of the water cycle. Open to the public from October to April, it boasts a free water playground with fountains and sprinklers.

Sydney Park
Corner Sydney Park Road and Euston Road, Alexandria

Another free option is to explore the wetlands at Sydney Park and take the dog for a splash in the water feature. It’s the third-largest park in all of Sydney and a great place to cool off, ride a bike and have a picnic.

Mary O’Brien Reserve
Corner Joynton Avenue and Tilford Street, Zetland

Photo from Mary O’Brien Reserve

Mary O’Brien Reserve was originally home to a natural lagoon and wetlands. In the 1900s, these were drained to create the famous Victoria Park racecourse. It’s fitting that today that the reserve has an interactive water play area - perfect for kids and kids at heart to splash around. It’s free and there are also barbecue and picnic areas and a playground.

Waterworld Central
122 Lang Road, Moore Park

Photo from Waterworld Central website

A pop-up for the 2022 summer holidays, WaterWorld Central is hosted by EQ at Moore Park and gives you and the kids the opportunity to explore waterslides, inflatables and pools. Tickets required and you can book online at WaterWorld Central for a great day out.

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