Cook+Phillip Park Pool & Aquatic Centre in the Sydney CBD
Swim in one of three heated pools, including a 50m lap pool and leisure pool, in the heart of Sydney at The Cook+Phillip Park Aquatic Centre.
The Cook+Phillip Park Aquatic Centre is located smack in the middle of Sydney’s CBD, nestled between St Mary’s Cathedral, Hyde Park and the Australian Museum.
Perfect for year-round aquatic fun, the centre features three heated indoor pools:
An 8-lane 50m lap pool, with ‘easy steps’ for assisted entry and hoist, heated to 26.5°C.
A leisure pool, heated to 30°C with ‘beach-style’ entry and full-access ramp. There is a 35-metre wave pool inside the leisure pool which operates hourly on weekends from 12:00pm.
The leisure pool is fantastic for little ones with its shallow entry, a small slide and fountains. The large, colourful mosaic sculpture in the middle of the pool is great for kids to splash around.
A hydrotherapy pool, heated to 33°C with full ramp access.
The Cook+Phillip Park Aquatic Centre also hosts Learn to Swim lessons for all ages (starting at 6 months right through to adult advanced), plus competitive squad programs and swimming clubs. The pools for baby classes are located at the back of the Aquatic Centre, in their own designated space. The lap pool is used for older children’s lessons.
There is a large courtyard attached to the centre with tables and chairs. It was closed (as was the cafe) when we visited.
There is a sports shop at the entrance which sells swimsuits and other swimming essentials.
There is a pay parking station on Cathedral Street which offers all-day parking on weekends for a reasonable amount. If your visit is going to be short, street parking in this same area is a cheaper bet. You can also catch the train to Museum or St James.
After you’ve had a swim in the Cook+Phillip Park Pool, make a day of your city visit with one of these ideas:
Yum Cha at Bodhi
Located right next to the Aquatic Centre, Bodhi is an excellent choice for a post-swim lunch. Bodhi serves vegan yum cha that is pretty to look at and delicious to eat. Choose a table under the fig trees and enjoy this Sydney dining institution that is a long-time fave of ours.
Read more about dining at Bodhi.
Australian Museum
The Australian Museum re-opens on November 28th after a long renovation. We can’t see what’s in store at the new museum!
St Mary’s Cathedral
The Cathedral is a fave of ours to visit too. The soaring ceilings are awe-inspiring, and a visit to the crypts always fascinating.
Art Gallery of NSW
It’s a short stroll down the road to the Art Gallery of NSW. We love their collection of Australian Art, which dates from the early 1800s. Iconic Australian artists including Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Jeffrey Smart, John Olsen and Brett Whiteley have work in display.
Read more about visiting art galleries and museums in Sydney.
Hyde Park
The heritage-listed 16.2-hectare park is a beauty in all seasons. The stunning Archibald Fountain is stunning, there are plenty of trees for shady picnics, and there is also the newly renovated Anzac Memorial to visit.
Cook + Phillip Park Aquatic Centre
4 College St, Sydney
cookandphillip.org.au
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