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Sydney Life

Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

April 28, 2021 / Beaches, Dog-Friendly Sydney, Outdoor Play, Pets, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, is a dog and kid-friendly oasis with a calm beach, shady playground and grassy picnic space.

Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly hideaway in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney’s lower north shore. Often referred to as Little Sirius Cove, this charming natural treasure boasts a quiet beach, a playground and a large picnic area.

This peaceful paradise is an oasis for families and even for well behaved doggos. Sirius Cove is the perfect spot for both kids and dogs to enjoy a splash in the ocean.

Named after HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet that arrived in New South Wales at the end of the 18th century, the reserve is located just west of Taronga Zoo. With a huge, grassy area including picnic tables, shady trees, a fenced and shaded children’s playground, drinking fountain and a toilet/shower block, Sirius Cove is a popular spot for locals to spend their weekends.

Sirius Cove beach is 250m wide and surrounded by a sandstone wall. It faces south into a deep bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. As a result of its sheltered location, the water is very calm. There is a large sandbar that extends right out from the shore, making it shallow enough for kids and dogs to walk out onto.

Unleashed dogs are permitted in the park, on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays this is restricted to non-peak hours before 9am and after 4pm. Dogs are permitted on-leash the rest of the time.

While these rules are in place, when we visited on a weekend at around 10am, ours was the only pooch in the park on a leash.

Sirius Cove is also a great starting point for walking trails that head to Taronga Zoo Wharf, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or to Cremorne Point.

It’s also a great starting point for the walking trail going east to Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or going west to Cremorne Point.

If you take the Taronga Zoo Wharf trail, it will take you past the “Curlew Camp Artist’s Walk”. Curlew Camp was a famous gathering spot for artists, writers and musicians in the late 19th century.

The camp was located just around the corner of Sirius Cove, at Little Sirius Cove. The camp was ultimately abandoned in 1912 when the area was chosen to build the new Taronga Zoo.

Sirius Cove has a designated parking area, however this often reaches full capacity especially on weekends. parking then overflows into the free street parking nearby.

You can also catch the ferry to South Mosman and Mosman Bay wharves west of Sirius Cove, and Taronga Zoo wharf east of Sirius Cove and take the 20min hike to arrive at the Cove.

Buses also service the area. Check the bus timetable on the NSW Transport Info website.

Sirius Cove
Sirius Cove Road, Mosman

More things to do in Sydney

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Visiting Berry Reserve at Narrabeen Lake

February 19, 2021 / Bush, Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Berry Reserve at Narrabeen Lake

Berry Reserve at Narrabeen Lake is the perfect family outing, featuring a brand new playground, basketball court, lagoon bike track and a fab cafe that has its own vintage tram.

Berry Reserve is a public open space along the Narrabeen Lagoon foreshore. The lakeside area is perfect for picnics, with plenty of shady trees.

Ducks are in abundance (please don’t feed them).

There is a multi-use track that runs around the lagoon, through Berry Reserve. The track at Berry Reserve is an entry point to the 8.4km Narrabeen Lagoon Trail that can be walked, biked or scooted. 1.2km along the track, you’ll come to to Bilarong Reserve, which has an excellent playground with play equipment and mythical beast sculptures.

The new playground at Berry Reserve is excellent. It’s completely fenced and offers equipment for kids of all ages, with several accessible features.

The castle in the middle is a lovely addition, with access from the top to the slide.

Dotted around the playground are some fantastic pretend play elements such as shops and a tram stop.

The in-ground trampolines are also fun.

There are several Australian animal statues also sprinkled around the playground.

There is also a basketball court and fitness equipment.

Enter the car park from Pittwater Road. There is 3-hour parking Monday-Friday and 2-hour Saturdays plus some all day commuter parking.

Tramsheds Narrabeen

Next to the playground is the Tramshed Cafe, which has a fantastic vintage 1930s tram out the front.

Read more about visiting the Tramshed Cafe.

Berry Reserve
1417 Pittwater Rd

Narrabeen NSW 2101
northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Tee off at Dural Putt Putt

February 19, 2021 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Tee off at Dural Putt Putt

Putt your way through two 18-hole themed mini golf courses at Dural Putt Putt. The perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Dural Putt Putt has two themed 18-hole mini golf courses to complete, Camelot & Space Trek. Each course winds its way through picturesque landscaped gardens and are equally challenging.

Choose to play one or both courses. The Camelot course has really fun statues built into the course including a medieval castle, Rapunzel, the Sword in the Stone and the Lochness Monster.

The Space trek course features robots, rockets and some friendly aliens.

The course involves stepping through each each “hole” which has small steps and at times no space for a stroller or wheelchair to pass.

At the completion of the course, grab a snack from the cafe and relax in the fully shaded and paved seating area. No outside food is allowed.

If you go on a hot day, make sure you have hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.

There is a large car park at the entrance.

Afterwards, I recommend visiting nearby Glenorie Bakery for lunch.

Dural Putt Putt
Corner of Cranstons & Old Northern Roads
(Entrance via Cranstons Road)
Middle Dural NSW 2158
‭Phone: 02 9651 1334‬
Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm during school holidays. All other times, Fri-Sun 9am-6pm.
duralputtputt.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground, Rhodes

February 9, 2021 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground are a fantastic green space for leisure activities located on the waterfront in Sydney’s inner-west.

Brays Bay Reserve was named for the Bray family, who were pioneer settlers with a land grant in 1794. Their home, named “Braygrove”, was built opposite the reserve, on the other side of Concord Road. Alfred Llewellyn Bray was the first Mayor of Concord (1883-1886) and Henry David Bray, Alfred’s younger brother, was the third Mayor of Concord (1890-1891).

Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, Brays Bay Reserve is a scenic spot, with stunning water views. It’s the perfect location for a family picnic, with plenty of wide, open space to run and play ball games.

There are plenty of picnic tables and BBQs available for public use.

Next to Brays Bay Reserve is McIlwaine Park Playground. The playground has two seperate play areas, a fenced play area for younger kids and an unfenced area for older kids. Both play areas feature shade cloths.

There are public toilets available for use and a free car park.

Brays Bay Reserve joins the end of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, which is also worth a visit. Read more about the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground
443 Concord Rd, Rhodes NSW
canadabay.nsw.gov.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

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Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Harry Potter Store Quizzic Alley in Drummoyne Sydney

February 4, 2021 / Indoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Harry Potter Store Quizzic Alley in Drummoyne Sydney

Find the finest selection of officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise in Sydney at Quizzic Alley, Drummoyne.

Quizzic Alley first opened in Canberra in 2018. A second store opened in the Sydney suburb of Drummoyne in late 2020. The store is owned and operated by Michael Milton, who decided to open the store after seeing a high demand from Sydney locals visiting his Fyshwick outpost.

Read more about the original Quizzic Alley store in Canberra.

The new Quizzic Alley store has taken over the original Bank of NSW building in Drummoyne, built in 1928. While there is no Ford Anglia in this store, it’s still filled with plenty of Harry Potter magic.

A trip to Quizzic Alley is not your regular retail experience. While the store stocks an astonishing variety of Harry Potter merchendise, what makes it really special is the staff, who love to talk all things Hogwarts, and meeting fellow Potter-heads.

Quizzic Alley is the place to find basically anything Harry Potter you can imagine. From wands to Gryffindor robes, Hogwarts Express slippers, backpacks, pens, puzzles, books, collectables and dress-ups, not to mention chocolate frogs and even a cup of Butterbear, Quizzic Alley will have whatever it is your Harry Potter-loving heart might desire.

Parking in the area can be a bit tricky. There is on-street parking on Victoria Rd 10am-3pm weekdays and a free council car park in Formosa St.

To get there by public transport, catch a ferry to Drummoyne Wharf (950m) away or a bus from Town Hall (20 minutes).

Quizzic Alley
191 Victoria Rd
Drummoyne NSW 2047
Hours: Wed-Fri, closed Mon & Tue.
Phone: 02 97199286
quizzicalley.com

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Visit Camp Cove Beach at Watsons Bay, Sydney

January 29, 2021 / Beaches, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Camp Cove Beach

Take a dip at Camp Cove, a short stroll from Watsons Bay ferry wharf. Millionaire views and calm water make for a delightful beach outing.

Camp Cove is a wheelchair-accessible beach located on the harbour side of South Head. Its calm waters attract families, while adults love the stunning city views and underwater aquatic life – octopus, cuttlefish, frogfish and the occasional seahorse can be found in the water for divers, while there is good snorkelling round the rocks.

Parking is extremely limited and in summer this tiny beach is very popular, so if you’re intending to head here, arrive very, very early to secure street parking.

There is very little shade on Camp Cove Beach, so as well as packing your picnic blanket and towels, I recommend a beach umbrella or tent. We have a small tent that folds up in the boot of our car and is the size of a large beach frisbee.

As the water is so calm, it’s a great spot to bring a boogie board or kayak for a paddle.

There is a small kiosk at the entrance to Camp Cove Beach selling snacks and drinks. It’s a longer walk to a proper cafe however, so BYO food.

There are shower facilities, and toilets are located at Green Point Reserve at the southern end.

Dogs are prohibited at all times.

If you have time, take the South Head Heritage trail, starts at the northern end of the beach. The walk has stunning scenery and also lets visitors take in the unique history of the area.

Camp Cove Beach was a place where the local Aboriginal community found fish and shellfish. There are rock engravings in the area depicting a range of marine creatures including whales and fish, and a a rock shelter at the northern end of the Camp Cove Beach that shows evidence of habitation by the local Aboriginal people.

European history at Camp Cove Beach begins in 1788, when Governor Phillip and the First Fleet rested here for a night before landing at Sydney Cove. A fishery was set up nearby in 1792 to help feed the new settlement at Sydney Cove.

Camp Cove Beach
23B Victoria Street, Watsons Bay

Get more information about Camp Cove Beach.

Find the best Sydney beaches for kids.

Find more things to do in Watson’s Bay.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Take A Dip In The Jellybean Pool in the Blue Mountains National Park

January 28, 2021 / Australia, Beaches, Blue Mountains, Bush, Glenbrook, NSW, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Jellybean Pool Blue Mountains

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the Jellybean Pool, a short stroll down the Jellybean Track in Glenbrook, at the base of the Blue Mountains. The pool makes for a perfect Blue Mountains day trip with kids, who will love swimming in the calm waters.

Located inside the Blue Mountains National Park, the Jellybean Pool is a relaxing spot to swim, watch birds or picnic on the shore. There is a large parking lot which fills quickly on hot days, and an overflow car park which has a steep walk down to the start of the trail.

From the parking lot the Jellybean Track is a 500m walk downhill to the Jellybean Pool. The walk is graded a 3 as it is steep and slippery in places with sand.

An $8 park entry fees applies – you will be charged as you drive into the Blue Mountains National Park. You can also leave your car at the Glenbrook Information Centre at the Starting at the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park and walk from there for a more challenging walk.

The Blue Mountains National Park is open from the first Sunday in October to first Sunday in April 8.30am to 7pm, and the rest of the year 8.30am to 6pm.

When visiting the Jellybean Pool pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, towels and any food and water you might need. Floatation devices are fun as the water is so flat. You will see boogie boards, pool floats and even paddle boards down there. Remember it’s a walk through the bush to get to the pool and pack appropriate footwear.

The Jellybean Track winds through the Glenbrook Gorge, past pretty mountain spotted gums, down to the river. There is a lot of birdlife in the area so keep eyes peeled for kestrels and other birds of prey, rainbow lorikeets and even blue kingfishers.

The water is shallow and perfect for littlies to paddle in safely. Up river the water gets deeper.

There are no bathrooms at the Jellybean Pool, or rubbish bins, so prepare accordingly and take your rubbish with you.

The pool gets extremely popular in summer so go early. We arrived at around 10am and it was a little busy but still plenty of parking available.

Keep a close eye on small children. Remember there are no life guards present and keep a close eye on kids in the water.

After a swim, we highly recommend the 30min drive to Red Hands Cave to see amazing Aboriginal hand prints and stencils.

Get more information on the Jellybean Track and Jellybean Pool.

Find more things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Jellybean Pool
Hours: 8.30am–7pm during daylight savings; 8.30am–6pm the rest of the year.

Distance: From the Jellybean Pool car park it’s about a 200m walk downhill including steel stairs (about a 10-minute walk).

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Visiting Greenwich Baths, Sydney

January 22, 2021 / Beaches, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Visiting Greenwich Baths, Sydney

Enjoy an ocean dip at Greenwich Baths. With calm water, stunning views and an onsite cafe, the Baths are the perfect spot for swimmers of all ages.

Greenwich Baths is located on the tip of Greenwich Point. Surrounded by a shark-proof net and a child-proof gate, the Baths are the perfect spot for families to relax as well as adults to swim laps in the gentle ocean water.

The Baths are ideally located in a protected inlet, so the water is calm and flat, but the surrounding views of Sydney CBDm Cockatoo Island and Iron Cove are spectacular.

Bathers pay a small fee to enter and use the facilities inside, which include a cafe, toys for sand play, sun-loungers and picnic tables. The cafe serves coffee and solid meals including fish and chips, toasted sandwiches and calamari, as well as snacks, milkshakes and gelato.

Change rooms and shower facilities are also included in the entry fee. Kids under 3 are free.

There is free parking on the surrounding streets however it is limited and there is a bit of a walk to get down to the Baths from the street. Wollstonecraft station is a short walk. Another option is the 265 bus or by taking the Sydney Ferries Woolwich/Balmain ferry route to Greenwich Point which docks metres away from the Baths.

Greenwich Baths
Albert Street, Greenwich NSW
Cost: Casual entry adults $4.40, children under 16/students $3.40
Phone: 02 9438 5922
Hours: October 7am- 6pm, November 7am- 7pm, December & January 7am- 8pm, February 7am- 7pm, March 7am- 6pm, April 7am- 5pm
greenwichbaths.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Tee off at Pixar Putt in Sydney

January 21, 2021 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Tee off with Woody and friends at the pop-up mini golf experience, Pixar Putt at Bankwest Stadium, Sydney.

After making its successful worldwide debut in Melbourne in January 2019, with over 25,000 enjoying a round of Pixar Putt, then Sydney in May, 2019, our fave putting experience is back for a limited time ay Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta.

Tickets are now on sale for the attraction. Due to Pixar Putt’s popularity, it’s highly advisable to book a session in advance.

Pixar Putt was inspired by beloved stories, characters and icons from some of Disney-Pixar’s most iconic films including Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Wall-E, Inside Out and Coco.

It is located right next to the new Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta, where guests can choose between playing 9-holes or the full 18-hole course. We chose 18 holes and it took us almost 2 hours to complete the course on a busy day. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water as the weather has been all over the shop.

We loved Pixar Putt when it first came to Sydney in 2019 and loved it just as much again for our second go. There are two new holes to represent the new films Onward and Soul, plus some extra photo ops.

Bankwest Stadium is located right next to Parramatta Park, so I highly suggest making a day of it in the park with a picnic lunch or with a cafe and trying the two playgrounds in Parramatta Park.

Find things to do nearby in Parramatta and Western Sydney.

There is a parking lot right next to the putt putt course for easy access.

There are also adults only “After Dark” sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-10pm.

Pixar Putt
Dates: Currently through to January 31.
Bankwest Stadium, 11-13 O’Connell St, Parramatta.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm (Adults Only from 7pm-10pm)
Prices: 18 holes $39.90 Adult, $29.90 Child, $119.60 Family (2A/2C or 1A/3C), 9 holes $24.90 Adult, $19.90 Child, $79.50 Family (2A/2C or 1A/3C)
pixarputt.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to to in Wollongong.

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool & Poolside Cafe, Sydney

November 16, 2020 / Outdoor Play, Sydney / 0 comment

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool & Poolside Cafe, Sydney

Enjoy swimming with a view of Woolloomooloo Bay at the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool, located in The Domain, Sydney.

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is an eight-lane outdoor heated salt-water 50-metre swimming pool, with a smaller, 20m shallow pool.

There have been 11 outdoor bathing establishments in the Woolloomooloo Bay area since European settlement, including the “Gentlemen’s Baths”, which held Australia’s first official competitive swimming events in 1846.

The most recent pool was named in honour of Australian swimmer Andrew “Boy” Charlton, who won five Olympic medals during the 1920s, and who set a world record at the baths (then called the Domain Baths) in 1924.

A visit to the pool is really the perfect Sydney outing. The pool is typically closed for four months in the colder period of the year – May through August – so plan your visit accordingly.

From September 1 – April 30, the pools are open and heated for comfort.

The 8 lane x 50m Pool is chemically treated sea water and heated to a balmy 25 degrees. Depth ranges from 1.2m to 2m.

The 20m Program Pool has a maximum depth of 1.2m and heated to 29 degrees. This pool is perfect for babies and toddlers, and also has a shade cover to protect littles from the sun.

While there would usually be sunbeds on the pool deck available for use, when we visited in November 2020 there was no sunbathing due to COVID safety plans.

There is however a shaded grandstand area where people are able to place their belongings or watch family members swim from.

The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool hosts Learn to Swim lessons and swimming squad programs.

Other features include a family change room and access for people with disabilities.

After your swim, do what we did and enjoy a sensational brunch at the Poolside Cafe, which is located at the entrance to the pool. It has a stunning view of the pool and bay, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

The cafe offers all-day breakfast and lunch from 12pm. They have an excellent range of smoothies and healthy food options, with gluten-free and vegan options.

We ordered the Free Range Eggs on toast ($13, available until 11:30am only), one serving scrambled, and one with additional bacon, wilted spinach and roast tomatoes, the Blush Bircher Museli with Almond Milk (raspberries, kiwi, strawberries, coconut, pistachio & roasted hazelnuts, $18) and the Summer Sunrise smoothie (mango, raspberry, banana and coconut water, $9.50).

The food and service were both A+ and the view amazing – this is a cafe that we will absolutely come back to time and time again, with a quick refreshing dip in the pool for some exercise first.

Read more about visiting the Poolside Cafe.

After your swim and brunch, I highly recommend exploring more of the Royal Botanic Garden or Mrs Macquarie’s Point, which is what we did on the day we visited.

The iconic view from Mrs Macquarie’s Point is on the tourist track for a good reason – it really is stunning.

We love to stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden in all seasons – spring is particularly gorgeous with the Spring Walk and jacarandas in full bloom.

Take a ride on the Choo Choo Express if you want to save little legs walking, visit the pond with eels in the centre of the garden and pass through the cactus garden near Lion Gate on your way out.

Read more about visiting the best Sydney gardens.

To get there: We drove and parked on the side of the road near Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool. There is metered parking here and it’s the shortest walk to get to the pool via a short walk down the hill down either a path or steps. There is a disabled car parking spot at the entrance to the pool and cafe.

You can also park in the Domain Car Park and walk, or catch train/bus.

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool & Poolside Cafe
1c Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
abcpool.org

This review was written in conjunction with Belgravia Leisure. All opinions are my own.

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