The best outdoor pools in Sydney

What sets this very, very central blue lagoon apart from many others is that it's fully heated, accessible and open year-round. The nine-lane, 50m pool has a ramp enabling swimmers of all abilities to enjoy a CBD swim, plus a toddler splash pool making life easier for parents. And there's a big focus on sustainability: we're loving the energy-saving measures, all the grass for poolside lounging and the green roof which features native plants and grasses that conceal the Centre from the street.

Address: 105 Chalmers St, Surry Hills 

Time Out tip: They've got aqua aerobics and adult learn-to-swim classes, too.

As you’re strolling past a baseball game or languishing under the Whomping Willow-style trees lining the footpaths of Petersham Park, you may hear gleeful cries of kids splashing about. That’s because the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre is tucked away within this unassuming Inner West green space. The centre is home to a sunny 25m heated pool, plus a splash deck and toddler pool, making it perfect for local families in this pocket of Sydney. It's also fully accessible, with ramps and hoists readily available. Come hungry – the on-site café is beyond excellent.

Address: Cnr Station & Lotos Sts, Petersham

Time Out tip: The Centre is open from September 1 to April 30 each year.

Perched above Sydney Harbour on the corner of the Royal Botanic Gardens with views across the water to Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, this newly renovated eight-lane pool takes gold for being spectacular. The outdoor heated salt-water pool is 50 metres in length and great for lap fiends working on their form. But there's also a smaller 20-metre pool for young flippers, sunbeds for heat-seeking lounge lizards and, of course, those amazing harbour views. There's an action-packed fitness program here too, with swimming fitness sessions and regular yoga classes. 

Address: 1C Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney 

Time Out tip: ABC operates seasonally, closing each year between early May and the end of August.

Did you know that Victoria Park Pool opened in 1953 and was the first in-ground public pool in Sydney? Within the nine lush hectares of Victoria Park, you'll find an eight-lane, 50-metre outdoor heated pool. It's usually teeming with uni students clearing their head with a few lunchtime laps and group fitness classes playing out in the fitness studio or the surrounding parkland. If you're serious about your swimming, you can book a lane for exclusive use via the website. Otherwise, rock up, do a few laps, then refuel with a panini or a protein shake at the poolside café.

Address: Cnr City & Parramatta Rds, Camperdown

Time Out tip: There's at least one free play lane available for  from 9am each day – perfect for kids to splash around. 

Parramatta Aquatic Centre (also called "the PAC"), is a $88-million aquatic centre that comes complete with four multi-purpose pools, a high-tech fitness centre, a spa and sauna, a café and more than 200 parking spots. The outdoor pool is 50 metres in length, and there's are smaller indoor pools if the weather isn't behaving. The sparkling new facility seamlessly blends into Parramatta Park’s lush natural surroundings and is a short 10-minute stroll from the city centre – making it the perfect place to cool off. 

Address: 7A Park Pde, Parramatta 

Time Out tip: This Centre is completely cashless, so you'll need to tap and pay.