Sydney harbours its famous opera house and bridge, but the city also has a lesser-known claim to fame: an incredible collection of ocean pools. In fact, Australia’s largest city has more ocean pools than any other in the world. And they’re a big draw for residents and visitors alike.
The reason is simple: these iconic bathing spots are much more than just swimming pools. They’re a place where people come to connect with each other and get away from the busyness of life. They’re a place to escape, to take a breather and just enjoy nature. They’re a reminder of the beauty of our wild coastline, and how even in times of hardship, humans still find ways to come together.
Among the most famous of these seawater pools is Icebergs, located on Bondi Beach. The pool is a Sydney institution, with views over the ocean, where families gather to watch their children splash around in the water and lounge by the side with a drink. The beach is also a surfers’ paradise, so it’s not uncommon to see a few pros taking their turns in the water or to see the next generation of locals learning to catch some waves.
But the pool isn’t without its problems. In fact, there are many controversies surrounding the project and the way it’s been managed. The most contentious issue surrounds the $10m windfall that tipped the scales in favor of the redevelopment, a move criticised by a number of councillors, including mayor Jilly Gibson and Greens leader Linda Watson. Gibson argues that it was a case of porkbarreling, and that the council could have used the money to build 10 regional women’s sporting facilities for the same amount.
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Sydney has a rich heritage of historic public pools, built for the burgeoning population and in response to a wild coastline. Many are now being reimagined to meet the needs of today’s swimmers, but some have been lost or are under threat. ABC News has explored the history of these iconic swim spots — some dating back more than 100 years.