33 Best Outdoor Swimming Pools in Melbourne

When the sun is shining and the weather warms up we know it's time to hit the swimming pools!

Find a local outdoor swimming pool near you and enjoy a cheap day out with the family by the water.

Outdoor pools in Melbourne typically open just in the warmer months, but some are open all year round for those intrepid winter swimmers.

Note you may have to prebook your pool visit in advance so look at the weather forecast and plan ahead. Also in some locations, only toilets may be open for use and swimmers must ensure social distancing if change rooms and shower facilities are closed. Conditions change regularly so check before you go.

Best outdoor public swimming pools Melbourne – North

1. North Melbourne Pool, North Melbourne

North Melbourne Recreation Centre has a 25-metre outdoor pool with lanes for lap swimming as well as kids pools under shade sails.

It's generally open October to April every year with prices starting at $3.70 for children and $6.10 for adults ($15.10 for a family).

Read my review of North Melbourne Pool.

North Melbourne Recreation Centre, 204-206 Arden Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 03 9658 9444

2. Carlton Baths, Carlton

Carlton Baths opens every year on 1 October to April. It has a heated outdoor 25m pool as well as an outdoor heated toddler pool with aqua playground, slide and several jets.

Even better, Carlton Baths sets up an inflatable pool gym every January School Holidays. Children must be over 5 years old and be able to swim 15 metres independently before being granted access to the inflatable.

Read my review of Carlton Baths.

Carlton Baths Community Centre, 248 Rathdowne Street, Carlton 3053

3. Fitzroy Pool, Fitzroy

In the 1990s, Fitzroy Pool was saved the pool from closure thanks to community activism. The pool's famous Aqua Profonda sign is even heritage listed.

Fitzroy Pool has an outdoor 50m pool (heated) as well as a shaded toddlers' pool. It's open year-round though the water is pretty cold in winter!

Fitzroy Pool, Alexandra Pde, Fitzroy 3065 (03) 9205 5180

4. Brunswick Baths, Brunswick

Brunswick Baths has a 50-metre heated outdoor pool open year around and a kids splashpad that's turned on during the warmer months for certain hours (or on request if you ask a staff member nicely!).

Brunswick Baths also has a heated, 20 metre, five lane lap and recreation pool for lap swimmers, water workout classes and swimming lessons. The indoor waterplay pool has a waterslide and water cannons to entertain the kids and the beach entry is particularly good for introducing toddlers and young children to the water.

Brunswick Baths, 14 Dawson Street, Brunswick 3056 (03) 9381 1840

5. Northcote Pool, Northcote

Northcote Aquatic Centre boasts 10 lane 50 metre outdoor swimming pool that is open to the public all year round.

The outdoor pool area also features a toddler play pool and 25 metre pool open from November until the end of March (weather permitting). 

There's also a heated indoor 25m lap and leisure pool is suitable for lap swimming all year round. The toddler's pool features a beach entry and is suitable for young children and toddler play all year round.

Northcote Aquatic Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote 3070 (03) 9486 7200

6. Coburg Pool, Coburg

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool is only open from 1 December to 31 March and features a 50-metre outdoor pool, learner's pool and shaded toddler's pool, diving pool with a 1-metre diving board, barbecue and picnic facilities.

Whenever I think of Coburg Pool I think of Christos Tsiolkas' excellent book Barracuda, where the protagonist visits often to practice his strokes.

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool, Murray Rd, Coburg 3058, (03) 9354 2096

7. Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool, Pascoe Vale

At Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool you'll find a 33-metre solar-heated pool, shaded learner's pool and toddler's water play feature plus a diving pool with a 1-metre board.

The whole facility is open from 1 December to the March Labour Day long weekend.

Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool, 7 Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale 3044 (03) 9354 1723

8. Fawkner Pool, Fawkner

Fawkner Leisure Centre is a seasonal outdoor pool that's open from 1 December to 31 March. There is a 50-metre solar-heated outdoor pool, deep water play area, learner's pool and toddler's play pool, shaded area and barbecues.

Fawkner Leisure Centre, 79 – 83 Jukes Road, Fawkner 3060 (03) 9358 6600

9. Oak Park Pool, Oak Park

The first thing you'll notice when you arrive at Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre is the bank of giant waterslides!

The outdoor pool area is open in the warmer months from 1 October to 30 April with a 50-metre heated outdoor pool, 20-metre heated learner's pool under shading, water play splash pool and the two waterslides.

Read my review of Oak Park Pool.

Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre, 563a Pascoe Vale Road, Oak Park 8311 4600

10. Diamond Creek Pool, Diamond Creek

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool has a 25 metre outdoor heated pool as well as a shaded pool toddlers play pool.

It's normally open November to March.

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool, 1 Elizabeth Street, Diamond Creek 3089 (03) 9438 1883

Best outdoor public pools Melbourne – South

11. Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) has an outdoor 50m pool for casual lap swimming, as well as boasting indoor 50m competition pool, an indoor 25m lap pool, indoor multi purpose pool and hydrotherapy pool.

Prices start at $5.80 for children, $8.50 for adults and $17.30 for a family.

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Aughtie Drive, Albert Park 3206 (03) 9926 1555

12. Pines Forest Swimming Pool, Frankston

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre has a 50-metre heated outdoor six-lane swimming pool and an outdoor toddlers' pool.

Prices start at $4 per child, $5 per adult and $14.50 for a family.

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre, Cnr Lehmann Crescent and Forest Drive, Frankston North 3200 (03) 9786 4568

Best outdoor public pools Melbourne – South East

13. Prahran Pool, Prahan

Prahran Pool is an outdoor 50m pool that's known as the place to spot ‘beautiful people'.

Prices start at $3.70 for child, $6.60 for adult and $17 for a family.

Prahran Aquatic Centre, 41 Essex St, Prahran 3181 (03) 8290 7140

14. Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre (MARC), Glen Waverley

Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre is a huge facility with an outdoor 50m pool, an indoor 25m pool, indoor wave pool, a warm water exercise pool and indoor toddler play pools.

Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley 3150 (03) 9265 4888

15. Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, Bentleigh East

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) is a large complex with a 50 metre outdoor pool with eight lap lanes as well:

• a 25 metre indoor pool with eight lap lanes;
• indoor leisure pool with interactive water features and play equipment – including a giant pirate ship;
• two fun-filled water slides;
• Dedicated indoor aquatic programs learn-to-swim pool; and
• Aquatic wellness area.

Note that prices depend on whether you're attending in peak or non-peak times.

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, 200 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East 3165 (03) 9570 9200

16. Carnegie Swim Centre, Carnegie

Carnegie Swim Centre is open from November 1 until the end of March and facilities include four heated outdoor pools, a kiosk, learn-to-swim classes, shade and a disability lift.

Prices start at $3.60 for children, $6.50 for adults and $17.50 for a family.

Carnegie Swim Centre, Cnr Munro Avenue and Reserve Avenue, Carnegie 3163 (03) 9575 7100

17. Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Oakleigh

Oakleigh Recreation Centre‘s outdoor aquatic facilities are open from November until March each year.

With a 50m lap pool, dive pool, multi-purpose pool and toddler splash and play areas, Oakleigh Recreation Centre is the perfect place to swim and cool off in summer!

Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Park Road, Oakleigh 3166 (03) 9568 1922

18. Doveton Pool in the Park, Doveton

Doveton's Pool in the Park has a 50 metre heated (26 degrees) pool, an outdoor learners pool, a shaded toddlers pool plus a giant water slide and intermediate slide.

The pool is open from 1 December until 31 March each year.

Doveton Pool in the Park, Cnr Kidds Rd and Tristania St, Doveton 3177 (03) 9791 8346

19. Noble Park Pool, Noble Park

Noble Park Aquatic Centre has heated indoor and outdoor pools, along with a splash park and water slide for family fun.

The 50 metre outdoor swimming pool is open to the public every day. The pool features lap lanes, ramp access and a boom to enable conversion into two 25 metre pools.

The outdoor splash park has tipping buckets, water fountains, slides and climbing equipment all housed under an ample shade structure. It's open on days forecast over 26 degrees celsius. The age restriction for the water splash park is from 3-12 years old.

Plus you'll find one of Melbourne's biggest water slides! It's open on days forecast over 26 degrees celsius.

Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Cnr Heatherton Road and Memorial Drive, Noble Park 3174

20. Pakenham Pool, Pakenham

Pakenham Outdoor Pool is open November to March every year, weather pending. During December, February and March the pool will not open if the forecast temperature at 6pm the day prior is lower than 26 degrees or if heavy rain and lightning conditions are forecast. In January the pool is open every day, though on January days when the forecast temperature is below 26 degrees, the pool will open from 11:00am for a minimum of 3 hours.

It has a 50m main pool with a depth of 1.2-1.9 metres and a 12m leisure pool with a range of depths and water features for young children.

Pakenham Outdoor Pool, 15 Anderson Street, Pakenham 3810 (03) 8548 1009

Best outdoor public swimming pools Melbourne – East

21. Hawthorn Pool, Hawthorn

Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre is an outdoor 50m heated swimming pool that boasts 9 full sized lanes.

They also run aquatic group fitness, gym, cafe and shop. Prices start at $5.60 for children, $7 for adults and $18 for families.

Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre, 55 Linda Crescent, Hawthorn 3122

22. Ashburton Pool

Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre is home to a 25-metre outdoor heated pool as well as a 25-metre indoor heated pool and hydrotherapy pool.

It's open every day and prices start at $5.70 for a child, $7 for an adult and $18 for a family.

Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, 8 Warner Avenue, Ashburton 3147 (03) 9885 0333

23. Balwyn Pool / Boroondara Sports Complex

Boroondara Sports Complex has a 50m heated outdoor pool open all year around as well as a heated swimming program learner pool that's open October to March.

The outdoor dive pool has a one and three-metre springboard and a 5-metre diving tower. It is not heated so is only open from December to March. 

It's open every day and prices start at $5.70 for a child, $7 for an adult and $18 for a family.

Boroondara Sports Complex, 271 Belmore Road, Balwyn North 3104

24. Aqualink, Box Hill

Aqualink Box Hill features 25-metre outdoor heated pool and an outdoor heated toddler pool.

Indoors you'll find another 25-metre indoor pool, an indoor toddler pool and indoor warm water therapy pool, as well as an indoor diving pool.

Aqualink Box Hill, Surrey Drive, Box Hill 3128 (03) 9898 2099

25. Croydon Pool, Croydon

Croydon Memorial Pool boasts a 50 metre outdoor pool set in extensive landscaped gardens as well as an outdoor toddlers pool.

The pool's usual season opening date is mid-November but in 2020 it will open on Saturday 17 October 2020.

Croydon Memorial Pool, Cnr Hewish Rd and Springfield Avenue, Croydon 3136, (03) 9294 5630

26. Harold Holt Swim Centre, Glen Iris

I've never understood why they'd name a swimming pool after a prime minister who died from drowning…but anyhooo.

Harold Holt Swim Centre has an outdoor 50m pool, indoor 25m pool, hydrotherapy pool (all heated) as well as indoor and outdoor toddler pools.

Harold Holt Swim Centre, Cnr High St and Edgar St, Glen Iris 3146 (03) 8290 1678

27. Aquarena, Templestowe Lower

Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre‘s outdoor facilities include a 50m outdoor pool for lap swimming, a dive pool with two low diving boards and a shallow toddlers pool partially covered by shade sails. There's also a large amphitheatre with sloping sides.

Indoor there's a 25m heated pool, a warm water pool, spa and steam room.

Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 139-153 Williamsons Road, Templestowe Lower 3108

28. Kilsyth Pool, Kilsyth

Kilsyth Centenary Pool is an outdoor seasonal swimming pool that's great for a refreshing swim during the summer months.

It's open after Melbourne Cup weekend in November to Labour Day weekend in March (if the temperature is over 25 degrees) our

The 25 meter outdoor pool has a maximum depth of 0.9-metre. There is also an outdoor toddler pool, playground and an expansive grassed area including a shaded areas.

Kilsyth Centenary Pool, 72 Hawthory Road, Kilsyth 3137 (03) 9725 9411

29. Belgrave Pool

Belgrave Outdoor Pool has a 33m heated outdoor pool, a heated outdoor toddler pool under a shade sail and large lawn areas for a picnic.

It's normally from October (or the beginning of Term 4) to Labour Day long weekend in March.

Prices start at $3.50 for a child and $5 for an adult – there are no family tickets.

Belgrave Pool, 67 Best Street, Belgrave 3160 (03) 9754 2743

30. Lilydale Pool, Lilydale

Lilydale Outdoor Pool is a fantastic outdoor public swimming pool located in the picturesque Yarra Valley.

The facilities available include an outdoor 50-metre swimming pool, 0.9m leisure pool, a toddler pool and open lawn areas. 

It's open from December to March long weekend each year and on days the Coldstream temperature is predicted to be 23 degrees or higher.

Lilydale Pool, Market Street Lilydale Victoria 3140 (03) 9735 0144

Best outdoor pools Melbourne – West

31. Melton Waves, Melton

Melton Waves is the only pool in Melbourne's West with a wave pool! 

Melton Waves‘ aquatic facilities include a 50-metre outdoor swimming pool (open from December 1 to February 28 each year) and 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a spa, toddler pool and warm water swimming pool used for swimming lessons and aqua aerobics classes. 

Melton Waves, 206 Coburns Road, Melton 3337 (03) 9747 4333

32. Queens Park Pool, Moonee Ponds

Inside elegant Queens Park Moonee Ponds is the seasonal Queens Park Outdoor Pool. It's open November to March every year and features:

• 50m outdoor solar heated pool;
• 20m junior pool; and
• shaded toddlers pool with frog slide for children under 10.

Queens Park Swimming Pool, Cnr Pascoe Vale Road and The Strand, Moonee Ponds 3039 (03) 9375 3651

33. Sunshine Pool, Sunshine

Sunshine Leisure Centre has an outdoor 25m pool with 8 lanes suitable for leisure swimmers as well as experienced swimmers and squads. The pool depth ranges from 1.2m–1.8m, and the temperature is set at 27 degrees all year round.

There is also an outdoor splash pad!

Other facilities include

• 25m indoor pool;
• leisure pool; and
• beach entry pool for kids and toddlers.

Read my review of Sunshine Pool.

Sunshine Leisure Centre, 5 Kennedy Street, Sunshine (03) 9249 4615

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