North Sydney Olympic Pool has thrown open its doors, ending the long wait for one of Sydney’s most photographed stretches of water.
The harbour-side North Sydney Olympic Pool, which first opened on 4 April 1936, welcomed swimmers back on 8 August, with extended opening weekend hours. It has now moved to standard hours: 5.30am to 9.30pm on weekdays, 7am to 7pm on weekends, and 8am to 5.30pm on public holidays. Pools close 30 minutes before the facility does.
A pool with a serious record collection
The views are hard to beat.
If the venue feels like hallowed ground, that’s because it is. 86 world records have been broken in the Olympic Pool, including Shane Gould’s famous 100-metre freestyle swim in January 1972, which toppled Dawn Fraser’s long-standing world record. Fraser herself swam here, as did Murray Rose, Frank O’Neill, Michelle Ford, Jon and Isla Konrads and Lorraine Crapp. The site hosted the fourth British Empire Games – now the Commonwealth Games – in February 1938.
It remains the only surviving example in Australia of a harbour-side Olympic pool built in the neo-classical style of the 1930s, and is heritage listed.
What’s new
Focus on all the little details.
86 world records have been broken here.
The gym covers about 500 square metres.
Quite a lot. The refurbished outdoor 50-metre program pool now has a boom that splits it into halves or quarters, so carnivals, squads, lap swimmers and birthday parties can all run at once. Indoors there are two more pools – a 25-metre lap pool and a program pool – plus a spa, sauna and steam room.
Families get a children’s outdoor splash pad and a creche with indoor and outdoor play spaces, catering for children from eight weeks to six years at $7 per hour.
The gym has moved to Level 2, covering roughly 500 square metres with floor-to-ceiling views of the harbour, bridge and CBD. It’s kitted out with 42 cardio machines, 21 pin-loaded resistance machines and 92 pieces of free-weight equipment. The old Lane 9 gym space has been converted into a group fitness studio, and a new Reformer Pilates studio on Level 1 houses 12 beds.
Then there’s the cafe serving Campos coffee, a gelato bar on Level 2, and an upgraded sun deck with astro turf and new sun lounges.
A temporary animated artwork, Whale Dreaming by Saltwater Elder Uncle Bryce Moran, is on display against the downstairs living sandstone wall. Described as a Dreamtime story of the Cammeraygal Nation told through the whale’s journey to the Headland and north for mating season, the painting was animated by First Nations creative consultation company Dark Lightning, with cultural consultation from Auntie Jeanie Moran. A permanent commissioned work is expected to be announced in early September, with installation late this year.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
The old bones are still there
The North Sydney Olympic Pool still has its heritage charm.
Four heritage walls and structures remain, including the Eastern Stair Tower and the Southern Heritage Wall with its restored neoclassical stucco motifs. Original 1930s bricks were salvaged and reused where possible, with replacements hand-painted to match. Look out for the brass frogs scattered through the facility – a nod to the original frog motifs on the heritage walls – and the children’s pool sign, recreated as an exact replica from a plaster cast of the original.
Details
North Sydney Olympic Pool first opened in 1936.
Casual entry is $11 for adults, $8.80 for children and $8.25 for concession.
Weekly memberships start at $37 for a Legends adult membership, with Legends Plus at $65 including unlimited Reformer Pilates and hybrid run club.
Learn to Swim lessons start at $24 and squads from $42.50.
Cafe-only visitors can wander in free of charge, provided they’re not dressed for swimming or carrying a swim bag.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.
If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.
1. El Vista, Circular Quay
Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)
This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.
2. Bar Allora, CBD
Settle in for a taste of Italy.
Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.
3. Percy, Pyrmont
Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)
Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.
4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD
Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)
Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.
5. Mee So, Sydney Central
Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.
For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.
6. Bar Morris, Haymarket
Settle into old-world European glamour.
Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.
7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour
Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.
When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.
8. Wentworth Bar, CBD
Drink where the celebrities once did.
Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.
9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington
See the city skyline, drink in hand.
Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.
