The Ultimate Guide to Bondi Icebergs Pool
Where is Bondi Beach Ocean Pool?
Bondi Icebergs Pool is one of those places I’ve always been quite excited to visit. It is located at the southern end of Sydney’s Bondi Beach. It’s open for casual swimming at a reasonable price (well, reasonable for Bondi anyway).
Before my visit, I thought this place must have a bit of a “locals only” vibe, but due to the amount of tourist visitors, I honestly don’t think it matters if the locals think this or not! I might normally find that a bit intimidating, but if I pay my $10, I have as much right to be there as anyone!
How big is Bondi Icebergs Pool?
The big pool is an Olympic size 8 lane, 50m lap pool (although Sneelock said it felt a little shorter than 50). It used to be 50 yards, but according to council records was enlarged to be 50m (55 yards) at the last rebuild in 1932. The day we visited, as well as the black lines on the bottom, there were 3 lane ropes in place to help keep you on track.
There is also the kids pool. This smaller, training pool has 5 lanes and is 17 m in length. I believe they use this pool for swimming lessons, and the day we visited, there were 3 ladies doing some pretty intense intervals for sprint training.
How much does it cost for Bondi Icebergs entry?
When we visited in September 2024, there was a $10 entry fee for adults, which included access to the pools, sauna, changing facilities and the cafe. It’s an extra $5 to hire a towel, and $5 to hire a locker. There’s also a family pass for $30.
If you want to use the gym, that’s an extra $40!
Is Bondi Icebergs Ocean Pool Accessible?
The pool is not set up for easy access for those with mobility issues. There are stairs down to the ticket booth, the same level where the changerooms, sauna, cafe and gym are located. There are more stairs down to the pool.
There is what looks like a wheelchair lift alongside the stairs at the southern end of the main pool, so contact Bondi Icebergs for further information.
Can anyone visit Bondi Icebergs Ocean Pool?
Bondi Icebergs Pool is open to the public with it’s $10 entry fee. There is a smaller admission price of $7 for children, so you can take your kids too. Family entry is $30.
Make sure you are a competent swimmer if you go in the big pool, because it is pretty deep!
Is Bondi Icebergs pool saltwater?
Bondi Icebergs is a saltwater pool. They use ocean water in the pool, which is cleaned weekly on a Thursday (dependent on the conditions).
This is one of the things I love about ocean pools, none of that harsh chlorine feel or lingering smell. Saltwater is much gentler on the skin and the eyes.
How cold is Bondi Icebergs Ocean Pool ?
The day we visited Bondi Icebergs in September 2024, Dax the Duck read the temperature as 17.9 degrees. Fresh, but not freezing, which is a bonus, because my sauna expectations did not go exactly to plan.
Is Bondi Icebergs heated?
No, Bondi Icebergs is not heated. Surely the name of this pool should be a clue! The pool is not heated, and the water temperature is very similar to that of the ocean, where the pool draws it’s water from, although it might be slightly cooler than the sea temp on any given day.
There is a long standing yearly tradition where members of the Icebergs Swimming Club start off their Winter season by jumping in the pool along with big blocks of ice!
What other facilities are included in the entry fee?
The cost of entry includes access to both pools, the sauna (more on that below), toilet and changerooms(including hot showers) and access to the cafe.
How deep is Bondi Icebergs Pool?
Bondi Icebergs main pool is overhead in the deep end, the small pool is waist deep, so just deep enough to swim in, but not too deep for the kids.
What other ocean pools are near Bondi Icebergs?
A 16 minute brisk walk north along Bondi Beach will have you arriving at Wally Weekes Pool and North Bondi Children’s Pool. For some reason Google maps hasn’t found Wally Weekes Pool yet, so use the Children’s Pool as your map reference.
A ten minute drive south will get you to famous Bronte Baths, definitely worth a visit if you’re up for another iconic Sydney ocean pool.
Is there car parking at Bondi Icebergs Pool?
Parking at Bondi is always difficult. We parked on Sandridge Street which had a two hour limit. You can also park on Bondi Street. There is also paid parking available at Bondi Beach.
Are Lifeguards on duty at Bondi Icebergs ocean pool?
Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at Bondi Icebergs pool.
When is Bondi Icebergs pool open?
6am-6:30pm Weekdays
6:30am-6:30pm Weekends
Closed for cleaning Thursdays
How much does it cost to swim at Bondi Icebergs pool?
Adults $10
Children $7
Family $30
What is the movie about Bondi Icebergs called?
The Pool is a 2024 documentary directed by Ian Darling. This unique film features many characters, who call Bondi Icebergs Pool home, but the main character is the pool herself.
I watched the movie at a tiny little cinema in Bowral and thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography. With such a gorgeous location to film, the resulting shots can only be described as beautiful.
You can find more details on the film and where you can watch it here.
My Plans for Visiting Bondi Icebergs Ocean Pool
Bondi Icebergs is top of my list as I attempt to swim in all of Australia’s ocean pools. It’s the most famous and probably the most photographed ocean pool in the world.
My plan for this bad boy is to go in Winter, get hot in the sauna and cool off in the pool afterwards. I look forward to updating details on here mid-year.
Update: after much planning to get our calendars to align, we’d planned our visit almost a month in advance. Sarah and Sneelock accompanied me on this adventure. Going on a Friday so the pool was sparkling, the first day after scheduled clean. Just before the school holidays and a month before the documentary “The Pool” was released so it wouldn’t be too busy. I had planned on going in Winter, but September was ok, and turns out the weather decided to feel like Winter that day anyway.
Not all things are as perfect as they look on the internet…
My review of Bondi Icebergs Pool
As photogenic as any pool you’ve ever seen (when it’s not crowded), and during my “research phase” it draws me in, making me want to go there, although normally everything about Bondi, makes me want to run away at double speed! (Except, of course for my beloved Sydney Roosters, and the best Pilates studio I am likely ever to attend at Nuforma Pilates). This is simply because I’m not really a city person, and the secluded natural looking ocean pools are way more my vibe.
I have been to the restaurant at Bondi Icebergs before, and while the food was lovely, there certainly was a bit of a snooty attitude towards visitors, who they perceived might not be quite as cashed up as their usual clientele. Even still, I am picturing myself recovering from my swim with an espresso martini, or maybe a sneaky glass of Rose.
Update: The day we went, the weather was pretty bad, freezing cold, windy and raining. The weather the day before had prevented the pool from being cleaned, so it wasn’t quite as sparkling as I had imagined.
I wore my Rooster’s Budgy Smugglers in preparation for the chookies big qualifying final against the Melbourne Storm due to take place that night (spoiler alert-it did not go so well for the boys from Bondi, alas onto Mad Monday for 2024 they go).
Sneelock punched out a quick km while we scoped out the sauna, and it turns out the pool lived up to it’s name- he did get out of the pool with a good case of the shivers.
The sauna was packed with way too many people for my liking, none of whom were using a towel, nor did I see any of them shower before they entered the pool, which is a very basic rule of sauna etiquette 101. (Turns out this sauna is not really my cup of tea, I like to get my zen on in a peaceful, clean, uncrowded spacious sauna before doing a cold plunge into a clean crisp ice bath). For a more detailed, brutal review of our visit to Icebergs check out Sarah’s version here.
What is the sauna like at Bondi Icebergs?
I had pictured a luxurious sauna experience to balance out the icy pool below, and if you read the google reviews on the place, that is exactly what you’ll get.
“The view out towards the sea from the sauna is just magnificent! I think I’ve lost track of time while I was in the sauna” Beckham Low Chang Yew. “Best sauna and pool in Sydney!” Art Protsin. “Always amazing. Can’t beat the view…or the sauna.” Peeta Lee.
The reality is that although it probably is the sauna with the best view in Sydney, alas the front glass was so dirty and smeary you couldn’t really see through it. From the outside you could just make out the silhoettes of the crowd in the front row (maybe six or seven). Bear in mind, the only instructions to us about the sauna were “make sure you go through the door and shut it quickly”. Pretty standard for sauna use, so that you don’t let all the hot air out. Too bad none of the other sauna basics were enforced, especially the ones that involve taking a shower before and after (before you swim in the pool, basic hygiene people)!
Unfortunately, it felt so crowded and smelt so funky I didn’t want to stay long enough to get a sweat up. Too small, and too dirty, I think I lasted about a minute. It probably is also Sydney’s cheapest sauna, but for me there was no zen, and I can’t imagine there would ever be, so it’s a hard no on Iceberg’s famous sauna.
My swim at Bondi Icebergs Pool
I loved that as we were there, the waves were splashing over the edge into the pool in lane 1. I fantasise that this would be the best lane to swim in, you know, closest to nature and all that, but of course, we all know that waves breaking on your head as you come up for air are far from ideal.
I lasted about a minute in the sauna before giving up and heading to the pool to do some laps. I joined Sneelock in lane 3 and I punched out a couple, and then Sneelock and I made our way to gaze over the eastern edge-infinity pool style.
Just a little side note-I also loved that on the walls at the end of each lane there is a target painted so you know where to aim your tumble turn. I’m not confident it actually helped my tumble turn at all, but I sure do like the notion.
Are there lockers you can hire?
Yes, you can hire a locker for $5.
Does Bondi Icebergs hire wetsuits?
Unfortunately, Bondi Icebergs does not hire wetsuits. You’ll just have to tough it out-like an iceberg!
Am I allowed to take small inflatables into Bondi Icebergs Pool?
A small inflatable, for example a small ring for child is permitted.
Are there BBQ Facilities near Bondi saltwater pool?
Forget the BBQ and spoil yourself by visiting the iconic Bondi Icebergs Terrace upstairs from the pool.
What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Bondi Icebergs Pool?
There’s changerooms, and I haven’t been yet, but I am expecting them to feel a bit more luxurious than your average local council changerooms. Will update asap!
Update: Standard pool changerooms with not quite enough room for the number of people there. Lockers you can hire for $5 and HOT showers baby!!!
