Bronte Baths Sydney

Where is Bronte's Ocean Pool?

Bronte Baths is hidden in the corner at the southern end of Bronte Beach. If you weren’t looking for it, you could easily miss it. Sydney’s favourite infinity pool invites you to linger at it’s eastern edge and gaze out to the Pacific Ocean.

How big is Bronte Baths?

38 metres in length, Bronte Rock Pool has five 30 metre lanes marked, and a divider that separates the lanes from the fun area of the pool. The spaces either side of the marked lanes serve as extra space for those keen lap swimmers who don’t fit in or for those who want to play in the extra space.

What makes Bronte Baths so special?

A unique shape includes a sandstone cliff-edge on the western side, white picket fence included, and a half straight, half curved man-made concrete edge on the eastern side, with that classic chain link fence (actually it is rope these days), that is more for looks than function.

Overlooking the surfers carving up the south Bronte right-handers, and the famous Bronte Bogey Hole– a naturally occurring ring of rocks nestled into southern corner of Bronte Beach, the views from the pool or the cliff top on the headland above the pool are some of the best Sydney has to offer.

Is there a swimming club at Bronte?

It is the home to one of the oldest Winter swimming clubs The Bronte Splashers, founded in 1921 – a mixed gender club who meet on Sunday mornings at 9am. It is also home to their warm weather counterparts, The Bronte Swimming Club who meet 8:45am Saturday mornings at the pool October through to April.

Can You swim at Bronte Baths at night?

Yes! There are lights so you can swim at night. I am putting this on my to do list for when things warm up again! Update to follow.

How old are Bronte Baths?

First opened in 1887, this pool is well established as one of Sydney’s oldest.

Everything you need to know about visiting Bronte Ocean Pool

It’s hard to say whether Bronte Baths is Sydney’s most iconic ocean pool, or if that title belongs to the more exclusive Bondi Icebergs, but I’m pretty sure Bronte is more my vibe.

An extremely photogenic pool, you would have undoubtedly seen an image of it before you found yourself on this page. From the white picket fences, to the sandstone cliffs, and the bird’s eye view from the top of the cliff, the photo options are endless.

Can get crazy busy on a hot Summer’s day. Do yourself a favour and make a trip to Bronte on a sunny day in the shoulder seasons, so you get to enjoy it at it’s absolute best.

Make sure to check the cleaning Schedule!

First on my list of Sydney pools to visit, I cannot believe I forgot to check the council cleaning schedule, and of course the pool was closed. Learn from my mistakes, and make sure the pool will be open when you get there.

I arrived at 7:30am and the council men were just finishing cleaning the pool. I should have asked them what time they started. It actually was pretty cool to see the pool empty, despite not being able to swim in it. The guys told me it takes about 5 hours to refill after cleaning.

On the bright side, I was still able to swim that day, as the Bronte Bogey Hole is located right next door. I also got to see the pool when it was empty, and am absolutely amazed at the colour of the water when the pool is full, as the bottom isn’t painted blue, it is just concrete! I returned the very next day, as I knew the pool would be at it’s sparkling best, having been cleaned and filled the day before.

What is access like into the pool?

There are two separate sets of stairs into the pool. One is at the entrance straight ahead as you enter the pool area, plus an alternate to the right below the sand stone cliffs.

There are lots of places to sun yourself, when you first enter the pool area, turn right. You can either head “down hill” or “uphill”. The downhill path leads to a short path with a few benches and places to leave your gear that directly overlook the edge of the pool. At the southern end of this section you have the choice to enter the pool by going down a few stairs, or heading up another small set of stairs to the upper viewing/sunbathing level.

This “uphill” section features a long winding path next to a white picket fence poolside, with more benches and spots to sun yourself.

This whole section is nestled below some beautiful sandstone cliffs that offer seclusion from the road above, and many places to find yourself a semi-private sunning spot. At the top of the path is a spectacular view out to sea from the tip of the headland. There’s also a few steps carved into the sandstone here if you feel like embracing your inner mountain goat and finding an even more secluded possie to lizard in the sun.

To the left of the main entrance as you enter the pool are 2 sets of stairs that go from the pool level down into the ocean itself. One is made of concrete and the other made of metal. On a calm day this would be a great spot to head off for an ocean swim or snorkelling adventure. The first day I went, there was a bit of swell around, so not an option. The second day when I returned, I saw a couple of young men swim out from here. It looked a little bumpy, but pretty fun at the same time.

At the southern end of the pool, on the wall of the pumphouse there are a bunch of historical facts and photos about famous Olympic swimmers who have trained at the iconic Bronte Baths over the years. I find this interesting as I’ve always thought Olympic swimming was contested over laps of 50m in distance. I can say for a fact that swimming a distance of 30m feels much much easier than 50!

What is the water temperature like?

The day that I swam at Bronte Baths, 2 days before Winter 2024, it was sunny and 22 degrees out of the water, and my trusty Dulcie Duck said the water was 20.1 degrees!

If you want to know the temperature of the water when you swim, you can get your very own Dulcie Duck.

My experience swimming at Bronte Baths

When I first entered Bronte Park, there were bodies sunbathing everywhere and I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many almost bare bums in my life!

As I entered the pool area, I headed uphill first, and put my things on a rock about halfway up. There were a few bodies halfway up and a few people working on laptops, but plenty of room. I had a walk around and took a few photos, then moved my stuff to the lower level while I had a swim.

The water was absolutely crystal clear as it had only been cleaned and filled the day before. I swam a few laps in the marked out lanes, but despite how many people were around, there weren’t that many actually swimming laps. I have to say I quite enjoyed the 30m length. As I’m not much of a lap swimmer, the 30m felt easy, although you would have to clock up 33.3 laps just to clock up a kilometre! I’m not sure if I could keep count if that many were required.

I entered the pool via the small steps on the western side, near the sandstone cave. This made it feel like you were somewhere much more secluded than right in the heart of Sydney. After a few laps, I went and hung by the eastern edge to soak up those infinity pool vibes. There is a ledge all the way around this section so you can stand easily and take in the view.

How much does it cost to swim at Bronte pool?

Free entry

When is Bronte pool open?

Open 24 hours a day, except for cleaning, which usually takes place on a Wednesday or Thursday according to Waverley Council.

Are Lifeguards on duty at Bronte ocean pool?

No lifeguards on duty at Bronte Baths. Lifeguards at Bronte Beach. Hours of operation vary depending on the season.

Is there Car Parking near Bronte lap pool?

Paid parking at Bronte cutting. Usually $8 per hour or $38 for the whole day. Free parking in Winter (June-August). Of course I went on 30th of May!

Are there BBQ Facilities near Bronte saltwater pool?

BBQ facilities located Bronte Park adjacent to the carpark with sheltered picnic tables and chairs

Is Bronte Rock Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?

Lots of stairs into the pool. No wheelchair or pram access.

What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Bronte Baths?

Hot showers available in changerooms that offer limited space to get changed. I was in there at the same time a four other ladies and it felt quite crowded. Hooks to hang your gear while you get changed.

Of course, the day that I visited Bronte, I forgot my thongs, and my foot-germ-phobia prevented me from actually getting in and enjoying the privilege of the hot shower. There’s plenty of room to get changed outside.

Cold showers at the end of the building closest to the pool if it’s too busy in the changerooms.