The Ultimate guide to Port Kembla Pool

What makes Port Kembla's Ocean Pool so good?

Port Kembla Pool is a 50m, 8 lane saltwater lap pool in a spectacular pool complex located at the northern end of Port Kembla Beach. Both the pool complex and the beach are breath-taking and definitely worth a visit. Only an hour and a half’s drive from Sydney, pack the kids in the car and pencil in a road trip. On a hot Summer’s day in the school holidays this is a popular destination and parking is at a premium, so make sure to hit the road early.

The beach is also worth checking out, with fun little rock pools for the kids to explore and some epic sand hills so they can play and wear themselves out. Port Kembla beach is sheltered from the NE wind that often blows in Summer, so you’ll likely enjoy it here in the warmer months.

Visiting Port Kembla Ocean Pool

The main pool is suited to serious lap swimmers in the southern lanes. They go hard and fast and always seem like the no nonsense type of swimmers, reminding me a bit of those folk at the Continental Pool in Wollongong itself. If serious laps are your go, make sure to visit Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool in Shellharbour, just down the road.

The northern most lane or two (depending on when you’re here), can lend themselves to those who go at a slightly slower pace or want to do some walking laps as well.

What we love about Port Kembla Olympic pool?

It features a unique part to the north of the lap lanes, that includes a separating wall (good for jumping off) and a more gradual sloping/beach style entry, great for the kids to play.

Further north is the hill that overlooks the pool, landscaped into steps or levels that are made for keeping a watchful eye on those in the pool while appreciating the magnificent view along Port Kembla Beach. A sunnbather’s delight, if you will.

These are some of the reasons that Port Kembla Pool features in our Ultimate Guide to Wollongong’s Best Ocean Pools 2024.

There's Two Kids Pools

Alongside the main Olympic sized swimming pool there are two pools suitable for the kids. One fenced children’s paddling pool with a shade sail for the toddlers.

If this is too small for the age your kids are at, there is another little kids pools that is only half a metre deep at the shallow end, a stepped entry and gets progressively deeper to a depth of .95m. There’s a vertical ladder at the deep end. No diving allowed in this pool, as it’s not deep enough to be safe.

Both children’s pools have shade sails overhead to help keep the kids safe from the Summer sun.

What is the water temperature like at Port Kembla Pool?

This is one of the coldest pools around. No matter how hot the day or warm the ocean is, it always feels cold at Port Pool!

When you visit the pool at Port Kembla, there’s a whiteboard where the lifeguards write the water temperature. This pool always feels cold to me, even in the summertime.

Last time I was there in January 2024, the whiteboard told me the temp was 18.5 degrees. I didn’t go in the ocean as well that day, but the day before it was as warm as I can remember. I rest my case! Because I knew the water temp would be available, I left Denzel duck at home.

Once the kids are back at school, I plan on pushing out a few more laps here, and doing a little sunbaking with an absolutely cracking view!

If you’d like to get your own Denzel Duck you can click here.

How much does it cost to swim at Port Kembla Olympic Pool?

Free entry

When is Port Kembla swimming pool open?

6am-7pm daily in Summer. Closed for the Winter. Check council website for Autumn and Spring opening hours.

Is Port Kembla Pool saltwater?

Yes, Port Kembla Pool is filled with saltwater fresh from the ocean. It does always feel colder than the ocean to me. Totally worth it to enjoy this salty goodness versus a chlorine pool any day!

Are Lifeguards on duty at Port Kembla ocean pool?

Council lifeguards on duty during opening hours

Is there Car Parking near Port Kembla lap pool?

Free parking just 30m from the path to the pool.

Extra car parking available on Cowper Street and across the road in the car park for King George V Playground

Are there BBQ Facilities near Port Kembla saltwater pool?

Gas BBQ facilities located adjacent to the carpark with sheltered picnic tables and chairs. If you’re keen get there bright and early as these are very popular.

Is Port Kembla Ocean Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?

The pool level is accessible pathway. Toilet and changeroom accessible. Separate accessible toilet. Stairs in the NE and NW corners of the pool, gradual “ramp” access via the “beach” section of the big pool.

Access to Port Kembla Beach itself is available via a ramp and Wollongong Council has beach wheelchairs available through their website.

Easy pram access to the children’s paddling pool, with fence for added peace of mind.

When was Port Kembla Pool built?

Built in 1937 according to Wollongong Council website.

What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Port Kembla Olympic Pool?

Massive changerooms that offer plenty of space to get changed. Lots of benches to rest your gear, or yourself, while you get changed.

The showers in the changeroom are labelled as “warm”, with a three minute limit, but the last time I visited in January 2024, they certainly were nothing other than, not freezing!

Cold showers available outdoors, by the pool if you’re brave enough! To be honest, I think they are the same temperature as the indoor ones!