Sydney has a wealth of ocean and harbourside pools dotted along the city’s beaches, cliff tops and shoreline. These historic gems provide swimmers with a cool retreat from the sun and a unique swimming experience in a beautiful natural environment. So, how did these picturesque pools come to be?

The idea of building ocean pools began in the 1930s as a means to improve public health in Sydney. The Depression era saw money available for councils to build pools in suburbs such as Maroubra, Coogee and North Curl Curl. These pools were often built by unemployed workers under government schemes, which gave locals the opportunity to earn an income.

Many of these tidal pools remain today and are popular with both tourists and locals. In Coogee, you can swim at the iconic Wylie’s Baths, named after champion long-distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. The tidal pool is elevated out over the beach with raised decking for adults to sit and relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the ocean and Wedding Cake Island.

In the heart of Sydney is Bondi Beach, where you’ll find one of the most renowned ocean pools in Australia. The sand-bottomed Bondi Icebergs pool is crowded 12 months of the year with lap swimmers and splashers taking in the sweeping harbour views. Entry costs $8 and after your dip, you can head upstairs to the newly reopened Oh Boy cafe for a bite to eat while the kids splash in the water below.

There are also a number of other tidal and pool options scattered across Sydney’s inner city. Stroll from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain through Woolloomooloo to the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool for a shady dip on the shore of Woolloomooloo Bay or head to Cook + Phillip Park for an urban oasis.