Greenwich Baths, A Historic Harbourside Pool, Is Set To Reopen This Weekend

Greenwich Baths, a historic harbourside pool with roots dating back to the early 20th century, is reopening its doors early this year, kicking off the summer season on Saturday 26th September.

Nestled on the tip of Greenwich Point, Greenwich Baths are open seven days between 7.00am – 5.00pm, with extended opening hours over the peak of summer. Located in a sheltered bay, clear and calm water is the norm here, making the 30m shark-netted pool enjoyable for adults, children, lap swimmers and leisurely dippers alike.

New At Greenwich Baths This Season

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular harbour views of Cockatoo Island, Iron Cove and Balmain on recently added sun loungers and picnic tables. The waterfront café boasts a new menu with poolside staples including fish and chips, milkshakes, calamari and gelato, perfect for hot, sunny days by the water.

Children have the opportunity to enrol in the Beach Safety Program, running on Sunday mornings over the summer season. This program hosts 30-minute classes focused on beach familiarisation, activities and summer fun.

Greenwich Baths’ Long History

The sandy cove at Greenwich Point has played an essential role in the community since the early 1900s, where it was used as a temporary port for the small boats owned by local residents as they travelled around the harbour.

After 1923, as families began building private properties and moving into the harbour, the council held on to regulatory power and maintenance responsibilities of the bay.

This arrangement remains today. A caretaker opens the area each day from dusk to dawn, with a caretaker’s cottage positioned onsite. Once a tent, then a fibro cottage, the caretaker’s house was finally constructed in 1967 and remains as a dazzling remnant of history by the poolside.

The baths served as one of the most competitive swim clubs in Sydney between 1929 and the mid-1930s. Champion swimmers including Jack McMahon and Ted Lever called the Greenwich Baths their leading training grounds, with McMahon remaining a loyal patron of the baths today.

The safe, shark-netted swimming environment is one of the reasons the pool is so well-loved. Shark net approval was granted with State and Council funding in 1989, leading to a large-scale redevelopment of the baths implementing the netting and an artificial beach. The pool officially reopened in 1990 and has gone on to become one of the most treasured harbourside beaches in Sydney.

Getting There

The entrance fee is $5 for adults, and children under three can enter free of charge. Seasonal passes can also be purchased to embrace the summer months with unlimited pool access. Changing rooms, showers and toilets are included with entry, as well as sandcastle-building toys upon request.