33 Best Outdoor Swimming Pools in Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide to a Family-Friendly Splash

When the sun is shining and the weather warms up we know it’s time to hit the swimming pools!

We’ve curated all the best Melbourne public pools with details on their facilities including toddler pools and pools with a diving board. Find a local outdoor swimming pool near you and enjoy a cheap day out with the family by the water.

Outdoor pools in Melbourne typically open just in the warmer months, but some are open all year round for those intrepid winter swimmers.

Note you may have to prebook your pool visit in advance so look at the weather forecast and plan ahead.

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Best outdoor public swimming pools Melbourne – North

1. North Melbourne Pool, North Melbourne

North Melbourne Recreation Centre has a 25-metre outdoor pool with lanes for lap swimming, as well as kids pools under shade sails.

It’s generally open from October to April with prices starting at $4.90 for children and $7.80 for adults ($20 for a family).

Read our North Melbourne Pool review.

North Melbourne Recreation Centre, 204-206 Arden Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 03 9658 9444

North Melbourne Pool
North Melbourne Pool

2. Carlton Baths, Carlton

Carlton Baths opens every year from October to April. It has a 25m heated outdoor pool as well as an outdoor heated toddler pool with aqua playground, slide and several jets.

For extra fun Carlton Baths provide an inflatable pool gym every January School Holidays.

Children must be over 5 years old and be able to swim 15 metres independently before being granted access to the inflatable area.

Read our Carlton Baths review.

Carlton Baths Community Centre, 248 Rathdowne Street, Carlton 3053

Carlton Baths pool

3. Fitzroy Pool, Fitzroy

In the 1990s, Melbourne public pool, Fitzroy Pool, was saved from closure thanks to community activism. The swimming pool’s famous Aqua Profonda sign is even heritage-listed.

Fitzroy Pool has an outdoor 50m pool (heated) as well as a shaded toddlers’ pool. It’s open year-round, though the water is pretty cold in winter!

Fitzroy Pool, Alexandra Pde, Fitzroy 3065 (03) 9205 5180

Fitzroy Pool Aqua Profonda Mural

4. Brunswick Baths, Brunswick

Brunswick Baths has a 50-metre heated outdoor pool that’s open year round. Kids can enjoy a splash pad that’s turned on during the warmer months for certain hours. Or even on request if you ask a staff member nicely!

Brunswick Baths also has a heated, 20-metre, five-lane lap and recreation pool for lap swimmers, water workout classes and swimming lessons.

The indoor waterplay pool has a waterslide and water cannons to entertain the kids. It’s beach entry is particularly good for introducing toddlers and young children to the water.

Brunswick Baths, 14 Dawson Street, Brunswick 3056 (03) 9381 1840

Brunswick Baths

5. Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Northcote

Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre (NARC) boasts a 10-lane, 50-metre heated outdoor pool, perfect for swimming enthusiasts.

Experience the thrill of carnivals and events from the beautifully landscaped spectator area or engage in outdoor nature-based water play.

This centre is designed to meet the needs of modern fitness enthusiasts while promoting sustainability. Added conveniences include electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, and a dedicated pick-up/drop-off zone.

Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote 3070 (03) 9088 4600

Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre outdoor pool render

6. Coburg Pool, Coburg

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool is only open from 1 December to 31 March and features a 50-metre outdoor pool, learner’s pool and shaded toddler’s pool. There’s also a diving pool with a 1-metre diving board.

Immortalised in Christos Tsiolkas’ book “Barracuda,” Coburg Pool holds a special place in Melbourne’s literary and swimming history. 

This iconic Melbourne swimming pool is perfect for a family day out with its barbecue and picnic facilities.

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool, Murray Rd, Coburg 3058, (03) 9354 2096

Coburg Pool

7. Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool, Pascoe Vale

Perfect for families, Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool offers a 33-metre solar-heated pool, a shaded learner’s pool, and a toddler’s water play feature. For any keen divers, there’s also a diving pool equipped with a 1-metre board. 

This outdoor swimming pool is open from 1 December until the March Labour Day long weekend, providing a perfect escape during Melbourne’s warmer months.

Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool, 7 Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale 3044 (03) 9354 1723

Pascoe Value Outdoor Pool 1

8. Fawkner Pool, Fawkner

Fawkner Leisure Centre is a seasonal outdoor pool open from 1 December to 31 March. There is a 50-metre solar-heated outdoor pool kids will love, a deep water play area, learner’s pool and toddler’s play pool, plus shaded area and barbecues.

Fawkner Leisure Centre, 79 – 83 Jukes Road, Fawkner 3060 (03) 9358 6600

Fawkner Leisure Centre Pool

9. Oak Park Pool, Oak Park

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre is the bank of giant waterslides!

The outdoor pool area is open in the warmer months from 1 October to 30 April with a 50-metre heated outdoor pool, a 20-metre heated learner’s pool (under shading!). Kids will play all day at the water play splash pool featuring two waterslides.

Read our Oak Park Pool review.

Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre, 563a Pascoe Vale Road, Oak Park 8311 4600

Oak Park Pool waterslides

10. Diamond Creek Pool, Diamond Creek

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool has a 25-metre outdoor heated pool as well as a shaded toddlers play pool.

It’s normally open from November to March.

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool, 1 Elizabeth Street, Diamond Creek 3089 (03) 9438 1883

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool

11. Reservoir Leisure Centre, Reservoir

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to cool off, Reservoir Leisure Centre is a hub for families seeking an active, water-filled adventure.

Outdoor facilities include small waterslides, a toddler pool, a family pool and a play pool where the little ones can splash around safely. Outdoor facilities are open between November and March on days when the temperature is above 26°C.

Indoor facilities include a 25-metre lap pool for those who want some serious swimming, and a warm water hydrotherapy pool for relaxation. Then there’s the a beach entry toddler pool and a learners pool.

Plus, for those seeking relaxation, they offer spa and sauna facilities – the perfect way to unwind after some watery fun.

Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Rd, Reservoir 3073, (03) 9496 1050

Best outdoor public pools Melbourne – South

12. Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) has an outdoor 50m pool for casual lap swimming. Visitors can also enjoy an indoor 50m competition pool, an indoor 25m lap pool, indoor multi-purpose pool and a hydrotherapy pool.

Prices start at $5.80 for children, $8.50 for adults and $17.00 for a family or four.

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Aughtie Drive, Albert Park 3206 (03) 9926 1555

Msac Outdoor Pool

13. Pines Forest Swimming Pool, Frankston

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre has a 50-metre heated outdoor six-lane swimming pool and an outdoor toddlers’ pool.

Prices start at $4 per child, $5 per adult and $14.50 for a family.

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre, Cnr Lehmann Crescent and Forest Drive, Frankston North 3200 (03) 9786 4568

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre Aerial

Best outdoor public pools Melbourne – South East

14. Prahran Pool, Prahan

Prahran Pool is an outdoor 50m pool that’s known as the place to spot ‘beautiful people’. Prahan Aquatic Centre, as it’s now called, was renovated in 2023 for much-needed improvement works.

Prices start at $4.60 for child, $7.60 for adult and $19.80 for a family.

Prahran Aquatic Centre, 41 Essex St, Prahran 3181 (03) 8290 7140

Prahran Pool

15. Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre (MARC), Glen Waverley

Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre is a huge facility with an outdoor 50m pool, an indoor 25m pool, an indoor wave pool, a warm water exercise pool and indoor toddler play pools.

Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley 3150 (03) 9265 4888

Monash Aquatic And Recreation Centre

16. Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, Bentleigh East

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) is a large complex with a 50-metre outdoor pool with eight lap lanes. Other facilities include:

  • a 25 metre indoor pool with eight lap lanes;
  • indoor leisure pool with interactive water features and play equipment – including a giant pirate ship;
  • two fun-filled water slides;
  • Dedicated indoor aquatic programs learn-to-swim pool; and
  • Aquatic wellness area.

Note that prices depend on whether you attend during peak or non-peak times.

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, 200 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East 3165 (03) 9570 9200

Glen Eira Outdoor Pool

17. Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Oakleigh

Oakleigh Recreation Centre‘s outdoor aquatic facilities are open from November until March each year.

With a 50m lap pool, dive pool, multi-purpose pool and toddler splash and play areas, Oakleigh Recreation Centre is the perfect place to swim and cool off in summer!

Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Park Road, Oakleigh 3166 (03) 9568 1922

Oakleigh Pool

18. Doveton Pool in the Park, Doveton

Doveton’s Pool in the Park has a 50 metre heated (26 degrees) pool, an outdoor learners pool, a shaded toddlers pool plus a giant water slide and intermediate slide.

The pool is open from 1 December until 31 March each year.

Doveton Pool in the Park, Cnr Kidds Rd and Tristania St, Doveton 3177 (03) 9791 8346

Doveton Pool In The Park

19. Noble Park Pool, Noble Park

Noble Park Aquatic Centre has heated indoor and outdoor pools, along with a splash park and water slide for family fun.

The 50-metre outdoor swimming pool is open to the public every day. The pool features lap lanes, ramp access and a boom to enable conversion into two 25-metre pools.

The outdoor splash park has tipping buckets, water fountains, slides and climbing equipment all housed under an ample shade structure. It’s open on days forecast over 26 degrees Celsius. The age restriction for the water splash park is from 3-12 years old.

Plus you’ll find one of Melbourne’s biggest water slides! It’s open on days forecast over 26 degrees Celsius.

Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Cnr Heatherton Road and Memorial Drive, Noble Park 3174

Noble Park Outdoor Pool

20. Pakenham Pool, Pakenham

Pakenham Outdoor Pool is open from November to March every year, weather pending.

During December, February and March the pool will not open if the forecast temperature at 4pm the day prior is lower than 26 degrees. Nor if heavy rain and lightning conditions are forecast. In January the pool is open every day, though on January days when the forecast temperature is below 26 degrees, the pool will open from 11:00 am for a minimum of 3 hours.

Visitors can lap up the 50m main pool with a depth of 1.2-1.9 metres and a 12m leisure pool with a range of depths and water features for young children.

Pakenham Outdoor Pool, 15 Anderson Street, Pakenham 3810 (03) 8548 1009

Pakenham Pool

Best outdoor public swimming pools Melbourne – East

21. Hawthorn Pool, Hawthorn

Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre is an outdoor 50m heated swimming pool that boasts 9 full-sized lanes.

They also run aquatic group fitness, gym, cafe and shop. Prices start at $6.40 for children, $8 for adults.

Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre, 55 Linda Crescent, Hawthorn 3122

Hawthorn Pool 1

22. Ashburton Pool

Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre is home to a 25-metre outdoor heated pool as well as a 25-metre indoor heated pool and hydrotherapy pool.

It’s open every day and prices start at $6.40 for a child, $8 for an adult.

Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, 8 Warner Avenue, Ashburton 3147 (03) 9885 0333

Ashburton Pool

23. Balwyn Pool / Boroondara Sports Complex

Boroondara Sports Complex has a 50m heated outdoor pool open all year around and a heated swimming program learner pool open from October to March.

The outdoor dive pool has a one and three-metre springboard and a 5-metre diving tower. It is not heated so is only open from December to March

It’s open every day and prices start at $6.40 for a child, $8 for an adult and $20.50 for group swim (1 adult + 3 children or 2 adults + 2 children).

Boroondara Sports Complex, 271 Belmore Road, Balwyn North 3104

Boroondara Sports Complex Balwyn Pool

Aqualink Box Hill features a 25-metre outdoor heated pool and an outdoor heated toddler pool.

Indoors you’ll find another 25-metre indoor pool, an indoor toddler pool and an indoor warm water therapy pool, as well as an indoor diving pool.

Aqualink Box Hill, Surrey Drive, Box Hill 3128 (03) 9898 2099

Aqualink Box Hill

25. Croydon Pool, Croydon

Croydon Memorial Pool boasts a 50-metre outdoor pool set in extensive landscaped gardens as well as an outdoor toddlers pool.

The pool’s usual season opening date is mid-November but in 2020 it will open on Saturday 17 October 2020.

Croydon Memorial Pool, Cnr Hewish Rd and Springfield Avenue, Croydon 3136, (03) 9294 5630

Croydon Memorial Pool Inflatable

26. Harold Holt Swim Centre, Glen Iris

I’ve never understood why they’d name a swimming pool after a prime minister who died from drowning…but anyhooo.

Harold Holt Swim Centre has an outdoor 50m pool, indoor 25m pool, hydrotherapy pool (all heated) as well as indoor and outdoor toddler pools.

Harold Holt Swim Centre, Cnr High St and Edgar St, Glen Iris 3146 (03) 8290 1678

Harold Holt Swim Centre

27. Aquarena, Templestowe Lower

Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre‘s outdoor facilities include a 50m outdoor pool for lap swimming, a dive pool with two low diving boards and a shallow toddlers pool. There’s also a large amphitheatre with sloping sides. The toddler pool is partially covered by shade sails.

Indoors there’s a 25m heated pool, a warm water pool, a spa and a steam room.

Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 139-153 Williamsons Road, Templestowe Lower 3108

Aquarena

28. Belgrave Pool, Belgrave

Belgrave Outdoor Pool has a 33m heated outdoor pool, a heated outdoor toddler pool under a shade sail and large lawn areas for a picnic.

It’s normally open from October (or the beginning of Term 4) to the Labour Day long weekend in March.

Prices start at $4.50 for a child, $6 for an adult and $16.20 for a family.

Belgrave Pool, 67 Best Street, Belgrave 3160 (03) 9754 2743

Belgrave Pool

29. Lilydale Pool, Lilydale

Lilydale Outdoor Pool is a fantastic outdoor public swimming pool located in the picturesque Yarra Valley.

The facilities available include an outdoor 50-metre swimming pool, 0.9m leisure pool, a toddler pool and open lawn areas. 

It’s open from December to March long weekend each year and on days the Coldstream temperature is predicted to be 23 degrees or higher.

Lilydale Pool, Market Street Lilydale Victoria 3140 (03) 9735 0144

Lilydale Pool

Best outdoor pools Melbourne – West

30. Melton Waves, Melton

Melton Waves is the only pool in Melbourne’s west with a wave pool! 

Melton Waves‘ aquatic facilities include a 50-metre outdoor swimming pool (open from December 1 to February 28 each year) and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool. Then there’s a spa, a toddler pool and a warm water swimming pool used for swimming lessons and aqua aerobics classes. 

Melton Waves, 206 Coburns Road, Melton 3337 (03) 9747 4333

Melton Waves Girl Swimming Underwater 1

31. Queens Park Pool, Moonee Ponds

Inside elegant Queens Park Moonee Ponds is the seasonal Queens Park Outdoor Pool. It’s open from November to March every year and features:

  • 50m outdoor solar heated pool;
  • 20m junior pool; and
  • shaded toddler pool with a frog slide for children under 10.

Queens Park Swimming Pool, Cnr Pascoe Vale Road and The Strand, Moonee Ponds 3039 (03) 9375 3651

Queens Park Moonee Ponds Swimming Pool

32. Sunshine Pool, Sunshine

Sunshine Leisure Centre has an outdoor 25m pool with 8 lanes suitable for leisure swimmers as well as experienced swimmers and squads. The pool depth ranges from 1.2m–1.8m, and the temperature is set at 27 degrees all year round.

There is also an outdoor splash pad!

Other facilities include

  • 25m indoor pool;
  • leisure pool; and
  • beach entry pool for kids and toddlers.

Read our Sunshine Pool review

Sunshine Leisure Centre, 5 Kennedy Street, Sunshine (03) 9249 4615

Sunshine Pool Splash Pad

33. Sunbury Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Sunbury

This aquatic centre in Melbourne’s north-western suburbs offers a 50-metre outdoor pool (Seasonal). The water is around 28-29 degrees, which is ideal for swimming.  

Sunbury Aquatic & Leisure Centre also has an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and an extensive range of group fitness classes.

The outdoor pool operates over Summer with the following opening times: 

  • Weekdays 6:00am – 7:30pm 
  • Weekends 8:00am – 5:00pm 

The intermediate pool will also open when the forecast is 26 degrees or higher: 

  • Weekdays 2pm – 6pm 
  • Weekends 10am – 5pm 

Sunbury Aquatic & Leisure Centre, 20 Ligar St, Sunbury, (03) 9356 6820

Why You Should Book A Heated Outdoor Pool Adventure

There are so many benefits to utilising outdoor public swimming pools for a fun family outing.

Health and Fitness: Families can benefit from the health and fitness advantages of regular swimming. The heated pools offer an ideal environment for both adults and children to engage in low-impact exercises, promoting cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

Year-Round Enjoyment: These heated outdoor pools in Melbourne provide families with the opportunity to enjoy aquatic activities throughout the year, regardless of the season. The warmth of the water ensures a comfortable experience, making it an attractive option even during cooler weather.

Quality Family Time: Swimming in heated outdoor pools becomes a delightful family activity, fostering quality time together. It’s a chance for parents and children to bond, play, and share moments of joy in a relaxed and inviting setting.

Skill Development: For children, outdoor public pools offer a conducive environment for learning and improving swimming skills. The comfortable setting encourages longer sessions in the water, allowing kids to build confidence and enhance their swimming abilities.


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About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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