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

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.

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 every year 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

2. Carlton Baths, Carlton

Carlton Baths opens every year from 1 October to April. It has a heated outdoor 25m pool as well as an outdoor heated toddler pool with aqua playground, slide and several jets.

Even better, Carlton Baths sets up 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.

Read our Carlton Baths review.

Carlton Baths Community Centre, 248 Rathdowne Street, Carlton 3053

3. Fitzroy Pool, Fitzroy

In the 1990s, Fitzroy Pool was saved the pool from closure thanks to community activism. The 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

4. Brunswick Baths, Brunswick

Brunswick Baths have a 50-metre heated outdoor pool open year round and a kids splash pad that’s turned on during the warmer months for certain hours (or 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 and the beach entry is particularly good for introducing toddlers and young children to the water.

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

5. Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Northcote

Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre (NARC) boasts a 10-lane, 50-meter 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 and fitness training.

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

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

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, 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

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

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, deep water play area, learner’s pool and toddler’s play pool, shaded area and barbecues.

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

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, a water play splash pool and two waterslides.

Read our Oak Park Pool review.

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

10. Diamond Creek Pool, Diamond Creek

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

It’s normally open from November to March.

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

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 in Melbourne’s north 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, a warm water hydrotherapy pool for relaxation a beach entry toddler pool and learners pool.

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

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, as well as boasting 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.

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

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

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

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

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 as well:

• 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 peak or non-peak times.

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

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

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

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

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 or 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.

It has a 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

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

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

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

24. Aqualink, Box Hill

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

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

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

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 partially covered by shade sails. There’s also a large amphitheatre with sloping sides.

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

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 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

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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