Make a splash: Canberra’s best swimming pools

Summer’s here so that means it’s time to cool off in one of Canberra’s many swimming pools. There’s something for everyone in the capital, so here’s your list of where to beat the heat this season.

Manuka Pool is Canberra’s oldest public swimming pool, officially opening on 26 January 1931. This local icon was originally named “The Swimming Pool” and has been one of the capital’s most popular summer destinations since it was established. In 2019, the pool was carefully renovated to ensure it not only met all modern health and safety standards but still retained its original Federal Art Deco style and old-world heritage charm. This summer, Manuka Pool is open everyday through to March 2023, except for Christmas Day.

The Dickson Aquatic Centre is one of the capital’s favourite swimming and recreation facilities. Located in the heart of Dickson, this family-friendly site boasts three swimming pools, a mini water park, multiple barbeques, lots of grassy picnic areas and plenty of shade to relax on a hot summer’s day. There’s also an on-site cafe offering hot and cold beverages, food, ice creams and snacks. This summer, the Dickson Aquatic Centre is open 7 days a week.

If you want a fun and family-friendly spot to cool off this summer, then the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is the place to be. The facility boasts an eight lane,50-metre swimming pool, a 20-metrelearners’ pool as well as a toddler’s pool. There are also barbeque facilities onsite and a kiosk selling a range of hot and cold food options. This summer, the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is open from November to March.

The Queanbeyan War Memorial Swimming Pool (QPRC Aquatics Queanbeyan) was officially opened on Armistice Day –Saturday 11 November 1961. This heritage listed facility has an eight-lane, 50-metreoutdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool, a children’s splash park with water slides and fountains, and a toddler’s pool for the little ones. The site also offers electric barbeques, shaded grassy areas, picnic tables, as well as a kiosk and cafe. This summer, the QPRC swimming pool is open every day except for Christmas Day.

Keep cool this summer and head on down to Big Splash, Canberra’s only outdoor waterpark. Get your thrills racing down one of the 11 water slides, swim in the 50-metre pool, jump around on the inflatable obstacle courses, or let the little ones splash about in the water cave and waterfall. Private cabanas with sunbeds are available for hire, and there’s also an on-site cafe with a wide variety of food and tasty treats for sale. This summer, Big Splash Waterpark will be open from November to March.

Canberra Olympic Pool is one of the territory’s go-to swimming locations on a hot summer’s day, conveniently located in the centre of town. This family-friendly centre is equipped with a 50-metre indoor pool, four beach volleyball courts, coin-operated barbeque facilities, dive pool, toddler’s pool, as well as plenty of grassy areas to relax with friends and loved ones. This summer, all swimming facilities will be open from November.