Dawn Fraser Swimming Pool

I’ve been going to Dawny since I was a tot, and thankfully it hasn’t changed much! It’s a fabulous spot for people watching: a lot of old Balmain characters still hang out there, leathery skin and Speedos … you can also watch local teams play water-​polo.
When I lived in Balmain, Dawn Fraser Pool was the next best thing to a beach, and a whole lot closer. There isn’t any sand (unless the tide is super low, I guess), but what you get is wooden boards to lie upon, which is actually really, really nice. You can stare down through the cracks at the water below. There’s a mix of sun and shade, and a little canteen where you can buy hot chips and ice cream.
You will probably see clear jellyfish, sea-​weed, and little schools of fish in the water — it’s a harbour pool so it comes with the territory. Sea lice can be a problem, though that’s never happened to me. Dawny is generally nicer at high tide than during low tide, although at low tide you get to see the holes in the wooden slats: some big enough to let sharks in! Don’t worry, there are no sharks, and they fixed the hole. I think. This pool is great for kids, and there are life savers hanging around watching everyone.
As with Sydney beaches, it’s best not to swim here after a heavy rain, as the run-​off can contaminate the water.

A pool named after the famous Olympic athlete: Dawn Fraser who was born and bred in Balmain. Nothing overly spectacular; do not expect a Homebush Aquatic Centre type of experience. It is more of a sea pool, so watch out for bugs and sea lice. It has history and pride; and it is great that you don’t have much of a choice but to walk through a fancy park (Elkington Park) to enjoy. Came here for my nieces birthday party for an in pool picnic on Christmas eve last year; a great day and a great (and different location) for a picnic. The children loved the pool; although I am not much of a fan. The water views of Sydney Harbour are just divine, and the change rooms aren’t too bad either. The grass area for sun-​baking is a bonus. Something different, yet not an establishment that I would be inclined to come back to in a hurry. Just the health factor as well.

For those of us living in the Inner West, sometimes Dawn Fraser Baths is the closest thing we can to the beach. For you East/​North/​South shore folk this may seem ridiculous. But, despite the lack of sand, waves and seagulls, it is still the ocean and sometimes you’ve got to take what you can get.
In the middle of summer Dawn Fraser ocean pool is packed with kids, water-​polo teams, pregnant mums, big groups of teens, lap swimmers and anyone wanting to escape the city heat. The pool rises and falls with the tides, and we can kid ourselves that there’s some surf if a ferry goes past creating a minuscule swell.
Yes the beach may be free and Dawn Frasers may not be, but Dawn Frasers also has free parking, whereas many beaches do not. What’s more, Dawny allows for jumps into the pool, it is shark-​free and with timber boards instead of sand, you can make your way to the kiosk and back without sand being blown all over your icecream.
Whilst I have some friends that won’t come back here due to the occasional jellyfish, this is a standard ocean-​related risk not specific to poor Dawny. And besides, this just makes it all the more of a genuine beachy experience.
OPENING HOURS
Oct — Nov 7.15am — 6.30pm
Dec — Feb 6.45am — 7.00pm
Mar — Apr 7.15am — 6.30pm
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday