Maccallum Seawater Pool Sydney
Historic 1920s seawater pool with a wooden deck, offering iconic Sydney Harbour views. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Maccallum Seawater Pool Sydney
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1920s seawater pool with a wooden deck, offering iconic Sydney Harbour views. Free entry!
"Free entry to a pool overlooking the harbour, nothing can quite literally beat this. "
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Pool
Arrive before 8 AM for the best light and fewer people. Perfect for sunrise swims and photos!
🚗 Parking Tip
Park on Milson's Road and look for the small alleyway to find the pool.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Pool Itself
Cremorne Point
A historic 1920s seawater pool with a charming wooden deck, offering breathtaking harbour views.
Sunrise Serenity
Poolside
Witness the magic of the sun rising over the harbour, painting the sky with golden hues.
Harbour Views
Pool deck
Soak in panoramic vistas of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Free Entry, Bring Your Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Pool
Arrive before 8 AM for the best light and fewer people. Perfect for sunrise swims and photos!
🚗 Parking Tip
Park on Milson's Road and look for the small alleyway to find the pool.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
The light around sunrise and sunset is incredible for photos.
🧳 Pack Light
Bring your essentials: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, and snacks. No facilities on-site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Pool
Arrive before 8 AM for the best light and fewer people. Perfect for sunrise swims and photos!
🚗 Parking Tip
Park on Milson's Road and look for the small alleyway to find the pool.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
The light around sunrise and sunset is incredible for photos.
🧳 Pack Light
Bring your essentials: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, and snacks. No facilities on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Maccallum Seawater Pool for its stunning harbour views, free entry, and historic charm. It's a beloved local spot offering a quintessential Sydney experience. Some note the lack of facilities and the potential for crowds during peak times.
"Came here two nights in a row to cool off in the end of Spring heat. Stunning views. Whole family loved it. From Inner West it was only 18min to get here, quicker than heading to any of the Eastern beaches. Parking was available both times (first night 8.15pm, second night 7pm). Free to enter and swim 24/7 in the saltwater pool with a freshwater shower to rinse off afterwards. Highly recommend and now one of our go-to swim spots."
Helen Di Domenico
"Pretty hard to beat the location of MacCallum Pool. I would have given it five stars but it can get pretty dirty from time to time. Epic place for a family swim and seeing the world famous Sydney Harbour New Years Eve fireworks 🎇 Or just go for a picnic in the warmer months from Nov through to April and admire the million dollar view and cool off with a splash."
Angus Ingham
"I really liked the place, the walk to get there is easy, clean, you just have to be careful and respect for the animals that live there. The views are spectacular and you can relax swimming or sunbathing."
Ana Narváez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The pool is located at Cremorne Point. Many visitors recommend parking on Milson's Road and then finding a small alleyway that leads to the pool. Public transport options include buses to Cremorne Point.
Yes, street parking is available on Milson's Road and surrounding streets, but it can be competitive, especially on weekends. Arriving early is advised.
If you're staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option. The pool is situated in a beautiful harbourside location, making for a scenic stroll.
Access is typically via a short walk from the road, often through a small pathway or alley. Be prepared for a short walk from your parking spot.
Yes, you can reach Cremorne Point via bus routes. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that Maccallum Seawater Pool is free to enter! Enjoy this beautiful spot without any admission fees.
The pool is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times posted, as it's an open-air public space.
No booking is required. As a free public pool, you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Yes, the pool is an outdoor seawater pool and is open year-round for brave swimmers.
As a public space, general rules of conduct apply. It's a family-friendly environment, so respectful behaviour is expected.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The pool itself and a wooden deck area are the main features. There are no changing rooms, showers, or food vendors on-site.
Absolutely! It's a seawater pool designed for swimming. The water temperature will vary with the ocean.
Yes, it's a lovely spot for families, though supervision is essential due to the open water and deck. The shallow end is suitable for younger children.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with the golden hour creating beautiful scenes.
Typically, there are no lifeguards on duty at Maccallum Pool. Swimmers swim at their own risk.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire pool area offers stunning views. Capture shots from the deck looking out at the harbour, or from within the pool itself. The sunrise and sunset light is particularly magical.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's best to check with Sydney's aviation authorities before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbour views. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful if you plan to take photos while swimming.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Commercial photography may require permits.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Arriving early can help secure a good spot on the deck and avoid the busiest times. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to Sydney's iconic harbour lifestyle in a relaxed, natural setting.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Best times for shooting: Aim for sunrise for soft, golden light and fewer crowds, or sunset for dramatic colours. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the full panorama. Be prepared for early mornings to get those coveted shots without too many people in the frame.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Sightseers
Combine your visit: Pair a swim or a relaxing sit by the pool with a walk around the beautiful Cremorne Point foreshore. It’s an easily accessible spot that provides a genuine taste of Sydney's outdoor lifestyle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Piece of Sydney History
Unlike modern aquatic centres, Maccallum Pool retains its authentic, rustic charm. It's not about fancy amenities; it's about the raw beauty of swimming in the ocean, surrounded by the iconic Sydney Harbour. The feeling of the cool seawater and the panoramic views create an unforgettable experience that many find deeply restorative.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
When shooting, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive harbour views, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the distance. If you're brave enough to swim, a waterproof camera or phone case will allow you to capture unique perspectives from within the pool. Don't forget to experiment with different angles – from the deck, from the water's edge, or even from the steps leading into the pool.
Remember to be respectful of other visitors who are there to enjoy the peace and quiet. Early mornings are ideal for capturing serene shots with fewer people in the frame. The reflections on the water and the silhouettes of swimmers can add a dynamic element to your photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit