Port Kembla Olympic Pool and Baths
A free, Olympic-sized saltwater pool complex with dedicated kids' areas and stunning beachside views. Perfect for families and lap swimmers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Port Kembla Olympic Pool and Baths
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, Olympic-sized saltwater pool complex with dedicated kids' areas and stunning beachside views. Perfect for families and lap swimmers.
"One of the cleanest seawater-treated pools, making it a top spot for family outings."
🏊♀️ Free Entry!
Enjoy this Olympic-sized saltwater pool for free! A fantastic budget-friendly option for a day out.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Fenced baby pool and a medium pool make it ideal for families with young children.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
50m Olympic Pool
Main Pool
Dive into this beautifully designed 50-meter pool for serious laps or leisurely swims with ocean views.
Kid-Friendly Pools
Baby and Medium Pools
A fenced baby pool and a medium-sized pool offer safe, fun water experiences for younger children.
Adjacent Beach Access
Port Kembla Beach
Enjoy the best of both worlds with a patrolled beach just steps away for sunbathing and sandcastle building.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Free Ocean Pool Fun
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏊♀️ Free Entry!
Enjoy this Olympic-sized saltwater pool for free! A fantastic budget-friendly option for a day out.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Fenced baby pool and a medium pool make it ideal for families with young children.
🚗 Easy Parking
Ample free parking available, making it convenient to access the pool and nearby beach.
🌊 Saltwater Experience
It's a saltwater-treated pool, so expect that distinct ocean feel.
Places to dip if you don't know swimming
Tips
from all over the internet
🏊♀️ Free Entry!
Enjoy this Olympic-sized saltwater pool for free! A fantastic budget-friendly option for a day out.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Fenced baby pool and a medium pool make it ideal for families with young children.
🚗 Easy Parking
Ample free parking available, making it convenient to access the pool and nearby beach.
🌊 Saltwater Experience
It's a saltwater-treated pool, so expect that distinct ocean feel.
♿ Accessible Facilities
Features accessible changing places and good facilities for visitors with disabilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Port Kembla Olympic Pool and Baths, highlighting its cleanliness, free entry, and excellent facilities for all ages. It's consistently praised as a top family spot with a great 50m pool and safe areas for children, complemented by its stunning beachside location. Some minor concerns about occasional dirtiness due to saltwater are noted, but overall, it's considered a fantastic community asset.
"A Fantastic Family Spot – Clean, Fun, and Well-Designed!
Port Kembla Pools is one of the cleanest seawater-treated pools I’ve ever visited, making it a top spot for family outings.
With three pools to choose from, there's something for everyone. The baby pool is safely fenced, the medium-sized pool is perfect for smaller kids, and the beautifully designed 50m pool is simply awesome for swimming laps.
We visit regularly with family and friends, and these pools are always a hit with all ages. The grounds are kept tidy, and the toilets and change rooms are clean and well-maintained. The added bonus? A patrolled beach is just nearby, which is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
There’s also plenty of parking and shaded areas with tables and benches, making it convenient for a picnic. Whether you’re grabbing food from inside the pool area or from the beachside vendors, there are great options available.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded, fun place for everyone to enjoy!"
Abid Iqbal
"I want to thank the female lifeguard for unlocking the changing places and making sure I have access to everything I need and making my experience smooth as possible due to my disability. I also thank council for putting a metal gate in front of the changing places to prevent damage from people prying the door open and preventing the facility from being out of order. A huge well done."
Isabella (Issy)
"Easily one of the best beaches in NSW! It offers free parking with convenient access to both the beach and the pool. There’s also a small playground near one of the parking lots, making it a great spot for families."
Joanne Hong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive from Sydney to Port Kembla in about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Wollongong and then a local bus or taxi to the pool. Some TikToks highlight train accessibility to nearby beaches, suggesting public transport is a viable option.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available near the pool and the adjacent beach, making it very convenient for visitors.
While the pool itself isn't directly next to a station, some nearby beaches like MM Beach (Port Kembla) are a 20-minute walk from a station, indicating that public transport combined with a walk is feasible for the general area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Port Kembla Olympic Pool and Baths are completely free to enter and use, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by weather. It's best to check the local council website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No booking is required as entry is free. You can simply show up and enjoy the facilities.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The pool complex features three distinct pools: a fenced baby pool, a medium pool for younger children, and a 50m Olympic pool. There are also clean toilets, change rooms, and shaded areas with tables and benches.
Absolutely! The dedicated fenced baby pool and the medium-sized pool are perfect for younger swimmers, ensuring a safe and fun environment.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty, especially during peak seasons, to ensure visitor safety. It's always wise to swim in designated areas and be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, Port Kembla Beach is patrolled and located right next to the pool, offering a great combination for a day out by the sea.
The pool has accessible changing places and facilities, with specific mentions of helpful lifeguards and council improvements to ensure accessibility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a canteen on-site, though its hours of operation can vary. You can also find food vendors near the beach, or pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded areas.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the 50m pool with the ocean as a backdrop, or frame the kids enjoying the baby pool. The surrounding coastline and beach also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the open coastal location offers potential for scenic aerial shots. Always check local drone laws and restrictions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or utilize the on-site canteen and beachside vendors for easy meal options. The shaded picnic areas are ideal for family gatherings. With clean facilities and lifeguards on duty, parents can relax a bit more knowing their children are in a safe and well-managed environment.
🏊♀️ Lap Swimmers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Being a free facility, it's an accessible option for regular fitness routines. Arrive during quieter weekday afternoons to enjoy more lane space and a less crowded atmosphere. The well-maintained facilities ensure a comfortable experience for your training sessions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a packed picnic lunch and enjoy the free parking. The nearby beach is also free to access. This makes it an ideal destination for backpackers, families on a budget, or anyone looking to experience a beautiful Australian coastal attraction without the hefty price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Coastal Gem for All Ages
Beyond the pools, the location is a major draw. The patrolled Port Kembla Beach is just a stone's throw away, allowing for a perfect combination of swimming and beach relaxation. This proximity to the ocean means you can easily transition from pool laps to building sandcastles or simply soaking up the sun. The convenience extends to amenities like nearby playgrounds and ample free parking, solidifying its reputation as a fantastic family-friendly spot.
Many reviewers highlight the value of this facility, especially given its free entry. It's a place where locals and visitors alike can spend a full day enjoying the coastal lifestyle without breaking the bank. The thoughtful design, including shaded picnic areas, further enhances the experience, making it easy to spend hours here.
Navigating Port Kembla by Public Transport
While the Olympic pool itself might require a short bus or taxi ride from the nearest train station, the journey can be part of the adventure. The emphasis on train-accessible beaches in content like TikTok Video T2 indicates that the Illawarra region is well-connected for public transport users. Planning your route in advance using public transport apps and checking local bus schedules will be key to a smooth trip.
This approach not only saves on car rental or fuel costs but also allows you to experience the scenic coastal train journey. It's a great option for budget travelers or those who prefer a more relaxed way to see the sights. Remember to factor in a little extra travel time when relying on public transport to ensure a stress-free visit.
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