Not lucky enough to have a pool in your own backyard? You don’t have to drive all the way to the coast to have a quick dip. Whether you want to have a paddle, swim laps, track down some water slides or take a dip in nature, here are some of the top spots in Canberra to cool off with a swim this summer:
Pools don’t come much more fun in Canberra than Big Splash at Macquarie. The water park boasts nine water slides, a kiddies pool, splash island, pool inflatables and a 50 metre pool.
Built back in 1931, Manuka Pool still has its original art deco architecture and is a beautiful spot to cool off. As well as the outdoor 30 metre pool, there’s a shaded toddler’s pool, a children’s pirate ship playground, plus lots of space to relax under the shady trees or grab a coffee at the cafe.
Not only can you dive into Canberra Olympic Pool - you can dive in from great heights. Sitting right in the centre of town, the historic venue has Canberra’s only outdoor dive pool, plus an indoor heated 50 metre pool, a health club and picnic areas.
You can get wet but stay out of the sun at Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre. The huge indoor venue has three indoor pools, which includes a toddler’s pool, plus a health club, creche, cafe and free parking.
Kids are well looked after at CISAC, with an indoor water slide plus a leisure pool to play in. The facility also has an Olympic sized indoor pool, 25 metre pool, spa, steam room and huge gym.
You can swim all year round at Queanbeyan Aquatic Centre’s indoor 25 metre pool, but during the warmer months, the facility is home to an exciting range of facilities for the family, including a 50 metre outdoor pool, a wet play area, barbeques and a kiosk.
Not only does this huge venue have a 50 metre indoor pool, a health club, creche, and cafe, it also has free parking to boot.
You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy the facilities at the Australian Institute of Sport. They have both 50 metre and 25 metre indoor heated pools, with lanes open to the public for lap swimming.
Just 20 minutes from the city, Kambah Pool is a beautiful spot to cool off. Despite the name, it’s not actually a pool, but a section of the Murrumbidgee River. If you prefer to swim au naturale, the northern section of Kambah Pool is set aside for nude bathing. Want to keep your kit on? Make sure you turn left on the way in. If you’re there early
in the morning, you may event spot a wombat, and it’s a great area for bird watching.
Located in Greenway, Pine Island Reserve is another top spot for a swim in the Murrumbidgee. Head in for a dip, take out the canoe on the water, or if you want to stay dry, there’s a playground, electric barbecues, picnic tables, and places for fishing.
Also on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Casuarina Sands is another picturesque spot for a dip and a popular spot with locals for its shady riverside beaches.
By Zango Team