The best outdoor pools in Melbourne

Open since 1908, Fitzroy Pool is a northside institution. Thanks to its big 50-metre heated outdoor swimming pool, lap swimmers can stick to their fitness routines all year round. Come summer though, there's much more happening and it's the perfect place for people watching. There's also a gym, spa, sauna and a toddler's pool for the little kids. 

Address: 160 Alexandra Pde, Fitzroy 

Time Out fun fact: Look out for the 'Aqua Profonda' sign, which was painted in the 1950s to warn Italian-speaking swimmers of 'deep water'

The Carlton Baths are an icon of the CBD, having first opened in February 1916. These days, the baths have received a number of sleek upgrades, but the vibe still retains some of that old Carlton charm. The 25-metre pool is outside and heated, but  because of its shorter length, there tends to be fewer hardcore swimmers doing laps, so it's a lot less intimidating.

Address: 216/248 Rathdowne St, Carlton 

Time Out fun fact: Open until 10pm on weekdays

The restored St Kilda Sea Baths exude that eclectic but easy-going ambience typical of St Kilda. The 25-metre seawater swimming pool is heated, but only uses a small amount of chlorine so you get less of that itchy feeling on your skin once you get out. If you really need to unwind, head to the hydrotherapy spa or the aromatherapy steam room – both will soothe tired muscles.

Address: 10/18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda 

Time Out fun fact: Look out for 'Fairy', a sculpture that pays tribute to the wonderful St Kilda fairy penguins 

Offering a view of the beach that you'd be hard-pressed to beat, the Brighton Baths Health Club has been home to Melbourne's most adventurous swimmers since 1881. The Olympic-sized open water sea baths are the main attraction (there's also a gym and steam room), and it's popular with cold water swimmers in the winter. The facility is open to casual visitors and members. 

Address: 251 Esplanade, Brighton

Time Out fun fact: It's one of the only two remaining sea baths in all of Victoria

Known to inner north locals as NARC, this swimming spot had a major glow up post-pandemic, and has now become quite popular. The 50-metre heated outdoor pool also has a vast grassy area with sunbeds for lounging on a warm day, plus there's a kiosk if you need a snack. 

Address: 180 Victoria Rd, Northcote 

Time Out fun fact: It's got an outdoor 50m pool, indoor 25m pool, warm water pool, a Learn To Swim pool and two aquatic splash zones

Brunswick Baths boasts an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient facility with a 50-metre outdoor heated pool (which operates year-round) and grassy surroundings. There's also a 20-metre indoor pool, a spa, sauna and steam room, a gym, group fitness classes, a childcare centre and accessible facilities. 

Address: 16 Dawson St, Brunswick 

Time Out fun fact: Built in 1914, it's a Victorian Heritage Register listed building

Prahran Pool is where to go if you want to see and be seen. The 50-metre outdoor lap pool is open year-round – and it's heated, so you shouldn't let the thought of icy cold water put you off in winter. Just off Chapel Street, summer at the Prahran Pool draws a mixed crowd – check out the beautiful people preening on the stairs, the cool kids lounging on the lawns or the kids running around the toddler's pool.

Address: 41 Essex St, Prahran 

Time Out fun fact: Membership also gives you access to the Harold Holt Swim Centre

MSAC was opened in 1997 – a $65 million development built on the site of several outdated sports arenas. It has hosted performance events like the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 FINA Swimming Championship meets. The 50-metre outdoor pool was built in 2006 and updated in 2008 to include a world-first moveable floor. There's also a 25-metre indoor lap pool, a multi-purpose 50-metre pool, a hydrotherapy pool plus a spa, sauna and steam room. 

Address: 30 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park

Time Out fun fact: Trams 96 and 12 drop you right at the  entrance

If you've bemoaned the fact that inner-city Melbourne doesn't have proper surfing beaches, this is for you. Head along to Australia's first inland surf park, Urbnsurf, located within spitting distance of Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine. The two-hectare surfing lagoon has areas customisable for all ages and abilities – so if you're not Layne Beachley just yet, you'll do just fine. The modular wave generator means that there can be different kinds of waves in different sections of the pool.

Address: 309 Melrose Dr, Melbourne Airport

Time Out fun fact: The wave generator is named 'Roary'

First things first: the Harold Holt Swim Centre is strangely named after our ill-fated Prime Minister who supposedly drowned. Nestled within the leafy streets of Glen Iris, it's a suburban haven for southside fitness junkies. Both the indoor 25-metre pool and a 50-metre outdoor pool are heated, so there's no excuse not to get your Thorpedo on. There's also the warm water pool which is ideal for rehab and hydrotherapy exercise and relaxation. There's also a gym, swim classes and a big shady area to lie about in the sun in the warmer months. 

Address: 1409-1413 High St, Glen Iris 

Time Out fun fact: Membership also gives you access to the Prahran Aquatic Centre