If you are looking to cool down in the summer months but don’t have a backyard pool of your own, then the below list of the best free swimming pools in Brisbane may be an absolute life saver. A great way to beat the heat with the whole family but without breaking the bank or going too far, these free swimming pools are all open to the public and sure to make any hot day a lot cooler.
Boat Pool, Southbank
Southbank offers up a multitude of free water play areas and none seems more tempting than the cooling waters of its Boat Pool. From a simple splash and play to actual lap swimming, the pool has a wheelchair accessible ramp and is patrolled by lifeguards as well. With sandy beaches on one side, and rocky walls on the other, the area also has toilet facilities nearby as well as all the other fun that comes with an afternoon at Southbank. Once you have had a swim in the pool you can also check out the Aquativity water play area and the man-made Streets Beach, also at Southbank.
Address: Southbank, Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane
Facilities: Pool, toilets, change rooms, dining options, BBQs, shaded areas, wheelchair accessible.
Wynnum Wading Pool, Wynnum
Wynnum Esplanade is home to a range of fun-filled activities for Brisbane Kids and right in the heart of it all is the Wynnum Wading Pool. The perfect place to cool down, this free swimming pool is rimmed by concrete steps and a few ramps making access easy for all and gives parents and carers and ideal vantage point for those playing in its cooling waters. Situated at one end of the pool is a small, twisting slide that children of all ages can enjoy. The best part? Once you are done swimming you can wander over to Whale Park, which offers a fantastic water splash pad play area and playground.
Safer than playing in the actual ocean itself, the large, oval-shaped pool fills with seawater at high tide and measures a huge 128m by 54m, and is 0.75m deep at the centre. This means the pool is over two and a half times the size of an olympic swimming pool.
Address: Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum
Facilities: Pool, slide, toilets, change rooms, fish and chips, BBQs, shaded areas, playground, splash play area nearby, wheelchair accessible.
Redcliffe Lagoon, Redcliffe
When it comes to the best free swimming pools near Brisbane you can’t go past the Redcliffe Lagoon. Part of Settlement Cove at Redcliffe, the lagoon is spectacular, with clear waters and views over Moreton Bay. The pool itself is saltwater but with chlorine added to keep it clean. Alongside the pool, there is a fenced water play area for the under 5’s with a splash pad type environment, shallow pool and mushroom fountains. The pool has a ramp going into it, making it accessible to those who are in a wheelchair as well.
Lifeguards are generally on duty at the lagoon from the first weekend in September until the last weekend in May each year, though this may be subject to change.
Address: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe
Facilities: Lagoon pool, toilets, change rooms, playground, under 5’s splashpad, mushroom fountains, BBQs, shaded picnic tables, wheelchair accessible.
Orion Waterpark, Springfield
Orion Lagoon covers a total area of more than 3.6km and is situated alongside Robelle Domain Parklands playground and water park. Located right in the heart of Springfield Central, the Orion Lagoon features a 600mm deep sculpture pool, a 50m lap swimming area, beach entry and pool depth of up to 1.5m in areas. There is also an elongated section of the Lagoon designed with toddlers and small children in mind, allowing water play opportunities that will delight your younger Brisbane Kids. With stepping stones, wading areas and water squirts, and a shallow depth of 300mm, the Lagoon is the perfect way to cool down for all ages.
The Orion Lagoon is supervised daily by lifeguards during the opening hours, providing a safe and fun family day out near Brisbane. Orion Lagoon has water access for people with disabilities, as well as wheelchair-accessible public toilet facilities.
Address: 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
Facilities: Lagoon pool, 50m lap pool, toddler wading area, cafe, toilets, change rooms, wheelchair accessible.
Once you have checked out all the free swimming pools in Brisbane you may also want to visit some of the best public swimming pools in Brisbane too.
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