Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point: Opening hours & cost

The Maccallum Seawater Pool at Cremorne Point is one of the best places to swim on Sydney Harbour. It is open 24 hours a day (other than on cleaning day), and entry is free.

What is the Maccallum Seawater Pool?

The Maccallum Seawater Pool is a public pool built into the rocks on Sydney Harbour. It is one of the most spectacular places to swim in Australia, largely because this Sydney pool comes with splendid harbour views.

Originally, it was a rock pool cut into the rocks, but in the 1920s, it acquired some architectural frippery around the sides. The Maccallum Seawater Pool has been kept in this quaintly outdated 1920s style since.

Where is the Maccallum Seawater Pool?

The Maccallum Seawater Pool is on the western side of Cremorne Point on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. The easiest way to get there from the city is to take the Cremorne Point ferry from Circular Quay.

From the Cremorne Point Wharf, it is a 400 metre walk to the Maccallum Seawater Pool. It should take most people around five minutes.

How big is the Maccallum Seawater Pool?

The Maccallum Seawater Pool is allegedly 33 metres long, but that doesn’t pass the naked eye test. Either way, it is slightly longer than a standard Olympic-sized pool, but much narrow. It’s the equivalent of about three-and-a-half lanes wide.

Maccallum Pool opening times and cleaning schedule

The Maccallum Seawater Pool is theoretically open every day, 24 hours a day. It is a perfect place to come to if you’re jetlagged and want to make the most of the early morning wake-up.

However, in practice, such pools need cleaning. It is most commonly closed on Thursdays, but North Sydney Council has a list of cleaning dates on its website.

Entry to the Maccallum Pool is free, although you should be aware there are no changing facilities.

Other harbour and ocean pools worth considering in Sydney include the Fairy Bower Pool in Manly, Wylie’s Baths in Coogee and the Bronte Baths next to Bronte Beach.

You’ll also find open air pools at Clontarf Beach, Queenscliff Beach and Bilgola Beach.