Manuka Pool, one of Canberra’s most recommended swimming pools. Picture: Caroline Luke-Evered. Photo: Michael Weaver.
Swimming is an excellent way to maintain fitness, hang out with friends and family, or beat the heat. Whether you’re swimming for health reasons or for fun, it’s important to find a pool where you feel safe and can enjoy your time.
While Canberra is home to a great number of swimming pools, how do you decide which is perfect for you?
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a swimming pool, and share where to fine the best in Canberra.
What makes a great swimming pool?
Whether for fitness or fun, your time at a swimming pool should be positive. Choosing the right one can make or break your visit so take time to do some research. If you want to swim laps, for example, you’ll want a long pool with lots of lanes. If you’re having fun with the kids, you may be keen on an aquatic or leisure centre with slides, fountains and other features.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a swimming pool.
- Quality hygiene. Great swimming pools maintain water hygiene for the health and safety of patrons. Facilities surrounding pools should also be clean, including bathrooms, change rooms, seating areas, and even the tuck shop.
- Right temperature. In summer, it’s refreshing to dive into a cold swimming pool. But Canberra isn’t warm all year round, so in cooler weather you’ll a pool with the right temperature for the season.
- Flexible pricing. Many pools offer money-saving pricing plans so the whole family can get to the pool often, and save money. Look for a pool with a pricing plan that suits your unique needs.
- Excellent facilities. The best pools have well-equipped change rooms, bathrooms and showers. Some have equipment, like kickboards, for hire. Some offer hot food and drinks for an after-swim pick-me-up. Consider what’s important and look for a facility that matches your needs.
- Qualified staff. Swimming pools need qualified staff to keep their eyes out for safety reasons. This is especially true if you’re taking little ones to the pool. You’ll also enjoy interacting with staff if they’re friendly.
The best swimming pools in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Lakeside Leisure Centre
Lakeside Leisure Centre is a combined community pool and fitness hub, conveniently located in the heart of Tuggeranong.
The centre offers a wide variety of activities for people of all ages and abilities. There's something for everyone; facilities include three indoor pools and an outdoor splash park, as well as a gym/health club, sauna, café, and creche.
In the water, Lakeside Leisure Centre runs swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, water polo (Vikings) and swimming squad sessions.
Swimming coaches run the innovative GOswim program year-round, teaching kids and adults how to safely enjoy being in and around water.
Lakeside Leisure Centre's open-plan gymnasium is open seven days a week.
Gymgoers have access to large free weights and cardio areas, more than 40 group fitness classes, personal training, and Connect30 Functional Training, as well as tailored health and wellbeing support through the BEGIN program.
The centre offers both full access and aquatic-only memberships.
"Nice place for a swim," Miriam reviewed online.
"I go as part of a booked session with a sports club (the water polo) for the most part, and we love the place. But even on my own, it's a great place for a swim or a workout."
Gungahlin Leisure Centre
Gungahlin Leisure Centre is a state-of-the-art wellness facility in North Canberra, equipped with a 50-metre heated indoor swimming pool and plenty of fitness amenities to explore.
Catering to all ages, abilities and levels of skill, Gungahlin Leisure Centre works to ensure every visitor gets an exceptional experience, whether they're a daily regular or one-off guest.
This centre's qualified instructors offer Learn to Swim sessions for toddlers, kids, teens and adults. Coaches offer personalised support and guidance during lessons, which are focused on the best ways to move safely, then efficiently, in and around water.
Group exercise classes and personal training programs are also on offer across a range of disciplines. Trainers are committed and highly skilled, ready to help visitors meet and exceed their fitness goals in a safe and enjoyable way.
"A big thanks to the swimming instructors at Gungahlin Leisure Centre. They are incredible teachers," Chamila says on Google.
Canberra Olympic Pool
Just a stone's throw from the centre of town, Canberra Olympic Pool is a multi-purpose aquatic facility in an unbeatable location.
At the heart of this popular venue is a 50-metre indoor Olympic pool, which features eight lanes and deliciously warm water.
Staff at are well known for their dedication, offering a range of activities and amenities to suit different ages, abilities, skill levels and sports disciplines.
Canberra Olympic Pool is also equipped with a seasonal dive pool, which caters to both experienced and novice divers with platforms staggered from 1 to 10 metres high.
For the littlest visitors, the outdoor toddler pool is a great place to splash around and have some fun under supervision.
Canberra Olympic Pool believes that swimming is a skill for life and should be available to everyone. Qualified instructors provide a range of swimming lessons alongside personal training sessions and group fitness classes.
"Excellent facility, warm change rooms and not too costly," Gavin said in his Google review.
Dickson Aquatic Centre
Since the 1960s Canberrans have been swimming laps and enjoying the facilities at the Dickson Aquatic Centre. This family friendly centre has great community spirit as well as three pools, a splash park, swimming lessons (adults and kids) and a Lap Legends program.
On Google, Debra Giuliano wrote, “Great shade, clean facilities BBQs, showers and loos. Not over-chlorinated water, fun water park, good coffee, friendly staff, plenty of sun safe pool areas for everyone.”
AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre
With state-of-the-art facilities, the AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre caters to all ages. Fifty-metre and 25-metre indoor heated pools ae available. The centre has a swim school, fitness centre and holiday programs. Pools and lanes can be hired for swimming carnivals, water polo and more.
Adam Stokes wrote on Google, “I've been swimming here for years and like it for the Olympic standard 50-metre pool and 25-metre training pool which is typically quite warm.”
If you’re looking for more activities in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best gyms , the best mini golf courses, the best school holiday programs and the best escape rooms in Canberra.
Or, if you’re interested in getting your own pool, check out our article on the best pool installation companies in Canberra.
Your experience with swimming pools in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback on the best and worst Canberra swimming pools. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the swimming pools listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all pools in Canberra open to the public?
Not all pools in Canberra are open to the public. Some are private and you need to be a member to access them. This could include, for example, a pool that’s attached to a privately run gym.
Are all pools in Canberra open all year round?
Some pools are open all year round and some aren’t. It’s best to check online to see when the pool you choose is open. In Canberra, indoor pools tend to be open all year round, but outdoor pools tend to be closed during the coldest months.
How much does it cost to use a public pool?
The cost for using a public pool varies so it’s best to check before heading out. Prices vary depending on usage too. Some pools have packages for multiple visits. Some have different price points for children and adults.
How many ACT Government pools are there?
The ACT Government is responsible for overseeing the contract management of five Canberra swimming pools. Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic, Lakeside Leisure Centre in Tuggeranong, Gungahlin Leisure Centre and Active Leisure Centre offer a range of indoor facilities all year round. While Dickson Pool and Manuka Pool are entirely outdoor facilities operating only in summer.
Do all pools have swimming (lap) lanes?
It’s best to check with the pool you want to go to. Some pools have swimming lanes and some don’t. Some have designated times to use lap lanes.
