Cook and Phillip Pool is a family favourite in the middle of Sydney and there are HEAPS of reasons why! This is a great spot for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and for your older children too, especially when the wave machine is operating.


This pool is the closest one to the city centre and, of course, it does get crowded, especially during holidays.

This pool is excellent in combination with a trip to the Australian Museum which is next door. That’s what I call a very full day of culture and exercise!

Cook + Phillip Park Aquatic + Fitness Centre
4 College Street, Sydney 2000
Phone: 9326 0444
Website here: www.cookandphillip.org.au
Cook + Phillip Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 6am–10pm; Saturday–Sunday 7am–8pm Open all year except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Under fours free.
Pools: Indoors: 50 metre pool, leisure pool, hydrotherapy pool

Cook and Phillip is a little kids’ oasis in central Sydney. The leisure pool is great for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with a slide, a bubble beach, fountains and a small rapid river run.
Thrillingly, a wave machine operates every hour at weekends (do check ahead to see whether the wave machine is in operation on the day you are planning to visit though.)
There are huge colourful, mosaic-covered sculptures to play around.
The courtyard area of the cafe provides a good area for children to play after a swim. A large shade cloth provides good shade.

Cafe: The large cafe serves breakfast, hot meals and snacks, and there are indoor and outdoor seating areas
Baby change: Table in combined family/disabled change rooms
Shade: Good
Strollers: Good, life from the entrance to pool side.
Playground: No
Swim school: From 6 months old
Creche: No
Gym: Yes Sports shop: Yes
Membership available: Yes
Mum’s report: It does get very busy and I wish there was more pram space around the shallow end of the leisure pool. Nonetheless, it’s a favourite trip for our kids.
Extra: Walks and a picnic in Cook and Phillip Park. The Australian Museum is across the road.
Parking: Pay parking station in Cathedral Street, off St Mary’s Road, it’s expensive but handy.
Nearest station: Museum and St James are both a short walk away
Bus stop nearby: Yes

Here’s a little video of Cook + Phillip Park pool, from both above and below the water.
Hope you enjoy it!
Find other detailed reviews of fab family friendly swimming pools in Sydney here.
Another wonderful indoor pool in the centre of town is Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo, click here.
Outdoors, you cannot beat the divine Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Pool on Sydney Harbour, click here.
