Canberra explained
Swimming Pools in Canberra: Every Public Pool & Aquatic Centre
Whether you want a heated 50m lane in the middle of winter or an outdoor pool on a summer afternoon, here is every public swimming pool and aquatic centre in Canberra — where it is, what it offers, and a link to each venue for hours and prices.
7
4
Summer
Per venue
Indoor aquatic centres (open all year)
Canberra's winters are cold, so the year-round swimming happens at the heated indoor leisure centres. Three of them — Stromlo, Gungahlin and Lakeside — have a full 50m pool, and all offer learn-to-swim, aqua classes and family sessions.
Stromlo Leisure Centre
A 50m heated indoor pool plus a 20m program pool, leisure pool and splash park — Canberra's newest aquatic centre.
Gungahlin Leisure Centre
A 50m competitive heated pool and a 25m program pool, with a toddler pool and indoor splash park for families.
Lakeside Leisure Centre
A 50m indoor heated pool with a hydrotherapy pool, program pool, toddler pool and splash park on Tuggeranong's south side.
Erindale Leisure Centre
A 25m heated indoor pool alongside a gym, group-fitness studios and squash courts.
AIS Aquatic Centre
The Australian Institute of Sport's 50m and 25m indoor heated pools, open to the public outside squad training.
Outdoor & seasonal pools (summer)
When the weather warms up, Canberra's outdoor pools reopen. Season dates move with the weather each year, so confirm opening before you head down.
Canberra Olympic Pool
The city's central outdoor pool on Constitution Avenue, open through the warmer months for lap swimming and family days.
Manuka Pool
A heritage-listed heated outdoor 50m pool in the inner south, a Canberra summer institution.
Dickson Pool
An inner-north neighbourhood pool, recently redeveloped, with a 50m pool, a heated learners pool and a splash park.
Big Splash Waterpark
A privately run summer waterpark with slides and a wave pool — more a day out than a lap swim.
Canberra swimming pools: your questions
How many public swimming pools does Canberra have?
The ACT Government operates seven public pools: the indoor Gungahlin, Lakeside, Stromlo and Erindale leisure centres, and the outdoor Canberra Olympic Pool, Manuka Pool and Dickson Pool. On top of those, the AIS Aquatic Centre in Bruce offers public swimming and Big Splash Waterpark in Macquarie runs over summer.
Which Canberra pools are open all year round?
The indoor aquatic centres — Stromlo, Gungahlin, Lakeside and Erindale, plus the AIS in Bruce — are heated and open year-round. The outdoor pools at Civic, Manuka and Dickson operate mainly through the warmer months, so check each venue for its current season.
Where can I swim a 50m lap pool in Canberra?
Stromlo, Gungahlin and Lakeside leisure centres each have a heated 50m indoor pool open year-round, and the AIS in Bruce has a 50m indoor pool that can be split with a bulkhead. In summer, the outdoor Canberra Olympic and Manuka pools also offer 50m lap swimming.
Are there indoor pools for winter swimming in Canberra?
Yes. Canberra winters are cold, but the Stromlo, Gungahlin, Lakeside and Erindale leisure centres and the AIS are all indoor and heated, so lap swimming, learn-to-swim and family sessions run right through winter.
What are the opening hours and entry prices for Canberra pools?
Hours, entry prices and season dates are set by each venue and change through the year, so we don't reproduce them here. Follow the link to the pool you're planning to visit for its current timetable, and check for swimming-carnival or maintenance closures during term time.