Sydney’s famous opera house and bridge are world-famous landmarks, but one lesser known part of the city is its collection of ocean pools. These man-made public seawater pools, situated on a surf coast so waves can wash over the sides, are not to be found in many cities. Despite this, they are an essential part of life for Sydneysiders, and it is not hard to understand why.

The city is home to more of these pools than any other in the world, a fact reflected in the number of people who visit them each year. In addition, they are an important part of the culture and heritage of Sydney, and play a role in the city’s identity. But what exactly is it about these swimming spots that draws in so many people? And how did they come to be?

To find out more, we visited a few of the best sidney pools and asked some locals what they thought.

While some are in need of an upgrade, others have retained a sense of history and character that sets them apart from their modern counterparts. From the famous Bondi to Bronte coastal walk to the iconic Icebergs pool and Sydney Harbour swimming club, these places are beloved by residents and visitors alike.

Located along the beachfront promenade linking Manly and Shelly beaches on the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this pool has remained virtually unchanged since it was built in 1929. It is roughly triangular, with its longest side adjoining the promenade. The pool is bordered by a rocky shoreline, and the Sea Nymphs sculpture sits on its edge.

With a constant temperature of 27C, this salt/chlorine pool is the perfect place to swim some laps or just chill with a drink and great view. It is also home to the Cabarita Ladie’s Amateur Swimming Club, which has seen 6 Olympic gold medallists in its long history, making it a great option for keen swimmers.

This is a pool that hasn’t changed much in its century-plus existence, and that’s a good thing. It’s a classic Sydney swim spot, with the added benefit of being one of the city’s most scenic. The views are stunning, and the pool itself is a little shallower than some of its more famous cousins, meaning it’s easier for families to get in and out of.