Swim at Dawn Fraser Baths
Dawn Fraser Baths is a tidal salt water pool ideal for swimming.
We're also home to the Balmain Swimming Club, the oldest in Australia.
The swimming club meets every Saturday afternoon during the summer season for all ages - from juniors to 'Golden Oldies'!
So come along for a casual swim or join the club to keep our oldest swim club alive!
50m pool lap lane availability
Dawn Fraser Baths 50m pool area may be unavailable at times due to bookings, including training and games by Balmain Water Polo. Please check the link below to see lane availability for our 50m pool. This link shows lane availability ONLY, no booking options are available through this link.
50m pool lap lane availability
The beach area and surrounding space outside of the 50m pool is available for public swimming at all times. Please feel free to contact us at dfb@innerwest.nsw.gov.au or call 9392 5400 if you have any queries regarding pool availability.
Water quality monitoring
Sydney Harbour Water is a natural water environment and is generally in good condition. The harbour water is however subject to variable conditions due to external impacts and weather patterns. Inner West Council and other Councils are guided by the NSW government through Sydney Harbour Beach Watch daily bulletin which is updated daily at 6am using a traffic light-based model:
- Green: During favourable conditions, the daily bulletin will show a ‘green’ status indicating the water is suitable for swimming.
- Amber: Indicates water quality may be affected, and pollution may be present – swimmers are advised when the status is ‘amber’ to swim using their own judgement.
- Red: The harbour water is not suitable for swimming. The Baths will not open when the ‘red’ status is advised.
In addition, in the unlikely event of local issues affecting the water quality at the Dawn Fraser Baths, the site is visually inspected daily by staff for any impacts that may have occurred and follow stringent pre-opening checks based on all the information available each day.
Swimmers are encouraged to check the Beach Watch site for the most up-to date readings following rainfall or can contact our team on 9392 5400 for further information. Any interruptions to general opening hours will be shown on the DFB website.
Inner West Council will continue to work with the NSW Government Sydney Harbour Beach Watch daily bulletin to ensure this program is delivering a comprehensive and reliable service to the community.