North Sydney Olympic Pool Has Finally Reopened After A Five-Year, $122M Redevelopment

North Sydney Olympic Pool is officially back. After more than five years behind construction fencing, the harbourside icon reopened on Friday 7 August, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors across its first weekend.

The landmark aquatic centre closed in February 2021 for one of the most ambitious pool restorations in Australia—a project that stretched timelines, blew out its budget and thoroughly tested local patience.

Now, swimmers can once again take a dip beneath the Harbour Bridge, with the restored 50-metre outdoor pool joined by new indoor pools, wellness facilities, a children’s splash zone, fitness studios and revamped hospitality spaces.

Can't wait? Jump to:

• Why Was North Sydney Pool Closed?
• What’s New in the Refurbishment?
• How Much Does North Sydney Olympic Pool Cost?
• When Is North Sydney Olympic Pool Open?

Why Was North Sydney Pool Closed?

Image credit: Ariunbold Khurelbaatar | Olde English Tiles

Like many of Sydney’s best need-to-know locations, North Sydney Olympic Pool is a heritage site. Constructed in 1936, it has undergone several upgrades over its 90-year history—but by 2020, its ageing aquatic infrastructure and facilities required a much more substantial overhaul.

The complex closed in February 2021, with the redevelopment originally expected to be completed in 2022. Instead, pandemic disruptions, wet weather, heritage complications, legal disputes and rising construction costs pushed the opening back by several years.

The final redevelopment cost reached approximately $122 million, more than double its initial estimate. The mounting expense became a major point of contention in North Sydney, particularly as the council considered steep rate rises to address its broader financial position.

While the road to reopening was anything but smooth, the completed venue has preserved the features generations of swimmers remember while introducing facilities capable of carrying the pool through its next chapter.

What’s New In The Refurbishment?

Image credit: Ariunbold Khurelbaatar | Olde English Tiles

The heated 50-metre outdoor pool remains the star, retaining its front-row views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It’s now joined by a heated 25-metre indoor lap pool, an indoor program pool and full competition water polo facilities.

Families have access to a heated outdoor children’s pool, waterplay area and splash pad, while the new wellness facilities include a warm-water therapy pool, spa, sauna and steam room.

Several original Art Deco elements have been carefully restored, including the harbourside wall, sundeck, stair tower and decorative motifs throughout the complex. Olde English Tiles supplied vitrified porcelain tiles across the venue, with Blue Moon, white and red details drawing on the pool’s original 1930s design language.

The grandstand has been rebuilt with seating for up to 970 spectators and permanent shade, giving local swimming and water polo clubs a proper home for carnivals and competitions.

Beyond the water, the complex now features:

• A new gym and functional training area
• Separate group fitness and spin studios
• A dedicated Reformer Pilates studio
• Family and accessible change rooms
• Ramps and lifts providing accessible pool entry
• A crèche and swim school
• A restored sundeck overlooking the harbour
• A café, indoor dining area and gelato bar

The redevelopment has also replaced the pool’s outdated energy and water systems. New measures include seawater harvesting, solar thermal heating and electric heat-pump technology, allowing the facility to operate without gas and with improved water and energy efficiency.

Ripples will also return to its harbourside position, bringing back a dedicated café and dining venue overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

How Much Does North Sydney Olympic Pool Cost?

Image credit: Ariunbold Khurelbaatar | Olde English Tiles

Following the pool’s free reopening weekend, regular admission prices came into effect on Monday 10 August.

Casual aquatic entry costs:

• Adults: $11
• Children aged three to 15: $8.80
• Concession: $8.25
• Family pass for two adults and two children: $31.70
• Each additional child on a family pass: $7

Ten- and 20-visit passes are also available, alongside three- and six-month aquatic passes.

Those wanting access to the gym, pools, sauna, steam room and group fitness classes can sign up for a Legends membership, while Legends Plus adds unlimited Reformer Pilates and other premium fitness inclusions.

You can find the latest casual prices and membership options through the North Sydney Olympic Pool website.

When Is North Sydney Olympic Pool Open?

North Sydney Olympic Pool is now open seven days a week.

Standard operating hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 5.30am–9.30pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 7am–7pm

The pools close 30 minutes before the wider facility each day. Public holiday hours may vary, so it’s worth checking online before visiting.

You’ll find North Sydney Olympic Pool at 4 Alfred Street South, Milsons Point, a short walk from Milsons Point Station and the ferry wharf.

Main image credit: Ariunbold Khurelbaatar | Olde English Tiles