The Maccallum Seawater Pool at Cremorne Point is one of the best places to swim on Sydney Harbour. It is open 24 hours a day (other than on cleaning day), and entry is free.
What is the Maccallum Seawater Pool?
The Maccallum Seawater Pool is a public pool built into the rocks on Sydney Harbour. It is one of the most spectacular places to swim in Australia, largely because this Sydney pool comes with splendid harbour views.
Originally, it was a rock pool cut into the rocks, but in the 1920s, it acquired some architectural frippery around the sides. The Maccallum Seawater Pool has been kept in this quaintly outdated 1920s style since.
Five great things to do while you’re in Sydney
- Take a small group tour to the Blue Mountains – with a Parramatta River cruise thrown in.
- See the landmarks and secret beaches – on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
- Discover Sydney’s most historic neighbourhood – on a Rocks walking tour.
- Go on a whale-watching cruise – and admire migrating humpbacks.
- Learn to surf at Bondi Beach – with beginner surfing lessons.
Where is the Maccallum Seawater Pool?
The Maccallum Seawater Pool is on the western side of Cremorne Point on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. The easiest way to get there from the city is to take the Cremorne Point ferry from Circular Quay.
From the Cremorne Point Wharf, it is a 400 metre walk to the Maccallum Seawater Pool. It should take most people around five minutes.
How big is the Maccallum Seawater Pool?
The Maccallum Seawater Pool is allegedly 33 metres long, but that doesn’t pass the naked eye test. Either way, it is slightly shorter than a standard Olympic-sized pool, but much narrower. It’s the equivalent of about three-and-a-half lanes wide.
Maccallum Pool opening times and cleaning schedule
The Maccallum Seawater Pool is theoretically open every day, 24 hours a day. It is a perfect place to come if you’re jetlagged and want to make the most of the early morning wake-up.
However, in practice, such pools need cleaning. The pool is cleaned once a week, on a tide-dependent day that shifts from week to week. North Sydney Council publishes the cleaning schedule on its website. When the pool is closed for cleaning, it typically reopens by 7am the following morning.
Entry to the Maccallum Pool is free, although you should be aware there are no changing facilities.
Other harbour and ocean pools worth considering in Sydney include the Fairy Bower Pool in Manly, Wylie’s Baths in Coogee and the Bronte Baths next to Bronte Beach. You’ll also find open-air pools at Clontarf Beach, Queenscliff Beach and Bilgola Beach.
Maccallum Seawater Pool: key visitor information
Information sourced from North Sydney Council. Always check the cleaning schedule on the council website before visiting, as the closure day shifts each week due to tides. The pool may also close during extreme weather or maintenance works.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the Maccallum Pool opening hours? | Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during weekly cleaning. |
| How much does it cost to swim at the Maccallum Pool? | Free. |
| When is the Maccallum Pool cleaned? | Once a week, on a tide-dependent day that varies from week to week. The pool typically closes overnight and reopens by 7am the following morning. Check the council website for the current schedule. |
| What facilities are at the Maccallum Pool? | A freshwater shower and a drinking bubbler are on site. There are no toilets, no changing rooms and no food facilities. |
| Is there parking at the Maccallum Pool? | Very limited street parking is available on Milson Road. Public transport — particularly the Cremorne Point ferry — is strongly recommended. |
| How do you get to the Maccallum Pool by ferry? | Take the Cremorne Point ferry from Circular Quay. The pool is a 400-metre, five-minute walk from Cremorne Point Wharf. |
| Is the Maccallum Pool wheelchair accessible? | Access to the pool area requires navigating some uneven harbour-side terrain. Contact North Sydney Council for current accessibility details. |
| Are dogs allowed at the Maccallum Pool? | No dogs are permitted at the pool. |
| What can you see from the Maccallum Pool? | The pool faces west across Sydney Harbour, with views of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the CBD skyline. |
| How was the Maccallum Pool built? | It was originally a rock pool created by local residents as a safe harbour swimming hole. In the 1920s, the current timber deck and framing were added, and the pool has been maintained in the same heritage style since. |
Things to do near the Maccallum Seawater Pool
Cremorne Point Reserve – The pool sits at the start of a beautiful foreshore walk around Cremorne Point, passing harbourside bushland, small sandy coves and waterfront houses, with continuously changing views of the harbour.
Robertson’s Point Lighthouse – A short walk from the pool around the point, this small heritage lighthouse at the tip of Cremorne Point is one of Sydney Harbour’s quieter landmarks, with excellent views back towards the city.
Mosman Bay ferry stop – Continuing the foreshore walk from Cremorne takes you to Mosman Bay, another ferry stop on the Circular Quay route, allowing for a one-way walk with a ferry home.
Taronga Zoo – A short ferry ride from Cremorne Point Wharf, Taronga Zoo is one of Sydney’s most popular attractions, with cable car access, native wildlife and views of the harbour from the grounds.
Neutral Bay dining – A short bus or walk from Cremorne Point, Neutral Bay’s Military Road offers a wide range of cafés and restaurants, making it an easy spot for post-swim food and coffee.
