Victoria Park Pool — Local services in Sydney

I'm a pretty big fan of Victoria Park Pool. I have been coming here on and off for over 20 years. The main reason is it's location which is right next to Sydney University and at a pretty big bus junction (City Road and Parramatta Road/Broadway) so it is convenient for dropping in on the way to or from work or Uni. I have never really used the gym though. Here's the downside: I am slightly underwhelmed by the pricing - it just seems a bit over the odds for what I feel should be priced better than the commercial gyms. It is, after all, owned by the City of Sydney. For what it is - a well worn-in public amenity - residents of the area should be offered a discount - just a suggestion. While I was living overseas, they installed lovely sun-lounges that give it a slightly resort-like feel - I wonder if this was the justify the ex-y price of gym + pool subs...? Also, the cafe is pretty average The water is clean (except on super crowded days in the height of heatwaves... my advice would be to stay away on those days). Upside: I can almost always get in 20 - 30 laps (it's Olympic sized - 50m) without being in a crowded lane. In case you're wondering, I swim mainly between 8am and 10am. It can feel like a little oasis in what is otherwise a pretty grungy part of town. It's especially nice to be there on a fine weekday, during school time, when it's...

If you have kids who cannot swim well, then this one is perfect, the water is pretty shallow up to the middle so my 5yo could tippee toe while I encouraged my 3 yo. The other end is deep :)

There is a babies pool which while I thought the water was cold and windy as it was under cover, I am sure if it was a hot day that was not windy, it would be great for babies.

Also, the park outside for kids is a great one. It has a flying fox, babies slide, relatively easy rope climbing frame, baby swing, group swing and 2 bigger swings, a low rail balance beam thing and the turning thing on an angle where you lie in the middle (similar to the one at Blaxland park)

So if you are after an experience for the kids, I would recommend this over the price alfred Park Pool next to central station (but walking from central station to Sydney Uni can be quite a hike with the kids). HOpe they build the trainline to...

Went there with my toddler and a friend with two toddlers. Feels like they are trying to save on their customers comfort.

Firstly, shaded toddler splash pool was very very cold. It was 30 degrees outside but my daughter got blue lips. They are probably not heating it like at all. The other pool, the big one, was nice and warm.

Secondly, their hot water supply is so poor that I had to take a cold water shower. As soon as I finished washing my baby hot water disappeared. Obviously someone else opened the tap elsewhere. It was a family change room next to the toddler pool, the left one. I waited for ages, people started knocking my door and I had soap on me so had to wash it...