Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain is a tidal harbour pool on the Parramatta River, built in 1880-82 and often called Australia's oldest public pool. It reopened in 2021 after restoration, with a small entry fee.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Good to know
- Kids area, Toilets, Change rooms
- Facilities and access
- Change rooms, toilets, kids pool, paid entry
- Managed by
- Inner West Council
- Cost
- Small entry fee (about $7.20 adult)
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings in the warmer months
- Water quality
- GoodDawn Fraser Pool, 0.0 km away. Sampled 27 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Town
- Balmain, NSW
What it's like
The baths are a fenced harbour enclosure below Elkington Park, ringed by timber change sheds and boardwalks, with the river water flowing in and out with the tide. There is a main swimming area and a separate children's pool, and it is home to Balmain's water polo and swimming clubs. Swimming here is calm, flat-water swimming, quite different from an ocean pool.
Balmain Council bought the site in 1880, and the baths were in use by January 1882 as the Elkington Park Baths, with men and women at separate times. The Balmain Swimming Club formed in 1884. The baths were enlarged in 1924 and renamed in 1964 for Dawn Fraser, the Balmain swimmer who won Olympic gold at three Games. They closed in 2019 for a major restoration and reopened in September 2021.
When to go
The baths open in the warmer months; check Inner West Council's page for the current season and hours. Weekday mornings are quietest. As with all harbour swimming, avoid the water for a few days after heavy rain.
Getting there and facilities
The entrance is on Fitzroy Avenue, Balmain, below Elkington Park. There are change rooms and toilets. Published entry fees in 2026 were $7.20 for adults and $4.30 for children, with monthly and season passes available.
Good to know
Entry is paid. Lifeguard cover and hours are set by Inner West Council, so check before you go.