Melting faster than the ice in your drink? Here are the best pools in town for cooling off after work or for weekend fun this summer and beyond.
In the CBD
Adelphi Hotel rooftop pool
The Adelphi Hotel’s stylish cantilevered, glass-bottomed pool gives swimmers a glimpse of Flinders Lane far below. In summer it’s open to the public for a $35 fee which includes towel hire and all-day access. Call ahead on the day you wish to visit to confirm availability. For eats, order through the hotel’s signature restaurant, Om Nom Kitchen. Or enjoy summer the Italian way, sipping a classic Mediterranean drink at their Aperol Weekend Summer Sessions.
Adelphi’s rooftop pool
Melbourne City Baths
The handsome heritage Melbourne City Baths have been keeping folks cool – and fit – for more than a century. City workers take note: it’s open in the evenings on weekdays, and the 30-metre indoor pool is the largest in the CBD. Swim laps or splish-splash with friends and family, then refuel at Poolhouse Coffee. Fancy something even more rewarding? Try cocktails on the verandah at nearby Loch & Key.
Melbourne City Baths
Arbory Afloat
Hang out Miami-style by the new pool at Arbory Afloat. Back for it’s third year, the bar floating on the Yarra River is once again the place to be this summer. Food and drinks are inspired by Miami’s American and Latin cultures.
Arbory Afloat
Just outside the city centre
Carlton Baths
Dive into Carlton Baths’ outdoor pool, which is gently heated so there’s no fear of that cold-water shock on hot days. Got kids? Little ones can play in the toddler pools, while teens can enjoy the Giant Inflatable during January school holidays. Sundays at the Baths hosts live music and other activities to keep all ages entertained.
Carlton Baths
Kensington Community Recreation Centre
If you’re in the Kensington hood, there’s a pool for you too. Kensington Community Recreation Centre has three of ‘em: a 25-metre indoor lap pool, toddler pool and learn-to-swim pool.
North Melbourne Recreation Centre
Swim in balmy 27.5 degree heated water in the North Melbourne Rec Centre eight-lane pool. With learner play and splash pools this is a great spot to get toddlers and infants swimming. The pool can also be hired for school swimming carnivals.
North Melbourne Recreation Centre