When temperatures soar and relative humidity reaches 70%, the Territory’s public pools come in handy. Know where to go for that sunrise swim.
Pool opening hours vary according to season and weather conditions, so be sure to contact them before heading off.
In & around Darwin
The City of Darwin runs three excellent public pools, offering shade, toddler pools, play equipment, kiosks and even BBQ areas. Casuarina Swimming Pool Centre is at 10 Angelo Street, Parap Swimming Pool is on Ross Smith Avenue, and Nightcliff Aquatic Centre is at 250 Casuarina Drive, Nightcliff.
Palmerston Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre features an Olympic-sized eight-lane pool equipped with retractable shade covering, a chair lift and sling for disabled access, and a toddler pool. You’ll find the centre at 31 Tilston Avenue.
The popular Darwin Wave Pool, in Darwin’s Wharf Precinct generates artificial waves in a variety of sizes and shapes, so jump on one of the supplied boogie boards or tyre tubes and test your ‘gnarliness’.
Lake Alexander is a man-made lake on Darwin East Point Road and, with a shallow beach and a maximum depth of 2.8m; it makes for a safe (and free) year-round swimming spot.
Take the gang to Leanyer Water Park on Vanderlin Drive. Watch as they race around on the network of giant waterslides that are all over 100m long. There’s also a recreation park for the kids.
- Public swimming pools in Darwin
- Waterfront wavepool
- Waterfront lagoon
- Palmerston water park
- Lake Alexander
- Leanyer water park
Alice Springs
The Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre is in Speed Street, and has water slides, a heated indoor pool, a spa and a second 20m pool with disabled ramp access.
Kakadu
Jabiru Swimming Pool can be found on Leichardt St. The facility has an Olympic-sized eight-lane pool partially covered with shade-cloth, plus a covered toddler’s pool, outdoor BBQ area and kiosk. There’s also a sand volleyball court, mini-golf and children’s play equipment.
