Melbourne’s best pools

Pack your togs and cool off at these urban oases. Take the kids for an outdoor splash. Sip poolside cocktails or stage a staycation by the rooftop pool.

Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre pool

Get some laps in at Kensington's newly renovated rec centre. With eight lanes in the 25-metre pool, there's plenty of space for all levels of swimming ability. Kids can enjoy a dedicated play area with water spouts and fountains. Once you've had a swim, check out the new state-of-the-art gym and stadium.

Melbourne City Baths heritage pool

The iconic, heritage City Baths have been keeping locals cool for more than a century. Open from 6am on weekdays and 8am on weekends, the 33-metre indoor pool is perfect for casual laps. Or sign the kids up for lessons. Then refuel at Poolhouse Coffee.

Carlton Baths outdoor pool

Spend summer arvos in the Carlton Baths’ 25-metre outdoor pool. Little kids can splash in the toddler pools and aqua playground. There's also the upgraded gym, plus pickleball courts with equipment provided.

North Melbourne Recreation Centre outdoor pools

Take the whole family to splash and swim in the North Melbourne Rec Centre pool. With a shallow and well-shaded splash pool, it’s the perfect spot to swim with the kids.

Poolside staycations

1 Hotel Melbourne's sustainable sanctuary

Unwind at the tranquil pool and spa of Melbourne's best new hotel. Find the serene space on the third floor of 1 Hotel Melbourne. Refresh with a dip in the pool or soak in the warming hot tub. There's also wet and dry saunas available, whether you're after a detox or deep relaxation.

Mövenpick neon-lit night swims

Stay at the Mövenpick and indulge in a neon-lit night swim in the covered outdoor pool. Swim laps or unwind in the hot tub until 10pm. Sink into a poolside lounge chair with a good book, or robe up and recharge in the dry cedar sauna room.

Afloat waterfront pool

Melbourne's favourite floating bar is back this summer. This year's theme is inspired by the seaside vibes of Rio de Janeiro. Cool down with a frozen piña colada, then hop in the 8-metre pool and catch the sunset. Feeling peckish? Grab a shady cabana and dig into Brazilian bites.

Crown Metropol level 27 pool

Unwind 27 stories up, in the Crown Metropol indoor pool. Soak up sweeping city views as you soak in the pool or lounge on the luxurious day beds. Turn your relaxation up a notch in the aroma steam rooms and 38-degree vitality pool.

Marriott Docklands outdoor infinity pool

Relaxation is elevated at Marriott Docklands. Book a staycation and soak in the 28-metre, wet-edge rooftop pool. Hit the sauna or lounge on a day bed and take in the panoramic city views. Not staying the night? Gain full access to the wellness facilities with a $99 day pass. Then enjoy a refreshing summer fruit plate and a complimentary cocktail.

Vibe Hotel Docklands sun-soaked oasis

The pool at Vibe Hotel Docklands is open to the public this summer. Gain access to the level 7 terrace for just $25 or $15 for kids under 16. Take a dip in the 25-metre pool or hop in the spa for some rooftop relaxation. Then snatch up a sunbed or private cabana and order poolside snacks. Think crispy calamari, wagyu smash burgers and more.

Adelphi Hotel suspended laneway pool

The Adelphi Hotel’s glam rooftop oasis is a Melbourne icon. Famous for its glass-bottomed pool suspended above Flinders Lane. Stage a mini getaway in one of the stylish suites and be sure to head downstairs to Nomad for locally-sourced bites.

Rydges' rooftop pool

Find this heritage hotel nestled in Melbourne's bustling theatre district. The pièce de résistance is the year-round heated rooftop pool. Visit the intimate terrace on level 23 to lounge poolside.

Le Méridien's sunny rooftop pool terrace

Take a dip five floors above Bourke Street at Le Méridien. The sun-soaked rooftop pool and bar is inspired by the Côte d'Azur, but those city skyline views are all Melbourne. Get your Mediterranean snacks delivered poolside. Don't have a reservation? Grab an $85 pass and score a complimentary drink and gelato plus morning or sunset pool access.

W Melbourne pool and bar

Dip, sip and splash with a view in the W Melbourne pool. Get in a few sunrise laps, or go for a late-night swim. Maximise your leisure time in the steam room. Then indulge with poolside cocktails and snacks from the WET bar. Staying in Melbourne for the tennis? Follow the action live from the pool at the hotel watch party.