Swim Year-Round at These Indoor Pools in the Hunter
When the weather turns cold or the rain sets in, an indoor pool is one of the best options for keeping kids active — and for parents who just want to get some laps in without braving the elements.
Unlike the region’s outdoor pools, which mostly run from September to April, these indoor swimming pools are open all year round. Whether you’re looking for a heated 50m lap pool, a warm toddler-friendly option, or somewhere that specialises in hydrotherapy, there’s something in the Hunter to suit.
For a full list of outdoor and seasonal pools across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and beyond, visit our guide to swimming pools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Newcastle
NUsport University Aquatics Centre, Callaghan
NUsport is home to the only 50-metre indoor heated pool in the Hunter region. Located on the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, the aquatic centre is open to the general community, not just students and staff.
The eight-lane pool uses a UV filtration system, which is gentler on eyes and skin than traditional chlorine setups. Public lap swimming is available Monday to Friday — check the online timetable before you go as lane availability can change at short notice due to squad programs and events.
NUsport also runs learn to swim programs for all ages, swim squads, aqua fitness classes and has a splash zone for younger kids. It’s a well-equipped facility and one of the best public swimming options in Newcastle regardless of the season.
Located at 130 University Drive, Callaghan. Entry fees apply.
Get more info on visiting NUsport Aquatics Centre.
Lake Macquarie
Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools, Croudace Bay
Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools is one of the Hunter’s most unique aquatic facilities — a community-run, not-for-profit centre that has been operating for more than 50 years. Run largely by volunteers, it’s a genuinely special local asset.
The indoor complex includes a 25m pool, a 15m pool and a dedicated hydrotherapy pool, all gas and solar heated. There’s also an open-air toddler pool for warmer days. The 25m pool is available for public lap swimming, and the Valentine Swim School runs lessons from the facility for all ages and abilities — including babies from four months old.
The hydrotherapy pool is primarily used by people with a disability, the elderly, and those recovering from injury, and is available by appointment through a physiotherapist. If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming community pool with more heart than your average leisure centre, this is it.
Located at 1A St Johns Drive, Croudace Bay. Entry fees apply. Fitness Passport accepted.
Get more info on visiting Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools.
Toronto Swim Centre
Toronto Swim Centre is one of the few fully indoor public pools in the Lake Macquarie area, making it a reliable year-round option for families on the western side of the lake. The centre has an indoor 25m pool and an indoor heated 16m learn to swim pool, and is contractor operated.
Entry fees apply. Located at the corner of Awaba Road and Carleton Street, Toronto.
Get more info on visiting Toronto Swim Centre.
West Wallsend Swim Centre
Run by Lake Macquarie City Council, West Wallsend is an indoor heated 25m pool open all year round. It’s a no-fuss local option for lap swimming and recreational swims through the cooler months, and is conveniently located for families in the western suburbs of Lake Macquarie.
A new learn-to-swim pool is currently under construction at the centre and is expected to open in 2026, which will make this an even stronger year-round option for families. Check ahead before visiting as there may be occasional short-term closures during construction.
Entry fees apply. Located at 35A Edden Street, West Wallsend.
Get more info on visiting West Wallsend Swim Centre.
Maitland
Maitland Aquatic Centre
Maitland Aquatic Centre has both outdoor and indoor facilities, and it’s the indoor pool that makes it worth including here. The 25-metre indoor heated pool is open year-round, heated to a comfortable 28 degrees, and offers disabled ramp access. It’s used for learn to swim programs and fitness classes as well as recreational swimming.
The outdoor 50m pool is also on site but closed during the colder months — so in winter, the indoor pool is your option here. Run by Maitland City Council.
Located at Les Darcy Drive, Maitland.
Get more info on visiting Maitland Aquatic Centre.
Cessnock
Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Kurri Kurri is the only year-round aquatic facility in the Cessnock local government area, making it the go-to option for families in the Hunter Valley when the seasonal outdoor pools close. Managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of Cessnock City Council, the centre has an eight-lane 25m pool, a 10-metre program pool and a leisure pool with a beach entry which is particularly good for toddlers and young swimmers just gaining confidence.
There’s also a small gym on site for parents who want to make the most of the trip.
Located at Boundary Street, Kurri Kurri.
Get more info on visiting Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
Port Stephens
Lakeside Leisure Centre, Raymond Terrace
Lakeside Leisure Centre is one of the best family aquatic facilities in the Port Stephens area, and the indoor heated pool is what sets it apart from other pools in the region. The indoor pool has a beach entry — it gradually deepens from ground level, making it genuinely ideal for babies and toddlers who need a shallow, safe entry point.
Water features including fountains and shallow spas are switched on at intervals throughout the day. The complex also has a heated 50m outdoor pool, free BBQ facilities, a kiosk, swim shop and a children’s play area. Run by Belgravia Leisure, open year-round.
Please note: Certain areas of the indoor pool are restricted when swimming lessons and other programs are running so it is a good idea to call ahead, find out what programs are operating and plan your visit around them.
Located at 3 Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace.
Get more info on visiting Lakeside Leisure Centre.
Know an indoor pool we’ve missed? Get in touch and we’ll add it to the guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
All pools in this guide are open year-round. These include NUsport Aquatics Centre in Callaghan, Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools in Croudace Bay, Toronto Swim Centre, West Wallsend Swim Centre, Maitland Aquatic Centre (indoor pool), Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre, and Lakeside Leisure Centre in Raymond Terrace.
The closest indoor public pool to central Newcastle is NUsport Aquatics Centre at the University of Newcastle in Callaghan, which is open to the general community Monday to Friday for lap swimming.
NUsport is open to the general community, not just university students and staff. Public lap swimming is available Monday to Friday — check the online timetable before visiting as availability changes based on squad programs and events.
Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools in Croudace Bay offers warm heated pools and learn to swim from four months. Lakeside Leisure Centre in Raymond Terrace has an indoor pool with a beach entry that’s excellent for very young children. Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre also has a leisure pool with beach entry suitable for toddlers.
Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools is a community-run, not-for-profit aquatic centre in Croudace Bay, Lake Macquarie. It has been operating for more than 50 years and offers public lap swimming in its 25m pool, as well as a hydrotherapy pool for people with a disability, injury rehabilitation or age-related needs. It is run primarily by volunteers and accepts Fitness Passport.