Lambton Pool is one of the region’s most popular outdoor pools, thanks to its aquatic playground, spiral waterslide and pools to suit every age and ability. It’s open from the end of August to the end of May.
The aquatic playground is a self-contained splash area with a giant tipping bucket, water jets, a concrete splash pad and small slides.
Every few minutes the bucket fills and tips, sending a wave over anyone standing underneath.
It’s the highlight of the visit for most toddlers and young kids.
The shaded toddler pool is heated and ankle-deep, ideal for the littlest swimmers. It’s not unusual to spot a family of ducks sharing the water.
Next to it, the learner pool is about waist-deep for an adult and partly shaded, a good spot for parents to get in with nervous or beginner swimmers.
For older or more confident swimmers, there’s a 50-metre heated lap pool and a separate diving pool (the diving tower itself is closed to the public).
Lambton Pool’s biggest drawcard is its spiral waterslide (which is open on select days). Riders climb a high staircase and take a 100-metre ride down on an inflatable tube. Wristbands for the slide are purchased separately at the entrance.
Grassy, shaded areas surround the pools, with free gas barbecues for anyone who wants to cook up a barbecue lunch. The kiosk sells hot chips, ice creams and other snacks if you’d rather not pack a picnic. Heated showers and changing rooms are available for after your swim.
Entry charges apply, and season passes are available for regular visitors. It’s a top spot for a birthday party too and you can arrange group entry.
Best Age Groups
Lambton Pool works well across ages, which is part of why it’s such a popular family spot:
- Babies and toddlers: the shaded, ankle-deep toddler pool is the safest option, with the splash park’s low jets also a hit.
- Preschoolers: the learner pool and splash park’s tipping bucket are the main draws.
- School-age kids: old enough for the waterslide and confident enough for the 50m pool.
- Parents and grandparents: plenty of shaded seating for supervising from the sidelines, plus the lap pool for a swim of your own.
Parking and Getting There
Lambton Pool has a large, free off-street car park on Durham Road, which fills up fast on warm weekends and during school holidays. Arriving before 10am gives you the best chance of a spot close to the entrance. The pool is also a 10-minute walk from Lambton’s café strip if you want to grab a coffee before or after your swim.
Make a Day of It at Lambton Park
Lambton Pool sits in Lambton Park, one of Newcastle’s most popular family parks and a community gathering place for over a century. It’s an easy way to stretch your visit into a full day out, with plenty of space to run around, heritage features and gardens to explore once you’re done swimming. Phase One of the Lambton Park playground has been completed so younger kids can enjoy the new play equipment.
If you’re after something a bit different, our Lambton Park Scavenger Hunt starts right at Lambton Pool and leads participants through the park’s heritage features, gardens and local history. Download the Lambton Park Scavenger Hunt and bring it along on your next visit.
Good to Know
Address: 102 Durham Road, Lambton
Picnic facilities: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Cost: Adult $6, concession/child $5, under 3 free
Season: End of August to end of May
For more information, visit the Lambton Pool website.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Lambton Pool is a seasonal, unheated-air outdoor facility open from the end of August to the end of May.
No, waterslide access requires a separate wristband purchased at the entrance, on top of the general pool entry fee.
Yes, you’re welcome to pack a picnic and use the grassy areas or free barbecues, or buy food from the on-site kiosk.
Yes, the toddler pool and much of the surrounding grassed area are shaded, though the 50m pool and diving pool are largely uncovered.
Yes, Lambton Pool is right next to Lambton Park, and there’s also a scavenger hunt that starts at the pool and takes you through the park’s heritage features.
Where are other places you can take your kids to splash around? How about Lambton Pool, Charlestown Pool, Wallsend Pool, Grannies’ Pool, Canoe Pool or Merewether Baths? Or check out our Best Beaches for Families guide.