Whether you’re looking for a quick cool-off on a hot summer’s day or a year-round swimming option for the kids, the Hunter region has plenty of public pools to choose from.
From big 50-metre outdoor pools with waterslides and splash pads to smaller indoor heated pools open through winter, there’s something for every age and swimming ability. Some pools are seasonal and only open from September to April, while others are open all year round — worth knowing before you make the trip.
Use the guide below to find a pool near you, organised by area. If you’re looking for ocean swimming, check out our guide to beaches and ocean baths guide).
Pools in Newcastle
Lambton Pool
Lambton Pool is one of the most popular public pools in the Newcastle area — and it’s easy to see why. The complex includes a heated 50m pool, a learners pool, a toddler pool and a diving pool. (The tower is not open for public use though).
There’s also a fantastic aquatic playground with a large play structure, tipping bucket, water jets, a concrete splash pad and a giant waterslide.
Managed by private operator BlueFit, Lambton Pool is open seasonally. It’s a great all-rounder for families with kids of different ages.
Get more info on visiting Lambton Pool.
Wallsend Pool
Wallsend Pool is a friendly neighbourhood pool that punches above its weight for families. The centrepiece is a large solar-heated 50-metre pool with a dedicated free swim area — perfect for families to splash around without worrying about lap swimmers. There’s also a shallow toddler pool for little ones. Out of the water, there’s a playground and grassy area to enjoy, as well as a barbecue and picnic area.
Entry fees apply. Wallsend Pool is managed by BlueFit and is open seasonally. As part of a City of Newcastle trial, entry is just $2 per person for the 2025/26 season.
Get more info on visiting Wallsend Pool.
Mayfield Pool
Mayfield Pool is a relaxed, family-friendly option that’s big enough to keep kids entertained but small enough to feel comfortable. The 50-metre pool has dedicated lap lanes as well as a generous free play area — bring pool noodles and toys and let the kids go for it.
Out of the water, there’s a basketball court, playground and grassy area to enjoy. Entry fees apply. Mayfield Pool is managed by BlueFit and open seasonally. Entry is $2 per person for the 2025/26 season as part of the City of Newcastle trial.
Get more info on visiting Mayfield Pool.
Stockton Pool
If you’re heading to Stockton, you’ve got a great choice — swim at Stockton Beach or head to Stockton Pool just a short bike ride or 20-minute walk from the ferry wharf. The pool complex has a solar-heated 50-metre pool and a shallow learners pool, plus a small playground and volleyball net.
It tends to be quieter than other pools in the area, which is a bonus on hot days. Entry fees apply. Managed by BlueFit and open seasonally. Entry is $2 per person for the 2025/26 season.
Get more info on visiting Stockton Pool.
Beresfield Pool
Beresfield Swimming Centre is a good local option for families in the north of Newcastle. It features a heated 50m pool, a toddler pool and playground equipment and grassy areas. Managed by BlueFit and open seasonally. Entry is $2 per person for the 2025/26 season. Located at Anderson Drive, Beresfield.
Get more info on visiting Beresfield Pool
Pools in Lake Macquarie
Charlestown Pool
Run by Lake Macquarie City Council, Charlestown Swim Centre is a well-equipped outdoor facility open year-round. The complex has a heated 25m pool and a heated 50m pool to suit different ages and swimming levels. Note that the 25m pool has a minimum depth of 1.1m, so parents will need to accompany younger children in that pool.
The highlight for toddlers is the splash pad, which features dome-shaped water fountains and a large pole with three tipping buckets that fill and empty at staggered intervals. Entry fees apply.
Get more info on visiting Charlestown Pool.
Morisset Swim Centre
Morisset Swim Centre features an outdoor heated 25m pool, an outdoor heated 15m Learn to Swim pool as well as a wading pool for little ones. Morisset Swim Centre is contractor-operated and open from September to March. Morisset Swim Centre is located at 7 Kahibah Street in Morisset. Entry fees apply.
Get more info on visiting Morisset Swim Centre
Speers Point Swim Centre
Conveniently located next door to the massive Speers Point Park, Speers Point Swim Centre is a fun location for the whole family. The swim centre boasts outdoor 25m and 50m pools. It also has a toddler wet play area. Run by Lake Macquarie City Council, it will reopen in September for the summer season. Entry fees apply.
Get more info on visiting Speers Point Swim Centre
Swansea Swim Centre
Conveniently located next to the sprawling Speers Point Park, this is a great spot to combine a swim with a big park day out. The centre has outdoor 25m and 50m pools plus a toddler wet play area. Run by Lake Macquarie City Council, it opens in September for the summer season. Entry fees apply.
Get more info on visiting Swansea Swim Centre
Toronto Swim Centre
Toronto Swim Centre is one of the few fully indoor swim centres in the Lake Macquarie area, which makes it a great option when the weather turns cold. It has an indoor 25m pool and an indoor heated 16m learn to swim pool, and is open year-round.
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
West Wallsend is another year-round indoor option run by Lake Macquarie City Council. It has a heated 25m pool and is a good low-key option for lap swimming and recreational swims through the cooler months.
A new learn-to-swim pool is currently under construction at the centre and is expected to open in 2026. Council has advised there may be some short-term closures during construction, so check ahead before visiting. For more information on this project visit the Shape Lake Mac website.
Entry fees apply. Located at 35A Edden Street, West Wallsend.
Get more info on visiting West Wallsend Swim Centre
Pools in Maitland
Maitland Pool
Maitland Aquatic Centre in Maitland Park is a solid all-rounder with something for every age. The complex includes a 50-metre outdoor pool and a 25-metre indoor heated pool, which is open year-round and heated to a comfortable 28 degrees. There’s also a splash pad with a tipping bucket, disabled ramp access, and the indoor pool is used for learn to swim programs and fitness classes.
Run by Maitland City Council. Located at Les Darcy Drive, Maitland.
Get more info on visiting Maitland Aquatic Centre
East Maitland Pool
A smaller, family-friendly option on the east side of Maitland. East Maitland has an outdoor swimming pool, a shaded baby pool and kids’ play equipment — good for younger children who don’t need a big pool complex.
Run by Maitland City Council, open from early October to end of April. Located at 41 Narang Street, East Maitland.
Get more info on visiting East Maitland Aquatic Centre
Pools in Cessnock
Branxton Pool
Branxton Pool is a compact seasonal pool with a 33-metre, six-lane pool and a covered toddler pool with step entry and water play features. A good local option for families in the Branxton area. Open from late September to early April. Located at 4 Maitland Street, Branxton.
Get more info on visiting Branxton Pool
Cessnock Pool
Cessnock Pool is a well-equipped outdoor facility with a six-lane 50m pool and a covered toddler pool with step entry and water play features. There’s also a small covered baby pool, making it one of the more toddler-friendly outdoor options in the region. Open from late September to early April. Located at the corner of Wollombi and Allandale Roads, Cessnock.
Get more info on visiting Cessnock Pool
Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Kurri Kurri is Cessnock City Council’s year-round aquatic facility and the best option in the area if you need to swim outside of the summer season. Managed by Belgravia Leisure, it has an eight-lane 25m pool, a 10-metre program pool and a leisure pool with a beach entry — great for toddlers and young swimmers. There’s also a small gym on site. Located at Boundary Street, Kurri Kurri.
Get more info on visiting Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Pools in Port Stephens
Lakeside Leisure Centre
Lakeside Leisure Centre is one of the standout family pools in the Port Stephens area. The complex has a 50-metre outdoor pool heated to 24–25 degrees, plus an indoor heated pool with a beach entry — the indoor pool gradually deepens from ground level, making it ideal for babies and toddlers.
Water features including fountains and spa areas are switched on throughout the day, and there are free BBQ facilities, a kiosk, swim shop and a children’s play area on site. Run by Belgravia Leisure, open year-round.
Located at 3 Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace.
Get more info on visiting Lakeside Leisure Centre.
Tomaree Aquatic Centre
Tomaree Aquatic Centre is a clean, well-maintained facility in Port Stephens that’s worth the trip. It has a heated 50m outdoor pool, a shaded and heated kids’ pool, a shaded wading pool and a large waterslide. Managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of Port Stephens Council, it’s open year-round — though the waterslide, wading pool and program pool close for winter.
Get more info on visiting Tomaree Aquatic Centre.
Tiligerry Aquatic Centre
Located in Mallabula in Port Stephens, Tiligerry Aquatic Centre is open all year round. It has a heated 25m eight-lane pool suitable for both recreational swimming and laps, plus a toddler splash pad, free electric BBQ, grassed areas and a kiosk.
Get more info on visiting Tiligerry Aquatic Centre
Find on Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Several pools in the region are open all year round, including Toronto Swim Centre and West Wallsend Swim Centre in Lake Macquarie, Charlestown Swim Centre, Maitland Aquatic Centre (indoor pool), Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Cessnock, and Lakeside Leisure Centre and Tiligerry Aquatic Centre in Port Stephens.
Lambton Pool, Charlestown Swim Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre, Cessnock Pool and Tomaree Aquatic Centre all have dedicated toddler areas, splash pads or beach entry pools that work well for very young children.
Lambton Pool in Newcastle and Tomaree Aquatic Centre in Salamander Bay both have waterslides.
Newcastle’s main public pools are outdoor and seasonal. For indoor year-round swimming, your best options nearby are Toronto Swim Centre and West Wallsend Swim Centre in Lake Macquarie, or Maitland Aquatic Centre’s indoor pool in Maitland.
Entry fees vary by venue and are set by the managing council or operator. For the 2025/26 season, City of Newcastle has introduced a $2 per person trial entry fee at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools. Check individual pool websites for current pricing.
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