Prince Alfred Park Pool: An Inclusive Urban Oasis

Sydney is home to some beautiful green spaces and the award-winning Prince Alfred Park is one of the best - and the most fun.

Perfectly located on the edge of CBD between bustling hotspots of Chinatown and Newtown, the 7.5-hectare parkland is right next door to Central Station and offers an abundance of ways to enjoy the great outdoors and clock up some quality family time. Abloom with nature, it is a welcome retreat amid the bustling surroundings.

The vibrant Prince Alfred Park boasts two kids’ playgrounds with custom-made play equipment including a lofty hot air balloon and an enclosed toddlers' area, plus barbecue and picnic areas, fitness stations, and tennis and basketball courts. There is also a 90-metre rainbow pathway that takes pride of place in the park.

One of Prince Alfred Park's most popular assets is the 50-metre heated outdoor pool - the first of its kind in Sydney.

Prince Alfred Park Pool - An Inner City Oasis

With its array of signature yellow umbrellas and crystal clear warm water, Prince Alfred Park Pool is an inner city oasis. This iconic facility is one of Sydney's favourite aquatic centres with a state-of-the-art 50-metre, nine-lane lap pool for learn-to-swim programs or a casual dip, a toddlers' splash pad with water features for little ones, and plenty of shaded areas to while the day away.

An Inclusive Aquatic Centre

Prince Alfred Park Pool was designed as an inclusive space to meet the needs of special needs patrons and includes ramp access into the pool (a pool hoist and wet wheelchair are available upon request), disabled access toilets (with a changing room hoist) and fitness and leisure opportunities for people with disabilities.

Prince Alfred Park Pool supports anyone who requires additional assistance or modified aquatic programs, ensuring everyone can participate in aquatic activities regardless of age, disability, chronic condition or cultural background.

The Prince Alfred Park Pool swim school runs Swim Champs - a specialised swimming and water safety program for children under the age of 18 with a disability.

It is also a part of ACON’s Welcome Here Project and is recognised as a welcoming and supportive place for LGBTIQA+ communities.

The New Prince Alfred Park Pool Access Key

Taking their accessibility commitment even further, an innovative new service has been introduced to support all members of the diverse urban community access the pool and its myriad services and facilities.

The Prince Alfred Park Pool Access Key is a full-colour information guide that provides a preview of what to expect when visiting the centre. Curated by healthcare professionals, it includes photographs, supportive text, a visual communication board and sensory guides that showcase the range of accessible features at the venue.

The Access Key helps visitors with Autism, cognitive disability, intellectual disability, dementia, and Alzheimer’s to familiarise themselves with the facility and plan their journey ahead of time, to allow for easier sensory integration into the space.

The Access Key is a comprehensive guide to all there is to know about Prince Alfred Park Pool from how to get there to the therapeutic benefits of swimming, including information on all their facilities, swimming lessons, aqua group fitness, accessibility and safety.

Access Ability Australia has partnered with Vision Australia to create Access Keys in alternate formats including a large print text-only format for people with low vision or who are blind and use assistive technology to access documentation. Access Keys are also available in audio or Braille via Access Ability Australia.

The Prince Alfred Park Pool Access Key is a brilliant free resource to help the community rediscover the centre and another step toward making this versatile destination available to everyone!

Download the Prince Alfred Park Pool Access Key.

Visiting Prince Alfred Park Pool

Where: Prince Alfred Park Pool is at 105 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills

Phone: 1300 198 412

When: Open all year round | 6 am – 8 pm. Closed Christmas day and Good Friday

Casual entry cost: Adult $7.20; Concession $5.20; Child under 3 Free Family $20.50

Membership: A variety of 360 memberships are available with an online sign-up, giving access to six City of Sydney leisure centres

City Access Card: Residents can apply for a City Access Card that provides a reduced rate for a casual swim or casual gym visit

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