Category

Swimming

Free, Swimming

Get Shark Smart Before Summer: Free Beach Safety Information Session in Randwick

With warmer weather on the way, many Eastern Suburbs families will soon be spending a lot more time at the beach. And while we’re lucky to have some of Sydney’s best beaches on our doorstep, knowing a little more about ocean safety and how our coastline is monitored can help everyone head into summer feeling more confident. Randwick City Council and the NSW Government are holding a free community information session on Thursday 10 September, giving local residents and beachgoers an opportunity to learn about shark safety, beach surveillance and some of the technology being used along the NSW coastline….

Continue reading
Product & Service Profiles, Swimming, Swimming Pools

Free Swim Trial Days: Boost Your Child’s Water Confidence This Summer

The City of Sydney’s Learn to Swim program offers free Come and Try Days at four local aquatic centres, giving Eastern Suburbs families a chance to experience swim lessons, meet teachers, and receive personalized swim level assessments for children aged 3 to 19, with added benefits like free pool access, activities, and enrolment incentives.

Continue reading
Kids, Swimming, Swimming Pools

Make a Splash at Des Renford Leisure Centre’s Splash Park

When the weather warms up and the kids are looking for somewhere to cool down, the Splash Park at Des Renford Leisure Centre (DRLC) in Maroubra is a great local option for families. Designed especially with younger children in mind, the colourful water-play area gives kids a place to splash, climb, spray and play while parents and carers can stay close by. It’s one of those handy Eastern Suburbs spots worth remembering when you’re looking for an easy activity on a warm day. Water Play Made for Kids Forget simply dipping your toes in the toddler pool — the Splash…

Continue reading
School Holiday Swim Intensives Program at Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre (Zetland)
School holidays, Swimming

Why Fast-Track Swimming Lessons Can Help Your Child Build Skills and Confidence Faster

Swimming is one of the most valuable life skills a child can learn. It not only teaches water safety but also builds confidence, resilience, coordination and fitness. While weekly swimming lessons provide steady progress, many parents are discovering that fast-track swimming programs, also known as swim intensives, can help children develop their skills even more quickly. By attending lessons on consecutive days over a short period, children have the opportunity to reinforce what they’ve learned before the skills are forgotten. This concentrated approach often leads to noticeable improvements in confidence, technique and overall swimming ability. Why Daily Swimming Lessons Work…

Continue reading
Swimming

Support your school while you swim & gym

Looking for a simple way to support your child’s school while keeping your family active this winter? Our six-week ‘Swim & Gym for your School’ campaign is back for 2026, and it’s designed with parents and kids in mind. By swimming or working out at your local City of Sydney aquatic and fitness centre, you can help your child’s school win $5,000 in programming*. Even better, if your child is enrolled in our Learn to Swim program, you can also go in the draw to win a free month of lessons! Get your school involved First step: make sure your…

Continue reading
A skill for life. A bonus for you.
Swimming

A skill for life. A bonus for you.

Swimming is one of the most valuable life skills for both children and adults. It builds confidence, supports safety and benefits from regular practice.   As the weather cools down, it can be tempting to pause lessons. But winter is actually one of the best times to start or continue learning.   Whether your child is building skills, becoming more comfortable in the water or learning important safety techniques, staying consistent helps them progress. For adults, it’s a great way to stay active, improve fitness and enjoy some time for yourself.  At Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo, we offer a Learn…

Continue reading
Community, Swimming

Best Aquatic Centres in Sydney for Families

Looking for the perfect family-friendly swimming spot in Sydney? Whether your kids are learning to swim, you want a relaxing pool day, or you’re searching for fitness and recreation facilities for the whole family, Sydney’s aquatic centres offer something for everyone. From heated outdoor pools and splash areas to swim schools, gyms and onsite cafés, these centres are designed to keep families active and entertained all year round. Here are six of the best aquatic centres in Sydney that families love visiting. Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre – Zetland Located in the growing Green Square precinct, Gunyama Park Aquatic…

Continue reading
Sports, Swimming

Leafe Elite Swim School: Personalised Swimming Coaching in Matraville

For families looking for high-quality swimming lessons in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Leafe Elite Swim School offers a focused and personalised approach to teaching children essential swimming skills. Based in Matraville and run from a private indoor heated pool, this small family swim school is led by experienced coach Gary Leafe, with support from his son Chris Leafe. Unlike larger swim schools, Leafe Elite Swim School is built around decades of professional coaching experience and a commitment to teaching strong foundations that help children develop confidence and competence in the water. A Family Swim School with Decades of Experience Gary Leafe,…

Continue reading
Eating Out with Kids, Events, Swimming

Your Ultimate Harbourside Holiday Destination: Summer at Barangaroo

If you’re dreaming of a Sydney summer that blends sunshine, culture, food and relaxed waterfront fun — Barangaroo is calling. From 1 January to 31 March 2026, this stunning harbourside precinct transforms into one of the city’s best places to soak up summer, minus the stress of crowded beaches and long drives. A Refreshing Alternative to the Beach If the thought of packed beaches, early starts and endless searches for parking already has you feeling tired — and summer hasn’t even peaked yet — Barangaroo has the perfect solution. Marrinawi Cove is quickly becoming one of Sydney’s most-loved harbourside swimming…

Continue reading
Parks and Beaches, Swimming

Learn to Read the Surf with Dr Rip at Maroubra Beach

If you spend summer days at the beach with your kids, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Australia’s most well-known surf scientist, Dr Rob Brander – aka “Dr Rip” – is heading to Maroubra Beach for an engaging and award-winning presentation designed to help beachgoers stay safe in the surf. Hosted by Randwick City Council, this fascinating session combines science, safety and real-life beach knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand, memorable and surprisingly entertaining. What Is “The Science of the Surf”? Dr Rip will explain how beaches work, how waves and currents form, and how…

Continue reading