Murray Rose Pool, still widely known as Redleaf Pool, is a large netted harbour enclosure at Double Bay, about 90 m by 60 m, with a floating pontoon and a kiosk. It was renamed in 2012 after the Olympic swimmer who learned to swim there.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Good to know
- Cafe nearby
- Facilities and access
- Kiosk, pontoon, stairs from New South Head Road
- Managed by
- Woollahra Council
- Cost
- Free
- Public transport
- Buses on New South Head Road
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings
- Water quality
- GoodMurray Rose Pool, 0.0 km away. Sampled 27 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Town
- Double Bay, NSW
What it's like
A netted enclosure of calm harbour water in front of the Redleaf council grounds, with a wrap-around pontoon to swim to, sit on and sunbake. It is big enough for a proper swim along the net. The view across Double Bay to the city is part of the appeal.
Woollahra Council built the shark-proof enclosure and dressing sheds in 1940-41, and Premier William McKell opened it in 1941. In 2012 the council renamed it after Murray Rose, the triple Olympic gold medallist, who learned to swim here as a boy.
When to go
Weekday mornings, or late afternoon in summer. It gets very busy on hot weekends. Avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rain.
Getting there and facilities
Take the stairs down from New South Head Road, Double Bay. There is a kiosk with shaded seating and views across the bay. Buses run along New South Head Road, and Edgecliff station is a walk away.
Good to know
Dogs are not allowed. There is no lifeguard on most days, so supervise children.