Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay: Sydney's Calm Netted Harbour Swim
Murray Rose Pool is a big netted harbour pool in Double Bay, wrapped by a timber boardwalk and looking back towards the city skyline. There are no waves and no surf, just calm, enclosed harbour water that's free to swim in all year.
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Locals still call it Redleaf, its old name, after the café and council chambers above it. It's a relaxed eastern suburbs swim for laps, floating or a lazy afternoon on the deck, and it's one of the calm-water harbour spots we love in Swim New South Wales.
Swimming at Murray Rose Pool
The pool was known as Redleaf Pool until 2012, when Woollahra Council renamed it after Olympic champion Murray Rose, who lived nearby and swam in Sydney's harbour waters. The enclosure is roughly 90 by 60 metres, so there's plenty of room for proper laps as well as splashing about.
The boardwalk runs around the enclosure with benches and several sets of stairs into the water, and there's a pontoon to swim out to. Shallow sections suit waders and kids, while deeper water further out suits lap swimmers. The little beach next door, Seven Shillings Beach, is a good spot for families on quieter days.
Summer mornings are calm and lovely before the crowds arrive, and late afternoon brings golden light across the deck. Jellyfish can drift in during the warmer months, and the outer timbers have sharp barnacles, so watch where you put your hands and feet.
Like all harbour swims, water quality drops after rain. Woollahra Council advises avoiding swimming during and for three days after heavy rain.
How to Get to Murray Rose Pool
The pool is at 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay, below Blackburn Gardens and about 15 minutes from the CBD.
By bus: buses run from the CBD along New South Head Road to Double Bay. Get off near the council chambers and walk down through Blackburn Gardens to the pool.
By ferry: catch a ferry to Double Bay Wharf, then walk 10 to 15 minutes via Bay Street.
By car: street parking is limited on weekdays. On weekends there's off-street parking at the adjacent council chambers. Arrive early in summer.
Know Before You Go
- Free to use year-round, but there are no lifeguards.
- Check the depth before you dive. Council signs warn of shallow water.
- Don't swim during or for three days after heavy rain. Check Beachwatch for harbour water quality.
- Dogs aren't allowed on the pool, deck or Blackburn Gardens.
- No fishing, no smoking.
- Be mindful of children and older swimmers in the splash zones.
- Toilets, change rooms, showers and a kiosk are on site.
Murray Rose Pool FAQs
Is Murray Rose Pool the same as Redleaf Pool?
Yes. Redleaf Pool was renamed Murray Rose Pool in 2012 to honour the Olympic swimmer.
Is Murray Rose Pool free?
Yes. It's a public harbour enclosure with no entry fee.
Is Murray Rose Pool netted?
Yes, it's an enclosed swimming area with a boardwalk around it, but jellyfish can still drift in during warm months.
Can I bring my dog to Murray Rose Pool?
No. Dogs aren't permitted at the pool or in Blackburn Gardens.
