Spring Hill Baths

I’m a sucker for heritage buildings. I also enjoy lolling around in the water. The Spring Hill Baths have been providing me and many other Brisbanites with a lovely body of water to throw ourselves into since 1886. The multicoloured bather’s pavilions that border the pool’s perimeter remind me of the English seaside. They hold lots of swimming classes here so it’s not ideal for laps, but as I said I prefer to loll around and look up at the sky.
At only 25m, the pool isn’t ideal for hardcore lappers, but it’s a great place for a relaxing splash around. I love how the outside wall gives no indication of what lies inside, and the transition from city street to yesteryear swimming pool takes my breath away a little bit every time.
On a hot day in the city, there’s something so simple and satisfying about engaging in the timeless pastime of a swim and an ice block on the walk home.

This is the perfect pool to visit if you’re after swimming lessons, swimming practice, or somewhere to float around and be merry on a Sunday afternoon.
I used to frequent this pool a lot when I wasn’t a strong swimmer, and was won over by its charm and privacy. I felt at ease practicing in a pool that was smaller, not too deep, and frequented by other adult beginners. My mum is 57 and doesn’t know how to swim so I bought her a lesson pass for adults for Christmas last year. All of the instructors are super friendly and supportive.
I wouldn’t come here to swim laps though. It gets a bit crowded during group swimming lessons, and the water can get warm during summer as the building itself is closed off and the pool is being hit by direct sunlight.
The Spring Hill Baths is also one — if not the most — famous Australian pool, having featured in the film ‘Swimming Upstream’ starring Geoffrey Rush and that dude from Neighbours whose name everyone has long forgotten. It also appears in the Myer Christmas ads playing on tv right now! A Miss Universe has floated in these waters!

The Spring Hill Baths are an absolute gem, tucked away in Brisbane’s inner city. First built in 1886, this 25m pool is completely covered and still has its colourfully painted changing rooms all around the perimeter of the pool. You don’t want to do any hard-​core swimming at the Spring Hill Baths; rather, it’s a lovely place to float and soak up the beautifully restored surroundings and to imagine you’ve been transported back to Brisbane’s yesteryear.
As with all town pools, entry fees are a little pricey:
Adult — $ 4.60
Concession — $ 4.00
Children — $ 3.30
Under 2yrs — free
Hours vary between Summer and Winter, so best to check the website:
Finish your visit to the Spring Hill Baths with a Boa Constrictor or Fizzer from the kiosk!