Murray Rose Pool, still Redleaf to many, is a big netted harbour enclosure at Double Bay, about 90 by 60 metres, wrapped by a floating pontoon and backed by a kiosk. It's free, glamorous in a low-key eastern suburbs way, and a fine spot for a long harbour swim followed by a coffee.
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. Data: NSW Beachwatch, CC BY 4.0.
- Town
- Double Bay, NSW
What it's like
The pontoon runs around the enclosure, so you can swim out, haul yourself up and sunbake on the water with the city skyline across the bay. There's room for a decent swim along the net, and the water is calm and usually clear. Woollahra Council built the shark-proof enclosure and dressing sheds in 1940 and 1941. In 2012 it was renamed for Murray Rose, the triple Olympic gold medallist, who learned to swim here as a boy.
When to go
Weekday mornings are quiet, and late afternoons are lovely in summer. Hot weekends are very busy. Give it a few days after heavy rain.
Getting there and facilities
Take the stairs down from New South Head Road, Double Bay. The kiosk has shaded seating with 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's usually no lifeguard, so keep an eye on children.