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Swimming Pools

Boat Pool

📍 South Brisbane, QLD

★4.7(78 Google reviews)💰FreeđŸ‘ļAll ages

Free outdoor swimming pool in South Bank Parklands with a maximum depth of 1.1 metres, patrolled by qualified lifeguards year-round. Accessible via ramps, pool wheelchairs available from the info centre.

✓ Free entry✓ Shallow depth✓ Accessible design✓ Year-round swimming✓ Southbank location
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★★★★★Featured review by Kale Sartor

This is a free outdoor pool right at the heart of Southbank. It only goes up to 1.1 meters deep so not good for jumping, diving, or deep swimming. But great for casual swimming, splashing around, and for people who can't swim well. (If that is the case also check if there's a lifeguard on duty which varies.) it's big and nice and has chairs with sunshades around. It is great for accessibility. There is a ramp to enter with a handrail as well as points with steps or a ladder. You can even rent a pool wheelchair for just a deposit at the info centre, but there are no signs to tell you that near the pool so you need to seek it out in advance. There are bathrooms including a handicap bathroom close by, though no showers I saw. Lots of restaurants and other pools next to it too. I went in late afternoon on a weekday in May and it was not crowded at all. There was a lot of natural debris and some unnatural debris in the pool, which makes sense for a big outdoor pool surrounded by nature and people. But if you're squeamish about that sort of thing this might not be the place for you. Or maybe try earlier in the day.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with young children, non-swimmers, or anyone needing accessible water entry. The shallow uniform depth removes the anxiety of variable pool zones, and the lifeguard presence adds a genuine safety layer. The free entry and Southbank location mean you can combine a swim with lunch and the wider parklands in a single outing.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Pool wheelchairs are available from the Southbank info centre — ask specifically as they are not well-signposted
⏰Arrive earlier in the day for cleaner water and quieter conditions
đŸŽŸī¸Maximum depth is 1.1m throughout — not suitable for diving or lap swimming
🚗Accessible ramp entry is available for those who cannot use steps

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

78 Google reviews

Free and centrally located50%
Accessible and safe for non-swimmers30%
Year-round lifeguard patrols20%
K

Kale Sartor

10 months ago

★★★★★

“This is a free outdoor pool right at the heart of Southbank. It only goes up to 1.1 meters deep so not good for jumping, diving, or deep swimming. But great for casual swimming, splashing around, and for people who can't swim well. (If that is the case also check if there's a lifeguard on duty which varies.) it's big and nice and has chairs with sunshades around. It is great for accessibility. There is a ramp to enter with a handrail as well as points with steps or a ladder. You can even rent a pool wheelchair for just a deposit at the info centre, but there are no signs to tell you that near the pool so you need to seek it out in advance. There are bathrooms including a handicap bathroom close by, though no showers I saw. Lots of restaurants and other pools next to it too. I went in late afternoon on a weekday in May and it was not crowded at all. There was a lot of natural debris and some unnatural debris in the pool, which makes sense for a big outdoor pool surrounded by nature and people. But if you're squeamish about that sort of thing this might not be the place for you. Or maybe try earlier in the day.”

R

rachel campbell

2 months ago

★★★★★

“Grrrr! ..... I was so hot at home I thought to go for quicky swim . I really love the walk to the pool. Lovely atmosphere and everyone seems to be happppppyyyyy! Multi culture enjoying BBQs with georgeous little people . On the negative the water temperature wasn't that different from outside but no complaints . The aesthetics , atmosphere , price is so brilliant . Hope I didn't leave anything out . Love it!”

A

A K

a month ago

★★★★★

“Great place to swim or just rest in water. Open every day 7-22:00 and it's for free, really well maintained”

T

t ma c 051

a month ago

★★★★★

“The best place to get relaxed in Brisbane”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Boat Pool is a free, open-air pool in the heart of South Bank Parklands, maintained and patrolled daily. The 1.1-metre maximum depth makes it suitable for casual swimming, splashing, and non-swimmers who want to get in the water without the pressure of deeper pools. Lifeguards patrol year-round. Pool wheelchairs are available for hire from the Southbank info centre with a deposit — they are not prominently signposted so enquire directly. Accessible bathrooms are nearby.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 21:00
Tuesday09:00 – 21:00
Wednesday09:00 – 21:00
Thursday09:00 – 21:00
Friday09:00 – 21:00
Saturday09:00 – 21:00
Sunday09:00 – 21:00

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