Photo of Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf Pool) in New South Wales1 / 3
Swimming Pools

Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf Pool)

📍 Double Bay, NSW

4.7(378 Google reviews)💰Free👶All ages

Tidal harbour pool at Double Bay with two floating pontoons, calm enclosed water, and boardwalk entry. Backed by the Redleaf Cafe and stunning harbour views — rarely crowded even on scorching days.

Calm harbour waterFloating pontoonsBoardwalk views
★★★★★Featured review by John karmas

Beautiful harbour side ocean pool, great to take the family, love the 2 floating platoons spent a lot of time sun baking on the platoon, jumping off having a swim 🏊‍♂️ and back on the platoon This harbourside tidal enclosure (previously known as Redleaf Pool) is popular with all age groups and proves busy on weekends in summer. The enclosure provides a swimming area of approximately 90m x 60m. The kiosk provides shaded seating and a spectacular outlook across Double Bay. No dog's allowed or fishing!Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay: A Harbourside Gem ​Murray Rose Pool (formerly known as Redleaf Pool) is one of Sydney’s most picturesque harbourside swimming enclosures. Located in Double Bay’s exclusive Blackburn Cove, it offers a refreshing and uniquely Sydney swimming experience that feels a world away from the busy city. ​✨ The Best Features ​Stunning Harbourside Setting: The pool's biggest draw is its location right on Sydney Harbour. Swimmers are treated to gorgeous views of moored yachts, boats sailing past, and the sparkling water of Double Bay. The tranquil scenery makes it a perfect escape. ​Safe Tidal Enclosure: This is less a traditional concrete pool and more a large, shark-net enclosed section of the harbour. It offers a safe swimming area of approximately 90m x 60m, ideal for casual dips and a different kind of "lap" swimming. ​Floating Pontoons: A favourite feature for all ages! Two large floating pontoons sit within the enclosure, providing perfect spots for sunbathing, diving in, or simply relaxing and enjoying the gentle rocking of the water. ​Boardwalk and Gardens: A scenic wrap-around boardwalk offers a lovely stroll and great vantage points for photos. Access is via the beautiful Blackburn Gardens, making the journey down to the water a pleasant experience in itself. ​🏖️ Visitor Experience ​Murray Rose Pool provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. ​Amenities: Basic but essential facilities are provided, including change rooms, public toilets, and showers. ​Kiosk: There is an on-site kiosk, often located at the top of the stairs or adjacent to the enclosure, which offers coffee, snacks, and shaded seating with spectacular views over the pool and bay. ​Beach Access: The pool adjoins a small strip of sand, Seven Shillings Beach, which is great for sunbathers and families. There are also grassy slopes nearby (part of Blackburn Gardens) with some shady spots. ​Accessibility Note: Visitors should be aware that the pool is accessed by a series of stairs or winding paths through the gardens, and the boardwalk itself may be challenging for those with limited mobility as dedicated accessibility features like ramps are minimal. ​The Murray Rose Pool is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique, serene, and quintessentially Sydney swimming spot. While it lacks the defined lanes and lifeguards of an Olympic pool (swimming is at your own risk), its breathtaking views and charming atmosphere more than make up for it. It’s perfect for a lazy summer afternoon, a safe swim for the kids, or a tranquil spot to read and sip a coffee.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for school-age swimmers who can handle unguarded water, and parents who want a calm harbour setting away from ocean surf. Stairs through Blackburn Gardens limit pram access. The pontoons are a hit with kids who love jumping and sunbaking. Rarely busy, even at 30 degrees.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Walk through Blackburn Gardens to reach the pool — leave prams at the top or carry them down the stairs
Grab takeaway coffee from the nearby Redleaf Cafe and settle on the boardwalk
🎟️No lifeguards on duty — younger swimmers need constant adult supervision
🚗Two floating pontoons are ideal for jumping and sunbaking between swims

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7

378 Google reviews

Calm, safe swimming environment45%
Beautiful harbour views30%
Floating pontoons15%
Peaceful atmosphere10%
J

John karmas

4 months ago

Beautiful harbour side ocean pool, great to take the family, love the 2 floating platoons spent a lot of time sun baking on the platoon, jumping off having a swim 🏊‍♂️ and back on the platoon This harbourside tidal enclosure (previously known as Redleaf Pool) is popular with all age groups and proves busy on weekends in summer. The enclosure provides a swimming area of approximately 90m x 60m. The kiosk provides shaded seating and a spectacular outlook across Double Bay. No dog's allowed or fishing!Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay: A Harbourside Gem ​Murray Rose Pool (formerly known as Redleaf Pool) is one of Sydney’s most picturesque harbourside swimming enclosures. Located in Double Bay’s exclusive Blackburn Cove, it offers a refreshing and uniquely Sydney swimming experience that feels a world away from the busy city. ​✨ The Best Features ​Stunning Harbourside Setting: The pool's biggest draw is its location right on Sydney Harbour. Swimmers are treated to gorgeous views of moored yachts, boats sailing past, and the sparkling water of Double Bay. The tranquil scenery makes it a perfect escape. ​Safe Tidal Enclosure: This is less a traditional concrete pool and more a large, shark-net enclosed section of the harbour. It offers a safe swimming area of approximately 90m x 60m, ideal for casual dips and a different kind of "lap" swimming. ​Floating Pontoons: A favourite feature for all ages! Two large floating pontoons sit within the enclosure, providing perfect spots for sunbathing, diving in, or simply relaxing and enjoying the gentle rocking of the water. ​Boardwalk and Gardens: A scenic wrap-around boardwalk offers a lovely stroll and great vantage points for photos. Access is via the beautiful Blackburn Gardens, making the journey down to the water a pleasant experience in itself. ​🏖️ Visitor Experience ​Murray Rose Pool provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. ​Amenities: Basic but essential facilities are provided, including change rooms, public toilets, and showers. ​Kiosk: There is an on-site kiosk, often located at the top of the stairs or adjacent to the enclosure, which offers coffee, snacks, and shaded seating with spectacular views over the pool and bay. ​Beach Access: The pool adjoins a small strip of sand, Seven Shillings Beach, which is great for sunbathers and families. There are also grassy slopes nearby (part of Blackburn Gardens) with some shady spots. ​Accessibility Note: Visitors should be aware that the pool is accessed by a series of stairs or winding paths through the gardens, and the boardwalk itself may be challenging for those with limited mobility as dedicated accessibility features like ramps are minimal. ​The Murray Rose Pool is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique, serene, and quintessentially Sydney swimming spot. While it lacks the defined lanes and lifeguards of an Olympic pool (swimming is at your own risk), its breathtaking views and charming atmosphere more than make up for it. It’s perfect for a lazy summer afternoon, a safe swim for the kids, or a tranquil spot to read and sip a coffee.

S

Samantha Fairweather

4 months ago

I used to take my kids here every chance we got. We started going to Redleaf Pool back in the early 1990's, when we lived there n Darlinghurst, as it was better than Bondi Beach as there was hardly any crowds - even on days with over 30° heat. My kids learnt to swim here. It was great to teach them water safety in open water, as opposed to a swimming pool, where we had things like waves from the boats, currents, seaweed and fish around. We moved to Auburn after my eldest started school, but would make the trip almost every single weekend, and holidays, just so the kids could swim in a safe environment, where we could watch them easily, and not like se them in a crowd. I still swim here whenever it is possible. It's a great place for families, and you don't have the fear of losing sight of your children in a big crowd. I highly recommend Murray Rose Pool for families with young children.

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paulina bugueño

3 months ago

Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf) is one of those places that instantly invites you to slow down. Watching the sunset here feels grounding and peaceful, with the ocean turning soft and golden as the day ends. It’s calm and beautifully maintained, perfect for a quiet swim, a reflective moment, or simply sitting and taking it all in. If you’re looking for a beach spot in Sydney that feels gentle, safe, and deeply calming, this one truly has a special soul.

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Sabina Smalikova

a month ago

I loved sitting along the walkway here with a takeaway coffee from the nearby Redleaf Cafe. It’s such a calm and relaxing spot with gentle water, quiet atmosphere, and that soft harbour light. Perfect place to slow down, sip your coffee, and just breathe for a while. One of those peaceful Sydney moments.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Murray Rose Pool is a historic tidal enclosure in Double Bay with two floating pontoons, calm harbour water, and a boardwalk promenade. Change rooms, a nearby cafe, and shaded seating make it a full morning out. Water is gentle year-round — families have been teaching kids to swim here for decades. No lifeguards, so supervision is on parents. The sunset light off the water is genuinely spectacular.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday00:00 –

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