Centenary Aquatic Centre

I’ve been coming here on and off for years.
I used to work nearby, so would walk up on lunch breaks to do laps. Most recently I had a day off, and it was one of only two council pools on the northside that was open. They drain, clean, and do whatever maintenance they need over winter, so that’s understandable. Centenary had just reopened.
As much as it was a warm (24 degrees) winter day, I was still worried the pool might be a bit chilly, but I needn’t have worried. The temperature was perfect. But this pool isn’t for splashing around in with your friends, each lane was roped up and segregated based on swim speed (i’m always in the slow lane!). It was fairly quiet, but still expect to share a lane with one or two others even when it’s not busy.
As I left what appeared to be a school swim team was arriving and taking a lot of lanes, so it might be a good idea to check when the pool is booked out for groups.
There was plenty of bench space, toilets and showers in the change rooms, but unfortunately the lockers (and there’s not many) were out of order, so avoid bringing any valuables.
Staff at the counter were friendly, and they have a good range of goggles and other swimming paraphernalia, so you can probably grab whatever you need right there if you don’t have any gear, or just forgot it.
There’s also plenty of parking, with a gym above the pool!

Centenary Pool is one of the places I frequented most as a kid. My primary school was nearby and we used to walk in two lines up the hill to Centenary to do swimming lessons. I also used to come here with my Dad while he was doing laps, and later with my friends in the school holidays when we’d spend all day throwing ourselves off the diving tower and eating ice blocks. These days the diving tower is off-​limits which is such a shame but the super deep diving pool is still in use. There’s an underground room with porthole windows that see into the main pool and the diving pool which never fails to be a novelty. Built in 1959, Centenary Pool and its structures are very 60s art deco style and that only adds to my sense of nostalgia at this place.
On a more practical note, the entry prices are fair and the opening hours are convenient. The water is clean and not overheated or too cold. There’s a snack bar with a variety of sandwiches, lollies, chips, and ice cream as well as a shop that sells togs, swimming caps, and goggles. I hope that one day they re-​open the diving tower, because I’m not sure I’ll ever grow out of the thrilling terror that I used to feel at the top with my toes curled over the concrete edge, ready to jump.

The Centenary Aquatic Centre is a great option if you’re after a pool that’s sparkling clean and regularly treated, which is, I think, all you could ever ask for in a large body of water frequented by thousands of people each week.
The lanes are split according to the speed at which you’re swimming, and the people I’ve shared lanes with all keep to themselves and don’t kick up a fuss when someone is swimming too quickly or too slowly.
The change rooms are air conditioned because they aren’t well ventilated for privacy reasons, but this makes them incredibly cold when you hop out of the pool. Luckily, their showers are always piping hot.
The pool is heated in winter, but there are still those odd summer days that are inexplicably freezing, and this turns the water ice cold. It takes about ten laps to warm up.

The Centenary Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill is an oasis when it comes to cooling off from the summer heat, plus it’s a great place to learn to swim for adults and children. I first went there when the high platform diving boards were open and it was serious fun, with more than an ounce of bravado required to jump from 10 metres. Sadly, those days are gone with the high dive closed, but the swimming pools are still the best in the business when it comes to making a splash! A 50 metre lap pool is just the ticket to getting in shape without crunching knees and cartilage on the pavement through punishing runs, and if you’re a parent with toddlers in tow you’ll love the toddlers and kids pool. There’s a heated outdoor pool which you’ll favour more in winter than the hotter months with clean and comfy showers and changing rooms. There’s also ample free parking and with just $ 4.60 for an adult entry and $ 3.30 for children, you’ll soon discover it’s one of the cheapest and happiest places to chill out when the temperature starts pushing 30c and beyond. And you can even bring those who would rather watch the frolicking adventures along with entry for spectators only $ 2. A pool deck café will keep you watered and fed if the need arises so make the most of this classic Spring Hill location to spend the lazy days of summer.