Brisbane public swimming pools break records with $2 entry campaign
Brisbane City Council residents are diving into summer with a record-breaking uptake of the incredibly popular $2 Summer Dips program.
Pools across the suburbs have become go-to destinations to beat the heat, with more than 513,000 residents enjoying $2 entry across December and January alone, saving residents more than $2 million in fees.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says that Summer Dips is all about helping Brisbane families enjoy summer together and make the most of Brisbane's incredible lifestyle.
“Brisbane summers are made for swimming and this popular program makes it easier for families to stay active, stay cool and still stay on budget,” he says. “Whether it’s cooling off after school, splashing around with the kids or swimming a few laps after work, our local pools are the place to be each summer.
“That’s why we’re putting plans in place to continue improving them into the future.”
Introduced as part of the 2023/24 budget, the program reduces the cost of entry at 22 pools across the suburbs to just $2.
Now in its third year, the popular initiative has already saved Brisbane families around $7.5 million, with more than 1.9 million residents taking advantage of the program to date.
Each pool offers something unique for swimmers of all ages and abilities – from wading pools, splash buckets and water play equipment, through to traditional 25-metre and 50-metre indoor and outdoor pools.
So far this summer, Sandgate Pool has emerged as Brisbane’s most popular swimming spot, welcoming more than 65,000 visitors, followed closely by Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool with 64,000 visitors and Musgrave Park Swimming Centre with 42,000 visitors.
With Brisbane’s pools growing in popularity, the council is investing in the future of the community’s favourite swim spots. A new swim wall is set to be installed at the Newmarket pool, allowing the space to be converted into two 25-metre pools when required and improving flexibility for swimmers.
Works are scheduled to begin in May 2026.
Proposals to undertake a major expansion of the Chermside pool will soon begin to flow in, with those interested in the redevelopment of the pool invited to attend an industry briefing this month.
The $2 Summer Dips program will continue to run until the end of the month.
Top 5 most popular pools this summer:
1. Sandgate Aquatic Centre – 65,603
2. Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool – 64,879
3. Musgrave Park Swimming Centre - 42,953
4. Yeronga Park Memorial Swimming Pool – 37,991
5. Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool – 32,076
IMAGE: Adrian Schrinner at Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool with a youngster enjoying the facilities (Supplied, Brisbane City Council)
