Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

Posted 2013-05-03 by Justine Crowley ⇒ follow

In he kids swim area

This $40 million facility is still a kid friendly venue, and was named after a champion gold medal winning swimmer. Just enjoy a short 15-20 minute stroll from Central train station, and you will find yourself at the .

This is another busy pool, and after the experience, the family will enjoy spending time at nearby Darling Harbour as the centre is only another short stroll there. Or right next door is the Powerhouse Museum. Although this aquatic centre is dubbed as being a little more adult friendly than kid friendly, this centre is still great for families. The kids pool is rather spacious, and balcony views nearby to access Darling Harbour are enjoyed. Parents, great break out areas for you, and apparently from what I have been told, the cafe is quite good. Otherwise if your family does not agree with this food rating, then at least the prices are fairly cheap in comparison to other aquatic centre cafes. There were many youngsters enjoying the water early on a Sunday morning. Or alternatively, many families come here after spending a bit of time at Darling Harbour, in order to cool off on a hot day.

A more affordable swimming experience in ample aqua space

Although the facilities aren't as flash as other aquatic centres such as the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, there is ample aqua space, and the location makes the family fun experience even more convenient without having to leave the city to enjoy. Parents, a quality baby change room is also available. Quality change room facilities are here full stop. Even showers that include soap.

Some more kids learning to swim

The Ian Thorpe Aquatic centre tops the kid friendly stakes with their learn to swim program. Small group sizes are enjoyed, and ample pool space is enjoyed where 2-3 lanes are blocked off on the main pool for the little ones to learn how to swim, in addition to another dedicated swim area for this activity. You will know when a learn to swim program is on, in where you see signs with cute fish like symbols symbolising little fishes. A 'stroke' of confidence in itself. When we all swim in the water, regardless of which stroke we swim predominantly, aren't we all fishes?