Newcomers to Brisbane have three main options for a swim close to home: the free lagoon at South Bank, council pools and the bayside beaches and lagoons around Moreton Bay. Brisbane City Council alone runs 21 swimming pools across the city, and there are bayside spots to the east and north of the city.
Below is where to swim in Brisbane without a long drive, what each option costs and the safety rules for children. Our Brisbane City Council area guide covers the rest of the basics for newcomers.
Where to swim in Brisbane for free: the South Bank lagoon
Streets Beach at South Bank is free and right in the city. Brisbane City Council confirms it is free to swim at the Brisbane lagoon in South Bank, also known as Streets Beach. Aquativity and the Boat Pool next to it are free as well.
South Bank describes Streets Beach as an artificial swimming beach with white sand that looks over the river and the CBD. It has none of the waves or dangerous rips you’d find at a coastal beach, and South Bank says it is patrolled by professional lifeguards seven days a week.
A few things are worth checking before you go:
- Hours: South Bank itself is open every day from 5am to midnight, but swimming hours vary by season. The visitor centre on (07) 3867 2111 has current times.
- Closures: the swimming areas can close at any time without notice for safety, weather or water visibility.
- Dogs: pets on a leash are welcome in the parklands, but animals other than assistance dogs are not permitted in the pool system, the beach or the stream.
You don’t need a car. South Bank says the precinct has two train stations, a busway connection and its own CityCat terminal. Our guide to Brisbane public transport explains fares and how to plan the trip.
Council pools: where to swim in Brisbane for laps
For laps or a quieter swim, try a council pool. The pools are managed by individual operators, so the council suggests checking with your local pool for hours and services before you visit. One change in 2026: on 1 September, Centenary Pool transferred to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority for the National Aquatic Centre project.
Entry fees are set pool by pool. As one example, Manly Pool lists $7.25 for an adult and $5.40 for a child aged 2 to 14, and children under 2 enter free. Sandgate Aquatic Centre lists $7.20 for an adult. Council pools also honour the Queensland Government Companion Card, which gives free entry to anyone accompanying a person with disability who requires attendant care support.
Some council pools worth knowing about:
- Spring Hill Baths: the council says it was the first in-ground pool in Brisbane, built in 1886. It has a 23.43 metre enclosed, heated pool with classic changing rooms and grandstand seating.
- Sandgate Aquatic Centre: on the Moreton Bay foreshore, with a 50 metre outdoor pool and a 25 metre heated indoor pool, plus a toddler wading pool and water play area. Its leisure pool closes over winter.
- Manly Pool: a heated 25 metre outdoor pool with a splash pool, wading pool and a waterslide that is closed in winter.
- Long course laps: the council’s own pool guide names Newmarket, Musgrave and Langlands as having the newest 50 metre pools in its network.
Bayside spots to swim in Brisbane and nearby
On Brisbane’s bayside, Wynnum Aqua Park sits inside Wynnum Wading Pool Park on the Esplanade. The council says you can swim at Pandanus Beach or cool off in the tidal Wynnum Wading Pool there, and the aqua park is listed as open 24 hours.
The aqua park itself is water play for kids, with spouting whales and a tipping bucket. It is on the council’s list of free water parks, along with Ferny Grove Aqua Park and Rocks Riverside Park. The council warns that the water play area is not under cover, so bring sunscreen, hats and plenty of water.
Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe
North of the city, City of Moreton Bay runs Settlement Cove Lagoon on Redcliffe Parade. It is a free public facility and bookings cannot be made. The main lagoon is 95 metres long and up to 1.8 metres deep, with salt water treated with chlorine.
From 1 September to the first Monday in May, the council lists lifeguard hours of 5am to 9pm every day. On 31 October 2026 its page said the toddler pool was closed, and it warned that construction on Redcliffe Parade limits parking. Diving, jumping and alcohol are not allowed. Our Moreton Bay council area guide covers the region itself.
Suttons Beach, Redcliffe
Also on the Redcliffe Peninsula is Suttons Beach, part of the 2km long Suttons and Margate beach. Surf Life Saving Queensland says Moreton Island shelters it from most ocean swell, which makes it a relatively safe option for families. The beach is patrolled by the Redcliffe Peninsula surf club, so check patrol times before you go.
If you’d like a bay beach with a ferry ride attached, our Coochiemudlo Island day trip guide covers the beaches there.
Staying safe when you swim in Brisbane
Watch your own kids, even with lifeguards on duty. Brisbane City Council says lifeguard supervision does not replace a parent’s responsibility. Settlement Cove’s page puts it more bluntly: lifeguards are not babysitters.
These are the council’s rules for children at its pools:
- 5 and under: children must be within arm's reach of a person 18 or over who is prepared to swim.
- 14 and under: children are not permitted entry unless under the active supervision of a person 18 or older.
- Groups: the council sets a ratio of one adult to four children aged 10 and under, or one adult to two children aged 5 and under.
The council also asks swimmers to follow pool signs, stay alert and learn how to perform CPR. It endorses Royal Life Saving Australia’s Keep Watch at Public Pools program. Whatever the venue, read the signs on the day and stay out of any area that is closed.
Questions about where to swim in Brisbane
Is Streets Beach free?
Yes. Brisbane City Council and South Bank both say Streets Beach, the Boat Pool and Aquativity are free to use during operating hours. Parking at the South Bank car park is not free.
Can you swim at a council pool in winter?
Yes, at some of them. Spring Hill Baths has an enclosed heated pool, and Sandgate has a heated indoor pool. Some outdoor features close for winter, such as the waterslide at Manly Pool, so check the pool’s page first.
Do I need to book Settlement Cove Lagoon?
No. City of Moreton Bay says bookings cannot be made. Large groups do need to notify the council at least two weeks before they visit.
Sources for where to swim in Brisbane
- Brisbane City Council: Find pools and water parks, Make a splash with the ultimate guide to Brisbane public pools, Manly Pool, Sandgate Aquatic Centre, Spring Hill Baths and Wynnum Aqua Park.
- South Bank: Streets Beach and Frequently asked questions.
- City of Moreton Bay: Settlement Cove Lagoon.
- Surf Life Saving Queensland: Suttons Beach.
Facts on this page were checked on 31 October 2026.
