Wylie's Baths, Ocean swimming pool in Coogee, Australia
Wylie's Baths is an ocean swimming pool in Coogee built on timber decks and walkways that stretch over rocky outcrops along the Pacific shoreline. The pool relies on natural tidal movements to circulate and refresh the water throughout the day.
The facility was founded in 1907 by Henry Alexander Wylie, who obtained a special lease below the high-water mark to construct the seawall structure. Early swimming competitions took place here in the 1900s as the sport gained popularity.
The facility became one of Australia's first places where men and women could swim together, which challenged social conventions of the time. This made it an important gathering spot for the local community and reflected shifting attitudes toward leisure and public life.
The pool is accessible daily during daylight hours and is easily reached from the nearby beach promenade. It works well for a morning or afternoon visit, as tidal rhythms affect water conditions throughout the day.
The pool relies entirely on ocean tidal flows to bring in fresh saltwater and remove used water, a system that has worked since its opening. This means each visit offers slightly different water conditions depending on the tide and time of day.
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