Record Numbers Flock to Brisbane Pools as $2 Summer Dips Program Continues
Brisbane’s public swimming pools have seen record attendance this summer, with more than 513,000 residents taking advantage of the $2 Summer Dips program across December and January.
The initiative, introduced as part of the 2023/24 budget, offers $2 entry to 22 public pools across Brisbane. According to council figures, this has resulted in an estimated $2 million in savings for pool users during the two-month period.
The program, now in its third year, has reportedly saved Brisbane families around $7.5 million to date, with a total of 1.9 million residents participating since its inception.
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.
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 is scheduled to run until the end of February.
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
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