Watsons Bay Baths

The much loved but aged Watsons Bay Baths is planned to be upgraded to restore and revitalise the Harbourside pool. Following local community consultation and design development, a Development Application has been lodged and is on public exhibition with submissions closing Monday 18 August 2008.

The proposed design if approved will see the following improvements:

  • The central section of boardwalk removed to link the inner and outer pools.  This will increase views to the Harbour and city beyond.
  • The existing outer pool boardwalk to be demolished to be replaced by floating 3.2 metre wide pontoons to create a 50 metre lap pool.
  • The existing northern and southern narrow 1.2metre wide boardwalks to be demolished and replaced with 2 metre wide boardwalks.
  • 4 metre wide platforms at the end of the northern and southern boardwalk arms to be provided.
  • A lower level platform at the end of northern boardwalk to give access to the baths are proposed. 
  •  An additional gate on Marine Parade. The existing gate on the southern side to be relocated to provide easier access for wheelchairs.
  • The existing disabled ramp removed and a new, improved disabled access ramp constructed to provide water access during all tide phases.
  • Creation of a wheelchair parking area with transfer steps to allow upper body ambulant people to lower themselves into the water.
  • The shark netting and rusting steel bars to be replaced.
  • A shallow children’s wading pool will be provided close to the beach area
  • New outdoor showers.
  • Shade structures adjacent to the children's pool on the northern side and on the southern side boardwalk.
  • Additional seating

To view the photomontage: image 1, image 2

To view the Statement of Environmental Effects

To view the Heritage Impact Assessment

To view the detailed plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

If you would like to make a submission about this application, you will need to do so by Monday 18 August 2008. You can send your submission by:

If you do not receive a letter or email acknowledging receipt of your submission, please contact the assessment officer David Booth on 9391 7119.

^ Back to top