Dawn Fraser Baths(Elkington Park)

Located in the suburb of Balmain in Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Dawn Fraser Baths - also known as Elkington Park Baths, Balmain Baths, Corporation Baths, Dawn Fraser Swimming Pool, Dawn Fraser Pool, and Whitehorse Point Baths - is actually an enclosed saltwater tidal pool with very little beige sand.  It is recognized as one of the oldest salt baths in Sydney, dating back to the early 1880s.  The baths are positioned within Elkington Park along the shores of the Parramatta River, which together provide incredible views of the city skyline, Iron Cove, White Horse Point, and the Harbor Bridge.  It is important to note that it is managed and maintained by the Inner West Council, which ensures cleanliness and safety for all visitors.

Dawn Fraser Baths has many amenities, including lifeguards, restrooms, solar-heated hot water showers, changing rooms, a kiosk offering refreshments, a swimming club, a water polo club, a children's pool, wooden decks, and trash cans.

Dawn Fraser Baths offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and building castles. If you are planning to go into the water, there is a saltwater tidal pool enclosed by a wooden structure that offers both a 50-meter lap swimming area and a beach entrance to the water on its southern end.  The baths offer swimming programs and lessons for people of all ages and skill levels, including children's swimming classes and aqua aerobics.  It is important to note that rainfall may impact Dawn Fraser Baths water quality, and it may temporarily close following heavy rainfall until the water quality is as per standards.  It is therefore advised that, before planning a visit, you check the current Balmain Tides Harbourwatch daily report.  It hosts various public events throughout the year, including swim races, community picnics, international water polo games, and outdoor concerts for visitors of all ages.  Dawn Fraser Baths attracts a large influx of visitors, especially on weekends and public holidays during the summer months.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and it is open from sunrise until sunset. 

Dawn Fraser Baths offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Dawn Fraser Baths is easy - the beach has a few parking spots located near 12 Fitzroy Avenue, which provides easy access.

The baths are named after Dawn Fraser, an Australian swimming legend and three-time Olympic champion who grew up in the area.  Also, Dawn Fraser Baths is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, acknowledging their historical and cultural significance.

There are many attractions near Dawn Fraser Baths.  Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is spread over 30 hectares and is home to more than 30000 native plant species.  It is also home to many gardens, including the Palm Grove, the Rose Garden, the Orientation Center, the Herb Garden, and the rainforest gully.  In addition, it also features the Glasshouse, the Tropical Centre, and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, which offers iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.  Luna Park Sydney is a family-friendly amusement park that features many thrill rides, including the Wild Mouse spinning roller coaster, the Tumble Bug neo-futurist orbiter ride, the big dipper, the Ferris wheel, the carousel, tea cups, the express train, and many other fun rides.  In addition, it also has a gaming arcade and carnival-style games.    Taronga Zoo Sydney is located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.  It is home to over 5000 animals from 350 different species, including African lions, tigers, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, meerkats, koalas, gorillas, red kangaroos, tree kangaroos, Corroboree frogs, sun bears, zebras, lemurs, regent honeyeaters, seals, penguins, and sea lions.  In addition, the zoo also offers interactive animal feeding and petting sessions and hosts many interesting events.  Sydney Tower Eye is a 309-meter-tall observation tower that has an indoor and outdoor observation deck and offers panoramic views of Sydney and its suburbs.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a multi-level museum that has many galleries and displays a unique collection of over 4,000 works of Australian and international contemporary art.  In addition, it hosts interesting exhibits, talk shows, customized tours, and self-guided audio tours.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants within a two-minute drive of Dawn Fraser Baths.  Dolce Napoli Balmain serves amazing Italian food, including pizzas, pasta, ravioli, risotto, bruschetta, seafood, meat, pork, and poultry dishes.  Teriyaki Boy Balmain serves salads, sushi, tempura, sashimi, rolls, seafood, meat, pork, poultry dishes, and desserts.  Cinnamon Balmain: Bar & Restaurant serves salads, soups, curries, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  21 Thai Restaurant serves amazing soups, salads, fried rice, noodles, Thai curries, seafood, meat, lamb, and poultry dishes. If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, Fourth Fish Rozelle serves incredible salads, burgers, seafood, oysters, prawns, and mussels.

If you are looking for a hotel near Dawn Fraser Baths, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Meriton Suites North Sydney is 16 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, a sauna, and two restaurants.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Macleay Hotel, which has many amenities, including a rooftop pool, a terrace with harbor views, a fitness center, and an Asian fusion restaurant.  Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Vibe Hotel North Sydney, which has many amenities including an outdoor pool, a fitness room, a hot tub, and a food court.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star YHA Sydney Harbour - The Rocks, which offers several amenities including a rooftop deck with harbor views, a barbecue grill facility, a lounge, and a dining area.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 3-Star Nesuto Woolloomooloo Apartment Hotel offers a few amenities including an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna.