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Best Swimming Pools in the Whitsundays

Updated Thu 08 Dec 2022

Two women wearing sunglasses relaxing at Main Pool on Hamilton Island

You’ve touched down in Airlie Beach, where bustling bars are in full swing and golden tropical temperatures create the backdrop to post-card-perfect seaside holidays! In between the adventures to Whitehaven Beach, indulgent seafood feasts and morning strolls along the esplanade, a holiday in the Whitsundays isn’t complete until you’re lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand.

An island haven where reef adventure meets sun-soaked relaxation, there is a sparkling swimming pool overlooking the Coral Sea at every Whitsundays hotspot, from luxe Airlie Beach pool clubs, swim-up bars on Hamilton Island and family-friendly free swimming pools. Wherever you are in the Whitsundays, you’re sure to find a swimming pool with a view!

Take a break from the heat and make a splash, drift in the shallows with a drink and fill your camera roll with enough poolside selfies to fuel the FOMO back home. Let’s take a peek at the best swimming pools in the Whitsundays!


Swimming pools in Airlie Beach


For most visitors to the Whitsundays, you’ll be staying in Airlie Beach, the mainland hub brimming with your pick of restaurants, bars and Whitsunday Islands tours! Whether you’re searching for a lively pool club blasting DJ mixes or a centrally located pool and barbeque area to kick back in, Airlie Beach has a boat full of places to swim!

1.   Airlie Beach Lagoon

Aerial image of the Airlie Beach Lagoon

Free for all visitors, patrolled by lifeguards, Coral Sea views.

If you’re strolling along the palm-fringed Airlie Beach esplanade you’re sure to come across the Airlie Beach Lagoon, located in the centre of town. Completely free for all visitors, the lagoon is more than 4,000 square metres and is patrolled by lifeguards from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm daily. A spacious and safe place for families and groups of all sizes to spread out their rugs, cook an Aussie barbeque on the onsite facilities and cool off with a dive at any time of the day.

Overlooking a dazzling horizon dotted with catamarans and yachts of all sizes, the Lagoon is a favourite amongst travellers and locals alike!

2.   The Rocks, Coral Sea Resort

Cocktail at The Rocks Airlie Beach, Image Source: Whitsunday MenuImage Source: Whitsunday Menu

Luxe pool bar area, waterfront views, public access with entry fee.

Quickly becoming one of Airlie Beach’s hottest locations, The Rocks is perched on the absolute waterfront at the Coral Sea Resort Hotel. Boasting a poolside setup that only exists in your greatest dreams, The Rocks is the venue in town to say cheers with a cocktail, bring your crew for the afternoon and throw your hands in the air to live DJ beats. 

To experience The Rocks' coastal ambience, head to a Poolside Sunday Session from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, where a $25 entry fee (free entry for in-house guests) will have you enjoying drinks specials, cool DJ tunes and one of the most scenic pools in the Whitsundays!

3.   Anchor Bar

Two fruity cocktails at Anchor Bar, Image Source: Whitsunday MenuImage Source: Whitsunday Menu

Scenic pool area, alfresco dining and bar menu.

If a chilled-out bar scene with sensational scenic views is on your mind, Anchor Bar boasts a gleaming swimming pool with cosy sun lounges. Elevated above the bustling resort town, connect with friends new and old over a delicious drinks menu and food choices brimming with seafood platters and a selection of small plates. 

Open Thursday to Sunday, unroll your shoulders and kick back alfresco style around the pool with a nibble and icy drink - how the locals do it!


Swimming pools in the Whitsunday Islands

Cruising out from Airlie Beach you’ll find yourself surrounded by 74 tropical islands, each boasting a dreamy assortment of fringing coral reefs, white sandy beaches and luscious island walks. Whether you’ve booked a resort holiday or plan on freestyling around Hamilton Island for the day, get ready to wander from the sea to the pool!

4.   Main Pool, Hamilton Island 

Two women sitting on the edge of the Main Pool at Hamilton Island

Swim-up bar fun, open to the public daily, ideal for groups of all sizes.

The golden gem of swim-up bars in the Whitsundays, Main Pool at Hamilton Island is located on the doorstep of Catseye Beach and completely open to the general public. Hop on the Hamilton Island Ferry from Airlie Beach or slop on your sunscreen and walk over from your island accommodation, the fruity cocktails are shaking and the tunes are always vibing!

Why walk to the bar when you can swim instead? Let the kids splash around and bag a sun lounge, nothing says holidays like ordering your drink from a tropical swim-up bar.

5.   Barefoot Bar and Pool, Daydream Island Resort

Women lounging on the edge of the Daydream Island Resort main pool

Swim-up bar menu, seaside sun lounges, open to in-house guests only.

We just can’t get enough of a swim-up bar here in the Whitsundays! Barefoot Bar is nestled within the tranquil poolscapes of Daydream Island, a Whitsundays resort island straight out of a ‘daydream’. Open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, feel the Daydream bliss as you wade amongst the pool, treat yourself to an icecream and cruise back to your reefside sun lounge. A good read and sunblock are a must for a Daydream pool day!

Daydream Island Resort pool and bar facilities are currently open to all in-house guests, however, Daydream Island is currently not accepting day visitors.

6.   Sails Pool, Hamilton Island

Sails Pool Hamilton Island overlooking Catseye Beach

Picture-perfect location, open to the public daily.

It’s no secret there is a handful of public and private resort pools on Hamilton Island! Boasting bright turquoise depths framed by Catseye Beach horizons, Sails Pool is the place to get clicking and get your FOMO-inducing Instagram post! Swimming up to the edge, watch the bustle of aquatic activity on the water and catch a bite to eat at the adjacent Sails Restaurant during your day. Open to the public daily, you’ll be swimming and eating to your heart's content at Sails!


Reef adventures and poolside cocktails are calling your name in the Whitsundays!

Live chat with a team member or call us on +61 7 4914 2425 for a free personalised itinerary and the best local deals!

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