Best Swimming Pools In The Whitsundays
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
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. Anchor Bar
Image 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!
3. Main Pool, 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.
4. Barefoot Bar and Pool, Daydream Island Resort
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.
5. Sails Pool, Hamilton Island
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!
