The Sleeman Sports Complex is Brisbane’s big sports precinct at Chandler, about 25 minutes by car from the CBD. It is home to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, the Anna Meares Velodrome, the Chandler Theatre and the Chandler Arena, and it is open to the public for swimming every day.
The complex was built for the 1982 Commonwealth Games and has hosted major events since. For most families the reason to go is simple: a huge pool complex with a water park, or a big-name concert or sports event in the arena or theatre.
Brisbane Aquatic Centre
The Aquatic Centre has four pools: a 50 m indoor Olympic pool, an indoor dive pool with 10 m, 7.5 m, 5 m and 0.5 m platforms and boards, a 50 m outdoor pool with 13 lanes, and a heated 25 m indoor pool with a water park.
Pool entry is $7.30 for adults and $6.10 for concession holders. A 20-visit swim pass is $116.80 for adults and $97.60 for concession holders, valid for 12 months. Check the daily timetable on the Sleeman Sports Complex website for lane availability before you go.
The pool opens 5 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Check the website before you go, especially around public holidays.
Anna Meares Velodrome
The Anna Meares Velodrome is a 250 m indoor track, completed in 2016, that hosted the track cycling at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Pace at Sleeman gym is also on site, and it takes contactless payment only, so leave the cash at home.
The older outdoor Chandler Velodrome from 1982 still stands, and the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre is also on site. Public sessions change by season, so check what is on before you plan a visit around cycling.
Chandler Arena and Chandler Theatre
The Chandler Arena and the Chandler Theatre host concerts, shows and sporting events through the year. The theatre seats about 1,500. Check each event’s own listing for tickets and times.
On event days a parking fee may apply. For events across town, see Brisbane Entertainment Centre and The Gabba.
Parklands and the lake
Between the Aquatic Centre and the car parks there is a lake with a stretch of parkland. It is a handy spot to stretch your legs before a swim or a show.
Planning your visit
- What to bring: Towels, swimmers, homemade snacks and a refillable water bottle. There are no ATMs on site.
- Toilets and baby changing: Accessible toilets are throughout the complex, and the Aquatic Centre change rooms have baby change tables. There is no parents’ room.
- Accessibility: A Changing Places facility is inside the Aquatic Centre. Accessible seating at events can be reached without stairs, so contact the venue before arriving to plan your route.
- Staying over: Chandler Lodge and Cabins on site has 125 beds, with dormitory beds from $49.50 per person a night, private rooms from $192 a night and full cabins from $591 a night.
Getting there and parking
The complex is on the corner of Old Cleveland Road and Tilley Road, Chandler, about 25 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic. The main entrance is Tilley Road 1; there are other entrances on Tilley Road and Old Cleveland Road.
There are about 1,300 car parks across P1, P2 and P3, with accessible spaces in all three. Event days can bring a per-vehicle parking fee, so check the parking page before you leave.
By bus, there is a stop at the northern end of the complex on the Ring Road, outside P3. Route 222 runs from the CBD to Carindale and you change there for the 250 or 270, which stop outside the venue. A Park ‘n’ Ride in P3 links to Carindale Shopping Centre and the CBD. Check times on Translink.
Nearby
- Carindale – the nearest big shopping centre and the bus interchange.
- Coorparoo – cafes and shops along Old Cleveland Road.
- Woolloongabba – the stadium precinct on the other side of the river.
- More entertainment in South East Queensland
- All Brisbane day outs
You might also like
- Eagle Farm (Brisbane)
- Capalaba (Redlands)
- Brisbane Convention Centre (South Brisbane)
Quick answers
Where is the Sleeman Sports Complex?
It is on the corner of Old Cleveland Road and Tilley Road in Chandler, about 16 km by road from the Brisbane CBD.
Can the public use the pools at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre?
Yes. Adult entry is $7.30 and concession is $6.10. It opens at 5 am on weekdays and closes at 8 pm.
Is parking free at the Sleeman Sports Complex?
There are about 1,300 spaces onsite. A per-vehicle fee may apply on event days, so check the parking page before you go.
How do I get to the Sleeman Sports Complex by bus?
There is a bus stop on the Ring Road outside P3. The 222 runs between the CBD and Carindale, where you change to the 250 or 270.
Can I bring food into the complex?
Homemade food, sealed plastic water bottles and a thermos are allowed. Food and drink bought from commercial outlets, and alcohol, are not.
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