The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is the public swimming complex on Marine Parade in Southport, with two 50 m outdoor pools, a 25 m outdoor pool, a dive pool and an indoor learn to swim pool. It sits in the Broadwater Parklands and was the venue for the swimming and diving at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, but it is open to everyone for a casual swim.
Entry for a general swim is a few dollars, the outdoor pools are heated, and there is a kiosk on site. Here is what is in each pool, what it costs and what to know before you go.
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre opening hours and prices
The centre is open Monday to Friday 5 am to 8 pm, Saturday 6 am to 5 pm and Sunday 7 am to 4 pm. Hours can change on public holidays and for events, so check the centre’s website or call (07) 5582 8282 before you leave.
General admission prices:
- Adult: $7.60
- Child: $6.00
- Concession: $6.00
- Family (2 adults, 2 children): $22.00
- Parent or carer and child: $11.80
- Additional child: $3.20
- Non-swimming spectator: $3.90
- Companion Card holders: free
If you swim regularly, multi swim passes bring the price down. A 10 visit pass is $68.00 for an adult and $53.00 for a child or concession, and a 25 visit pass is $173.00 for an adult and $123.00 for a child or concession. A casual group fitness class is $22.00.
The pools
The two 50 m outdoor pools
There are two 50 m outdoor pools, which suit lap swimming and squad training. All the outdoor pools are heated to 28 degrees, and the temperature can be adjusted. Group fitness and aqua classes also run at the centre, and the timetable is on the website.
The 25 m outdoor pool
The 25 m outdoor pool is the third pool in the main outdoor area, and a shorter length is often easier going for less confident swimmers. The City lists ramped wheelchair access to the program pool.
Learn to swim pool
The learn to swim pool is indoors and heated. Lessons are run by Rackley Swimming, and lesson details are on the centre’s website.
The dive pool and dry dive room
The centre has a dive pool and an indoor dry dive facility, where divers train out of the water. The dive pool is built for diving, so it is not a general swimming pool.
Planning your visit
- Lap swimmers: two 50 m pools heated to 28 degrees, with squad swimming also running at the centre, so check the website if you need a quiet lane.
- Families with young children: the indoor learn to swim pool is heated, and lessons are on offer through Rackley Swimming.
- Spectators: non-swimmers pay a spectator entry of $3.90, which suits a parent watching a lesson.
- Regular visitors: the 10 and 25 visit passes are cheaper per swim than paying at the gate each time.
- Big events: the centre hosts elite sport and events, so call (07) 5582 8282 if you are unsure whether a pool is open that day.
Other facilities
- Fitness centre, group fitness and aqua classes
- Kiosk on site
- Toilets and lockers
- Free public WiFi
- Meeting rooms and function and event spaces
Accessibility
The City of Gold Coast lists wheelchair-accessible main entry and exit gates, accessible parking, and a pool hoist or chairlift to all pools, operated by trained staff. The program pool has ramped access, and the fitness centre and level one function rooms have lift access. Companion Card holders get free entry.
Getting there and parking
The centre is on Marine Parade in Southport, inside the Broadwater Parklands. By car it is about 1 hour from Brisbane CBD without traffic. The City lists accessible parking at the centre. Ask the centre about general parking and any cost before a busy day.
For the rest of the Southport waterfront, see Southport Broadwater Parklands.
Nearby
- Southport Broadwater Parklands – the parkland the centre sits in.
- Southport – the wider day-out guide to the suburb.
- The Spit, Gold Coast – a short trip north along the Broadwater.
- Main Beach – the ocean beach if you want surf instead of a pool.
- More swimming spots across South East Queensland.
You might also like
- Settlement Cove Lagoon (Redcliffe)
- Currumbin Rock Pools (Currumbin Valley)
- Orion Lagoon (Springfield Central)
Quick answers
What are the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre opening hours?
Monday to Friday 5 am to 8 pm, Saturday 6 am to 5 pm and Sunday 7 am to 4 pm. Check before you go on public holidays.
How much does it cost to swim at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre?
General admission is $7.60 for an adult, $6.00 for a child or concession, and $22.00 for a family of two adults and two children.
Are the pools heated?
Yes. All the outdoor pools are heated to 28 degrees, and the indoor learn to swim pool is heated too.
Does the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre offer swimming lessons?
Yes. Learn to swim is offered in the indoor pool, run by Rackley Swimming. See the centre’s website for lesson details.
Is there parking?
The City lists accessible parking at the centre. Ask the centre about general parking before you go.




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