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Our aquatic facilities

Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre is home to two heated swimming pools.

  • 50 metre Outdoor Pool – eight lanes, or up to 16 x 25 metre lanes if the Swim Wall is used, heated to 26 degrees Celsius.
  • 25 metre Indoor Pool – six lanes heated to 31 degrees Celsius.

Lap lane swimming availability

Swim at your speed in our heated indoor and outdoor pools. See swim lane availability for the coming week.

View swim lane availability

About lap lane swimming

Bookings are not required for lap swimming, and are inclusive in our Gold and Aquatic membership options.

The timetable represents current lane availabilities across our Outdoor 50m Pool and Indoor 25m Pool for the week ahead.

The outdoor 50m pool has a swim wall installed, which can separate the 50m pool into two 25m divided areas. Online lane availability displays as an amount of 25m lanes available. Please consult the water polo tab to discern when the deep end of the outdoor 50m pool is being utilised for water polo or is otherwise unavailable. These times where the deep end of the outdoor 50m pool is unavailable will be marked with an x.

Our Squad and Learn to Swim programs operate out of the outdoor 50m pool and indoor 25m pool. There may be less lane availability than normal across the following periods:

  • Weekdays: 5.30am – 9am and 3.30pm – 6.30pm
  • Weekends: 7.30am – 12pm

We encourage members to check the timetable for individual lane availability. Past times and dates will be represented as unavailable.

Pool facilities

Swim wall

The Swim Wall is a structure fixed to the bottom of the 50m pool, when moved into a vertical position fitting around the lane ropes, splits the pool in half.

When raised it allows the pool the option of being into any one of the following:

  • 16 x 25 metre lanes (both walls raised).
  • 4 x 50 metre lanes, 8 x 25 metre lanes (one wall lowered, one wall raised).
  • 8 x 50 metre lanes (both walls lowered).
Pool accessibility hoist

Our pool access hoist can safely support up to 200kg and complies with Disability Discrimination Act (Access to Premises – Buildings) under the Building Code of Australia. Both a wheelchair and floating sling options are available for use on the 25m Indoor Pool and 50m Outdoor Pool.

If you wish to use the Pool Accessibility Lift, please email your request to macsport@mq.edu.au with your preferred date, time and any special requirements.

If you wish to discuss your booking requirements, please call (02) 9850 7636.

Equipment and pool toys

No goggles, kickboards and noodles will be handed out for use due to hygiene concerns. Please bring or buy your own.

Ramp lane

The ramp lane in the 25 metre pool is not for recreational swimming and must remain clear at all times to allow swimmers to enter or exit the pool. Lifeguards will be monitoring this area to make sure the area stays clear.

Walk/run lane

To assist all members with their exercise needs, we have allocated a walk/run lane in the 25 metre pool from 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday. This will be located in lane five, next to the recreational swimming lane.

Pool rules and safety – a guide to swimming at MUSAC

Our pools are actively monitored and patrolled by Royal Life Saving Australia qualified lifeguards who enforce the Royal Life Saving Australia ‘Keep Watch Policy’ at all times.

Please assist us by following all directions from our Lifeguards. They are here to make sure all patrons have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Our pool rules and notices are listed below and detail safe swimming, healthy swimming, swimming attire and considerate swimming at MUSAC. Please ensure you read and understand all these rules before entering any pool at the Centre.

  • Adhere to the Royal Life Saving Australia 'Keep Watch Policy' at all times:
    • 0–5 year old and non-swimmers: a parent or guardian needs to be in the water at all times and within arms' reach of the child. It is best if you are engaging with your child. I.e. playing and talking to them.
    • All under 5's: will be issued with a wrist band upon entry, regardless of whether they are attending the centres for Swim School or casual swimming. Wrist bands highlight this age group to lifeguards as high risk and in need of close parental supervision.
    • 6–10 years: constant active supervision is required for children. Parents and guardians must be prepared to enter the water with this age group.
    • 11–14 years: it is recommended that parents regularly check on their child by physically going to where they are in or around the water.
    • Children 14 years and under are not allowed entry unless under active supervision by a parent or guardian.
  • Parents and guardians must always actively supervise their children and be dressed ready to enter a pool.

If you have any concerns or feedback, speak to a lifeguard or complete one of our digital feedback forms located around the Centre.

Do:

  • shower and wash thoroughly with soap before entering the pool
  • ensure that you have brought appropriate swimwear/attire, a towel, goggles and spare clothes
  • ensure infants who are not toilet trained wear tight fitting swim nappies
  • wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet or changing a nappy
  • change nappies in the change room areas only
  • ensure infants use the toilet before entering the pools and take them for regular toilet breaks.

Don't:

  • swim if you and/or your child currently have, or have had, diarrhoea in the last 14 days. You should not swim until 14 days after symptoms have stopped
  • don't change nappies by the pool or rinse your child in the pool. Use the change rooms provided
  • don't swallow pool water
  • don't enter the pool within 30 minutes of eating to avoid contamination incidents
  • don't urinate in the pool. This contaminates the pool water.

If you have any concerns or feedback, speak to a lifeguard or complete one of our digital feedback forms located around the Centre.

  • Please be aware that tight-fitting swim nappies are required to be worn by all children that are UNDER 3 years old. If they are three years old and fully toilet trained, then they are not required to wear Waterproof Aqua nappies.
  • No underwear, nappies, boxer shorts or cotton outerwear permitted in the water.
  • Huggies (or similar disposable) swim pants must have aqua pants over the top.
  • Board shorts must have a tight-fitted swimming brief underneath. No underwear.
  • All swimwear must be made of lycra/nylon and always worn in the water.
  • All swim attire to be tight fitting. Saggy, loose-fitting garments will not be permitted.
  • If you do not have the appropriate swim wear, you will be asked to leave the water, facility or swimming lesson.

If you have any concerns or feedback, speak to a lifeguard or complete one of our digital feedback forms located around the Centre.

Do:

  • consider trying one of our Learn to Swim classes before starting your swimming program if you are not a strong swimmer
  • select a lane based on your ability and the speed you intend to swim during your visit
  • swim on the left-hand side of the lane at all times
  • only move to the right side of your lane to overtake and finish overtaking before you reach the flags near each end of the pool
  • be aware of other swimmers around you and allow faster swimmers to pass.

Don't:

  • swim across lanes, hang onto or sit on the lane ropes
  • use lap lanes for any activities other than continuous lap swimming – our ‘recreational’ lanes can be used for other activities, such as water jogging
  • stand in the middle of the lane at the end of the pool – other swimmers need this room to turn, so please stay in the lane corners until you are ready to swim again
  • enter Swim School, Aqua Fitness or Squad Training lanes unless you are a part of the group undertaking those activities.

If you have any concerns or feedback, speak to a lifeguard or complete one of our digital feedback forms located around the Centre.