Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre

Petersham Park


Refurbishments at the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre

Marrickville Council will begin refurbishments at the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre (FDAC) from July 2012. The refurbishment includes an upgrade of the pools, infrastructure, landscaping and construction of a new entry, kiosk and toilets. The main pool will also be built to a new length of 25 metres, bringing it in line with FINA (international governing body for swimming) standards.

However, the recent discovery of contaminated soil on site has meant that additional remediation works are required. Whilst the contamination poses no public health risk, the remediation process will impact on the original construction schedule, with Council recommending the closure of FDAC until the start of the 2013/2014 summer swimming season. It is estimated that the newly refurbished Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre will be completed by August 2013.

Marrickville Council will continue to provide regular updates on the progress of works throughout the construction phase.


Fanny Durack Pool, Petersham

The Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre is located in the leafy surrounds of Petersham Park. The facility includes a 33 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with kiosk and extensive outdoor recreation areas. The centre also operates extensive learn to swim, aqua-aerobics and other water activities.

The Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre is managed and operated for Council by Belgravia Leisure Pty Ltd.

Location and contact details

Station Street, Petersham 2049

The pool is open from October to March each year.

Fees and charges

Correct as of 1 July 2012:

Entry type Cost
Adult $4.30
Children under 4 years Free
Children and students (secondary or tertiary) $2.20
Concession (pensioner and health card holder) $2.20
Seniors card holder $3.20
Family: 2 Adults & 2 Children or 1 Adult & 3 Children  $13.20
Each additional child with family $2.10
Non-swimming spectator     $2.80
School group per student $2.80
Family 6 month pass $378.40
 + additional child $58.60
Adult 6 month pass $265.30
Adult 20 visit pass $81.30
Concession 20 visit pass $40.70

Lap swimming

Lap swimming is a great way to get fit. Due to lane space commitments for other programs such as Swim school, aqua aerobics and school bookings, there are times to avoid and times where there are more lanes available for lap swimming.

Generally, the best times for lap swimming are:

  • Monday to Friday: 6.30am - 3.30pm
  • Saturday: 6.30am - 6.45pm
  • Sunday: All day

These times are a guide only and may change throughout the year. Usually school terms 1 & 4, are busier during the day.

Aqua aerobics

Aqua aerobics is a great way to get fit without having the impact on your joints form pounding the pavement, and you don't have to wait in line for machines either. Aqua (as it's called for short) gives you an all over body workout in a fun and social setting.

There is no need to book for the classes, just turn up. Classes last around 60 minutes and all you need is your swimmers, towel and a water bottle. If you do have any pre existing conditions, let the instructor know so that modifications to the exercises can be done if need be.

Cost is $12.80 per class or $112.00 for a 10 visit pass. The concession price is $6.40 per class.

For information on class times and days please visit the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre website.

Sarah "Fanny" Durack

Fanny Durack was an Olympic swimming legend and a champion of women's rights. She was the first woman swimmer to win gold at an Olympic Games, and at her peak held every world freestyle record.

Visit this page to learn more about Fanny Durack, after whom this aquatic centre was officially named in 1999.