I am surprised how long it took me to get around to visiting Epping Aquatic Centre. Please don’t make the same mistake! Epping Pools is a lovely place for a splash with the family, particularly young ones, set amongst the bush. And it’s now become our regular swimming pool, visiting a lot over the last few summers!
Thankfully the pools weren’t demolished by Hornsby Council so we can all still enjoy a swim in the tranquil bush setting. They were re-opened in October 2016 by City of Parramatta Council, following the Council boundary changes. Now Epping Aquatic Centre is sadly Parramatta Council’s only swimming centre, with the transfer of Granville Pools to Cumberland Council and the demolishing of Parramatta Pools. Details on the new swimming centre to be built in Parramatta can be found here.
The new masterplan for Dence Park is now finalised. And hopefully we will soon hear when construction will start on the much needed upgrade.
The information below was written pre-covid. Epping Aquatic Centre reopened on 27th September with limited operations. Only the 50m is open currently and there are restrictions on how many people can be at the pool and in each lane.
Shaded Baby/ Toddler Pool
At the end of the centre, around to the right from the 50m pool, you will find a shaded baby/ toddler pool about 4m by 5m and a depth of about 15-20cm. It is a perfect size, as the little ones are able to sit in it with their heads well above the water and yet still have great fun splashing, while you can be within easy reach at all times. There are naturally shaded benches along the side and a grassed area at the back.
Kids Pool
Next to the baby pool is another pool for kids that is perfect for young kids who aren’t confident swimmers as well as families with little ones. Unlike the baby pool, adults can also sit or swim around in the water.
In the shallow end, it is about knee high for an adult and up to an adults thighs in the deep end. And about 5m by 20m.
This pool doesn’t have a shade cloth and is in the full sun in the morning. But by about 12:30pm in summer, there’s a good amount of natural shade from the surrounding trees.
50m and Program Pools
On the way back to the entrance is the covered and enclosed program pool, which is only open for swimming classes. At the entrance to the centre is the six lane 50m pool. Thankfully they’ve recently added a painted walkway connecting the kids pools to the main pool. So now you can walk between the pools without burning your feet (or slipping over). This is so much better than having to hose the path down!
All pools are heated, though to varying temperatures. The 50m is always warmer (around 28 degrees) than the kids pool and the toddler/ baby pool it generally the coldest unfortunately (around 25 degrees). This is one of many reasons for the much needed upgrade of Epping Aquatic Centre.
Other Facilities
Giant Inflatable
Regularly during the summer school holidays, the giant inflatable obstacle course is put out for kids and adults to enjoy. There’s no additional charge to use it.
Keep in mind that only people who demonstrate they can swim 25m, can have a turn of the giant inflatable. Just speak to the life guide and they will watch you and then give you a wrist band.
Change Rooms
There are warm showers and plenty of change rooms. They are a bit of a warren though that I found confusing at first. The change rooms are on the upper level and then showers and toilets are on the next level down (well at least for the ladies). For the ladies at least, you need to press a button to get warm water. And make sure you press the right one, as I accidentally turned off the warm water on someone else. 🙁
There’s also a disable/ family change room at the end of the 50m pool, near the program pool.
The BIG downside for families, with little ones and a pram, is the lack of a ramp down to the pool. The staff are though happy to help you take your pram down the stairs. And the pools are NOT accessible by wheel chair. A key reason behind the need to upgrade Epping Aquatic Centre.
Food
At the reception, you can purchase hot and cold drinks as well as a ice creams and snacks and there are some tables to sit at. They also have a kiosk set up at the northern end of the 50m pool. But sadly it hasn’t been open this summer as far as we know.
Fees and Entry
Access Cards
To enter any City of Parramatta swimming centre, you need an access card. They are issued free to all casual visitors, of high school age and above. To get an access card, you just need to complete a short registration form at our reception and have your photo taken.
Opening Hours
Epping Aquatic Centre used to be a seasonal facility, closing over the winter months. But now it is open all year round.
Due to covid restrictions, Epping Pool is opening for two sessions.
Monday to Friday
- Session 1: 6am to 1pm
- Session 2: 2pm to 7pm
Weekends and Public Holidays
- Session 1: 7am to 1pm
- Session 2: 2pm to 7pm
Fees (correct as at 6th October 2021)
Casual Visits
- Adult (18 years and over): $6.80
- Students and children over 5yrs: $5.05
- Children under 5yrs: FREE
- Concession / pensioners: $4.90
- Spectators: $3.60
- Family (2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult, 3 children): $21.50
- Family (2 adults + 5 or 6 children): $31.50
Passes
- Adult 20 Visit Pass $121.50
- Student 20 Visit Pass $91.20
- Child/Pensioner 20 Visit Pass $91.20
Finding Epping Aquatic Centre
The centre is located in Dence Park. It’s about a 1km walk east of Epping train station and just south of Epping Road.
There’s a lot of free on-site parking behind the community hall. Please be aware that it’s a steep walk down to the pools along a path (about 50m), though doable with a pram.
Places of Interest Nearby
- Terrys Creek Bushwalk (and waterfall)
- Epping Library
- Henry Brigg Playground
- Boronia Park
- Macquarie Shopping Centre
Looking for some other ways to cool down with the family? Check out our ultimate free water fun guide.
