Sydney residents live within 20 minutes’ driving distance of a public aquatic centre, though access may differ depending on pool size, cost and transport links – some being open only seasonally.

At Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths, Sydney’s ocean pools are tidal pools – where Sydney’s wild child, the ocean itself, lets her spirit run free: no lanes are marked; swimmers know to expect crazy dumping waves at high tide and an unpredictable underwater experience: sea urchins shift slowly along rock edges while darting bream might break a stroke and an electric-blue markings-adorned turban snail flits past in search of food; those who stay longer join an ancient ritual that connects them to both sea and place alike: its salty pulse brings them closer to nature and each place where it exists in turn.

Opal Tower Pool serves as a cautionary tale about how even well-intentioned local councils can get bogged down in political folly when it comes to tidal pools. In this instance, Opal Tower pool was a pet project of its mayor who battled backbench members to deliver it on time and within budget.

Initial projections predicted the project’s completion date to be May of this year; however, delays – caused by factors like coronavirus pandemic, La Nina weather patterns and removal of hazardous materials – have pushed its completion date back to late 2024 or early 2025. Most recently in November it was revealed that budget overruns totalling $100 million had forced completion date delays into late 2024 or early 2025.

Now, the council must devise a way of recovering its millions spent on the pool beyond swimming carnivals and membership fees alone. Fashion week shows, production companies and private parties – far outside its typical scope – may all help cover costs associated with its upkeep.

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