A “largest of its kind” since 1935, Merewether Baths is a great swimming and photographic location just outside Newcastle. Numbered diving blocks installed on the both sides make this ocean pool unique comparing to a hundred of others along the coast.

Construction of this huge complex was started when coastline pollution problems put local weekly swimming competitions under the threat in late 1920’s – early 1930’s.

Merewether Baths swimming complex is 100 meters long, 90 meters wide and split into two areas by wide walkway – the main swimming area and a shallow shore portion – children’s pool.

The main pool is 100m by 50m and features 10 diving block on each side in the racing area of the pool. One of these blocks was washed by the storm to the Baths in 2001.

Baths are very well maintained – cleaned twice per week in summer and fortnightly in winter, Merewether Baths have a record of high water quality levels.

Baths are well lit in the dark, so busy people can enjoy it in the evening or early morning. When I came there for a sunrise shoot, there were people already … one hour before the sunrise.