CENTENARY POOL

complex

For over six decades, Centenary Pools has served Brisbane’s residents as a public swimming venue, a competitive aquatic facility, a gathering place, and a symbol of the city’s civic pride. Until the 1980s, it was Brisbane’s premier venue for competitive swimming. Generations of families have learned to swim, trained, and relaxed here, making it deeply embedded in the city’s collective memory.  
In the 1950s, swimming had become a cornerstone of Australian national identity. Australia’s dominance in swimming at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics (just three years before Centenary Pool opened) fuelled a cultural pride in the sport. Icons like Dawn Fraser and Murray Rose became household names, and swimming was embraced as a symbol of Australian excellence on the world stage. The Centenary Pool is an emblem of Brisbane’s love for swimming and its deep connection to the water. The complex has played a crucial role in shaping Brisbane's identity and culture since its completion in 1959.

Built to mark 100 years of Brisbane's local government, Centenary Pool was a reflection of the city's growing love for competitive swimming.