Balmain Baths Designs

The tidal pool was originally named White Horse Baths, taking its name from the nearby point. The Council considered erecting swimming baths at Elkington Park in Balmain in 1877. The baths were built by James Reynolds and first opened in 1882. They were enclosed and initially roofed.This was renamed Elkington Park Baths after Mayor Alderman Elkington who originally worked to secure the land from the Cameron Estate. In 1968 the pool was again renamed as The Dawn Fraser Baths.

The Council undertook extensive renovations to the Dawn Fraser Baths to mitigate rising sea levels, winning the National Trust Heritage President's Prize for this work in 2022. They had been modified many times and their size increased, most notably in 1888, 1900, 1910, 1926, c.1984, 1993-95 and 2015.

The southern pavilion built in 1900 survives relatively intact. The pool's current format was established in 1926, when the entry building, western shed and northern pavilion were constructed, the latter having been sympathetically replaced in 1993-95.

In 1979-80 the outlines to restore the complex as 'Save the Pool' organisation hoped to convince the council of the pool's significance. The swimming club believed that the baths were not in an irreparable condition, and 'an inspection revealed the state of the 150 piles, 50 sound, 40 fair and 60 poor.'

Design overlays

This interactive shows the various versions of the pool in comparison to the site today

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Source 12

“...the construction of enclosed harbour pools for public recreation commenced in Woolloomooloo Bay in the 1820s. During the second half of the 19th century and the early years of this century [20th century], there were more than 20 public swimming baths constructed in Sydney Harbour and along the Parramatta River. … There are no intact early 20th century harbour side public baths in Australia, with the exception of the Dawn Fraser Pool. Those that remain in Sydney are generally much modified or have been replaced with concrete enclosures and brick amenities blocks.”


GBA Heritage. (2018)

Area from 1888 plan compared to 2024

This comparison shows a few key differences in the 136 year time gap. The foundation for the rowing club, the smaller original baths, the coastline before the land was reclaimed for the box factory and the row of terraces still not complete at the time.

1883 Original Design

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1902 Design

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Elkington Baths from White Horse Point 1870s

Waterfront area with rocky foreground, looking onto the Dawn Fraser pool in the 1870s.


White Horse Point & Drummoyne from Balmain

Looking at Balmain pool and White Horse Point with the street cottages in foreground.


Elkington Park Baths before the box factory

Pool looking towards the hill before the box factory buildings were there, showing the original sandstone cliff and 1800s cottages.


Early Elkington Park Baths Layout

Pool looking down from the hill, the early change rooms present.

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1924 Design

By this point in the next redevelopment there was the loss of the canvas sheeting that provided privacy screen to the change booths. As well the original amenities block, change booths of side boardwalks and central section of the south pavilion to make way for the new entry building.

Plan of 1924 pool

Obtained from the Maritime Services Board, detailing the map of the pool, with the diving and spring board's still present.

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Elkington Park Baths

Early pool, no trees or vegetation visable on the hill.

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Dawn Fraser Pool view from hill

From the top looking towards White Horse Point.


Dawn Fraser Baths Kid Section

Showing the kids section that was then removed to make for more swimming space.


Dawn Fraser Pool

With visable side windows no longer present and different seating.

1994 Refurbishment

In 1983 the complex was refurbished and at this time much of the fabric of the building was replaced, the lattice was rebuilt and reinstated and the exterior cladding around the edge of the baths above the water was changed from corrugated iron to timber. By the 90s as the next part of the Refurbishment was in discussion, this spurred the formation of Friends of the Baths and Heritage Listing. With fundraising events playing a key role in the changes being done as quotes were as high as $200,000 and the National Trust setting up public appeal.

1980s design proposal

Proposal in late 1980s, as sections of the southern portion of the eastern boardwalk was reduced in width, with the scum boards and areas of the substructure replaced due to deterioration.

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Friends of the Baths

List of names and organisations that contributed to the restoration of the baths. Mentioning it as the fourth and most extensive refurbishment of the baths since opening in 1883.

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Refurbishment Process

These are a collection of images of the construction process and the materials used. Replacing the old pylons, the 1924 decking and joists.


Pool and Refurbishment Photos

These are a collection of images of the construction process and the materials used. As well as some historical photos at the pool including the children's section, box factory and the 100 years celebration.

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2021 Restoration

An $8 million heritage restoration with a $2.2 million grant from the NSW Government and a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth Government to fund the heritage upgrade.

Initial investigations showed major issues, with structural engineers identifying that 70% of the timbers of the southern pavilion need to be replaced and that the eastern end of the Southern pavilion was worse than previously reported.

As well, hydraulic engineers reported that the southern pavilion, kiosk and amenity were all subject to king tide flooding which would worsen as sea levels rose. While Council progressed work as quickly as possible, the complicated heritage restoration threw up challenge after challenge.

In just one example, during demolition the southern pavilion and boardwalk were found to have no structural foundations. Builders had to construct new foundations on rock 8-10 metres below the surface, working with large drilling machinery in confined spaces and underwater. “This was a massive engineering feat,” Mayor Byrne said.

The works included: the dismantling of the main original pavilion structure in order to raise the building by 1.25 metres, with retention, alteration and repair of the Entry Building to the Southern Pavilion. Installation of new solar panels to the Northern Pavilion and four water polo lights.Installation of fire sprinkler system and emergency upgrades. Associated alterations to the perimeter paths, seawalls and eastern perimeter entry.

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Source 41

TKD Architects win President's Prize for their work on the Dawn Fraser Baths. “The President's Prize is awarded at the discretion of the National Trust President for a project that warrants particular attention and recognition. Lifting and strengthening the structure in response to rising sea levels, this year's winning project is described as a forward-thinking environmental response, and a project of its time and circumstance, extraordinary in both concept and execution.”


Issuu. (2022)

References