Centenary Pool
Spring Hill
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
Striking for its innovative pre space-age design by acclaimed city council architect James Birrell (circa 1959), the Centenary Pool complex was built to commemorate the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and until 1980 was Brisbane’s principal aquatic sports centre.
Centenary Pool will close from August 31, 2026 to make away for the new Aquatic Centre to be built for the 2032 Olympic Games. The National Aquatic Centre, which will featre new pools and workout centres, is slated to incorporate the heritage-listed components in the design,
It also holds historical significance as an example of a 1950s Olympic Pool and diving tower, with touches like underwater floodlights and observation windows for coaches that were way ahead of their time. Today the glass and steel suspended Jetson’s style restaurant is occupied by a gym but luckily not much else has changed.
This is a great place to practise diving aka the Melbourne Olympics of 1956, which inspired many in the early days to climb the tower.
In addition, there’s a wading pool for small children and a kiosk, while adjacent to the complex in Victoria Park are a shady child’s playground and sizable off-leash dog park.
More of the best things to do and see in Spring Hill HERE
