Making a Splash: Ararat’s Outdoor Pools a Summer Hotspot

Ararat Rural City's outdoor pools are proving to be a popular attraction this summer, drawing crowds from all corners of the municipality.

With consecutive sunny days and warm temperatures, residents are taking advantage of these free local facilities, enjoying a cool escape from the heat.

Australia Day pool party celebrations were a big hit this year, with 320 attending at Ararat’s Olympic outdoor pool, 215 at Lake Bolac Peter O’Rorke Memorial Pool, and 50 at Willaura Outdoor Memorial Pool.  

The Ararat Olympic Outdoor Pool has so far welcomed over 11,000 attendees for the 24/25 summer season. The 50m main pool features a waterslide at the shallow end. A shaded area offers a toddler pool, mushroom spray, water cannons, tipping buckets, and ground sprays for younger children.

Both Willaura and Lake Bolac outdoor pools offer 25m pools. Willaura's outdoor pool has a partly shaded toddler pool and umbrellas, while Lake Bolac's Peter O'Rorke Memorial Pool provides a shaded toddler pool under sails and additional shaded seating areas.

All Ararat Rural City Council outdoor pools offer free entry for the 2024/2025 summer season. 

Season Passes for the pool can be purchased from reception at the Ararat Fitness Centre. 

For more information on the municipalities’ aquatic facilities, please phone the Ararat Fitness Centre on (03) 5352 1064, or visit https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/services/ararat-fitness-centre.

"Staying active and healthy is so important, and our outdoor pools offer a great opportunity to do so,” says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. 

“Swimming is a great form of exercise for all ages, and we want to make it as accessible as possible. We encourage residents to get out outdoors, make the most of summer, and take advantage of these free community facilities.”

Outdoor Pool opening times are as follows: 

Ararat Outdoor Pool

Weekdays - 6.00am-9.00am (laps) and 4.00pm-7.00pm

Weekends - 11.00am - 7.00pm

*Please note that the Ararat Outdoor Pool will be closed to the public on Saturday 8 February 2025 from 9am - 4pm.

Lake Bolac Outdoor Pool

Weekdays - 3.30pm - 7.00pm

Weekends - 1.00pm - 7.00pm

Willaura Outdoor Pool

Weekdays - 4.00pm-7.00pm

Weekends - 1.00pm - 7.00pm

**All outdoor pools will open if the weather is above 23 degrees.