Accessibility & Inclusion
Our centre is designed to suit all members of our diverse community.
City Access Card
Residents can apply for an access card that provides a reduced rate to our aquatic and fitness centres. It is also available to dependents 16 years and under who live with eligible low income earners.
To be eligible for an access card, you must be a resident of the City of Sydney.
You must also be one of the following:
- holder of a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, a Pensioner Concession Card or Seniors Health Card (not a Seniors Card)
- assessed as suffering financial hardship
- asylum seeker or refugee living in the City of Sydney.
Non-City local government area residents can apply for an access card to use our aquatic and fitness centres during off-peak times only. Off-peak times are:
- Weekdays: 8am – 3pm and 7pm – close
- Weekends: 1pm – close
To apply for a City Access Card, complete the application form (available to download in link below) and return it to any City of Sydney Customer Service Centre or One Stop Shop.
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre provides fitness and leisure opportunities for people with disabilities as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Entrance ramp
You can enter Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre pool level via ramp from Harris St. Ramp access is available between Harris St and the level 1 gym entrance. There is also a lift between Harris Street (lvl 2), gym entrance (lvl 1) and Pyrmont Street (Ground).
Access into the pools
The program pool and leisure pool have ramp access and a shallow decline.
If required, the lap pool is accessible by pool hoist.
Toilets
Accessible change rooms are available at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre on pool level and gym level. There is a changing room hoist located in the first aid room by the 50m pool.
Welcome here
This Centre is part of ACON’s Welcome Here Project. It is recognised as being welcoming, supportive and engaged with LGBTIQ communities.
We support anyone who requires additional assistance or modified aquatic programs. We want everyone to participate regardless of age, disability, chronic condition or cultural background.
Swim Champs
Swim Champs is a specialised swimming and water safety program for children under the age of 18 with a disability. The program aims to build confidence and competencies in a safe environment allowing students to reap the many benefits of swimming.
This program requires a referral from an allied health professional and is subject to availability. For more available times please the Swim School
Take Charge
Take Charge is a free 60-day program for people who have been referred to the program by a medical or allied health professional. This is an amazing program where participants have free access to the facilities, programs, services, and staff.
We are an approved NDIS provider.
Swimming Well
Swimming Well is a program that aims to make it easier for people experiencing mental health to improve their overall wellbeing through physical activity. It also aims to help people connect with others and the wider community
The program provides swimming instructions or water movement in a safe and comfortable environment focusing on the development of water safety and swimming skills.
Gold Strokes
Specialised stroke correction classes for over 55’s
Migrant swimming lessons
A swimming and water safety class designed to promote water safety skills for asylum seekers or refugees. It is designed for those with little or no swimming experience and open to adults and families. Participants are referred to this program by local asylum seeker and migrant community organisations and services.