Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Northcote (VIC)

1 /5 Matthew G.: Really disappointed with how this new facility is being managed. The Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre might look great from the outside, but the ongoing maintenance issues tell a different story. The touchscreen shower system is constantly broken, the pool water is often not at the right temperature, and the main entrances — especially the ones used by parents with prams — are frequently out of order and left that way for weeks. The biggest concern, though, is hygiene. There’s a carpet area between the indoor and outdoor pools that’s completely covered in mould. I’ve taken photos at different times, and it’s clearly not being cleaned or properly maintained. That’s really not acceptable in a community pool where kids and families are walking through all the time. Management has been made aware of these issues several times, but nothing ever seems to change. The entrances stay broken, the showers don’t work, and the change rooms and toilets are often dirty. It’s a real shame, because this could be a fantastic facility if it was properly looked after. Right now, though, it feels neglected and unhygienic — not what you’d expect from a newly built centre.

4 /5 Xavier Andrews: The renovation and the rebuild of this pool and gym was very successful, definitely an improvement to the previous gym and pool when it use to be owned by YMCA. Both the exterior and interior look very modern and very good compared to the previous. Inside the interior of the pool features a water park designed for kids with a water slide, a nice and warm sauna designed for adults, two pools with different lanes (one approximately 5ft, the other approximately 2ft). The outdoor pool contains one single 5ft pool with lanes and an outdoor water play designed for kids (similar to the ones seen around sand at playgrounds). The gym features exercise equipment like rower machine, treadmill, weights, exercise bikes etc. I have been there to this pool many times over 15 years when it use to be YMCA and the old building, been to the new NARC since the launch opening in November 2023. The only reason why Ive taken off one star is because there is not enough car spaces and can be frustrating to find one as the parking spaces are most of the time full, but the actual aquatic centre itself is 5 stars. Would highly recommend going there for swimming and exercising.

4 /5 Claudia Jane: I do really enjoy this place, I think the toilets snd showers and facilities are really great However just as some constructive criticism, I think there’s way too many people with gym memberships that don’t match up with the gym facilities - there’s honestly not enough machines and space for how many people go here. Every time I come to the gym no matter what day or time, it is overwhelmingly busy and I’m waiting to use machines for ages, it ends up being quite a frustrating session for me as everyone’s sitting on their phones not doing anything. I think they need to open another gym space in the building or extend the amount of machines and room available for people to work out because it’s just absurd how busy it constantly is. I think the pricing here is awesome though and it’s an overall great place with someone for everyone

5 /5 Carl Halpin: A great facility, rebuilt recently and has all you need. 2 main pools, learn to swim pool and a warm water rehab pool in the aquatic centre part. Generally pretty busy at peak times but can still get equipment in the gym or not overly busy lanes in the pool. The spa and sauna are very popular. A great local amenity in the inner north.