New Winchelsea Pool makes a splash with community

Published on 26 February 2026

Community members of all ages have flocked to Winchelsea’s new pool during its first full summer.

Vicswim and busy exercise classes, action-packed school carnivals, a spectacularly popular new splash park and a new temperature threshold for opening days rank among season highlights.

Season attendance since opening in late November has topped 7,000, with the highest single day attendance of 352 recorded on 29 December.

Surf Coast Shire Council fully funded $8.9 million redevelopment of the Barwon Terrace pool site, including a new 25m pool, leisure pool, pavilion, plant room, shelters and splash park.

Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps said the big debut season attendance fittingly endorsed a new era for the much-loved community asset.

“It has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the pool, whether to just cool off, swim some laps, participate in the programs or relax and have fun with the family,” Cr Phelps said.

“Thanks to Winchelsea community for supporting the opening season so strongly, and to Hesse Rural Health for having organised the water aerobics classes – they had to increase the frequency to meet demand.

“And the community called for a splash park during our consultation. Kids have certainly demonstrated how much they love that. What a hit it has proven to be!”

Water aerobics classes recorded 127 participants and swimming lessons recorded 1,495 participants.

The pool was also booked for private sessions by community group including guides and scouts.

The 2025-26 summer season opened in late November and will close on 9 March at the end of the Labour Day long weekend.

Council introduced a 21-degree temperature threshold for the pool’s opening hours in response to community feedback, allowing for staff hours to be reallocated for extended opening on hotter days, weekends and public holidays.

Attendance revenue is estimated to fund about half of the total operating costs of the pool.

Council is currently running a tender process to have the pool and Torquay’s new Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre managed by an experienced aquatics operator from the start of the 2026-27 season, with Council continuing to set program fees and charges.

Image: Hesse Rural Health