Residents cash in on free pool passes

THE free season passes introduced by the City of Ballarat for the Black Hill and Buninyong swimming pools have already been taken up by more than 1650 residents.

Ballarat mayor Tracey Hargraves has encouraged locals to make the most of the initiative while the summer season continues.

“We’ve already seen so many residents beat the heat at the Black Hill and Buninyong pools this summer,” Cr Hargraves said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to take the whole family out and enjoy a day of free fun at the pool. There is still plenty of time to sign up for your season pass.”

Free swimming at the two outdoor pools was introduced as part of the city’s cost-of-living measures in the 2025-26 budget.

All season passes remain valid until the end of the outdoor pool season on 1 March.

Residents can register for a pass online at ballarataquaticcentre.com/season_pass, with passes able to be collected from either the Black Hill or Buninyong pool prior to swimming.

Proof of ID and residency will be required, and registration forms are also available at the pools.

The swimming pools only open on days when the forecast temperature is 23C or above.

The Eureka Aquatic Centre opens Monday to Friday between 6am and 7pm on days where the forecast temperature is 30C or above.

It also opens Saturday between 6am and 6pm, and Sunday and public holidays between 8am and 6pm.

Meanwhile, the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) offers affordable swimming classes six days a week, welcoming participants of all ages. Lessons for the 2026 season were set to begin on Wednesday.

For more information, visit ballarataquaticcentre.com

The council has also reported strong patronage at its free splash parks at Brown Hill, Sebastopol and Midlands Reserve throughout summer.