Get ready to dive into free swimming in Buninyong and Black Hill this summer.
As part of Council’s range of lowered cost-of-living measures implemented in the 2025/26 financial year, the City of Ballarat is offering free swimming at Black Hill and Buninyong pools for residents.
The offer is only available to people who live in the City of Ballarat municipality.
Previously, entry to the pools cost $7.40 per adult, $4.50 per child and $19.40 for a family pass.
Now, Ballarat and Buninyong locals can visit the pools as much as they like all summer without spending a dollar.
The Eureka Pool and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will still charge their usual rates for entry.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the free entry was a significant win for the people of Ballarat.
“The decision to make Buninyong and Black Hill pools free this summer was a key incentive when we created a budget that focused on the cost-of-living,” she said.
“For people who might not have ever visited these pools, or even for those who are regulars, this is a great way to beat the heat this summer without blowing the budget.”
The pools will open their gates for the first time on Saturday 29 November and will open every day when the temperature is forecast to be 24 degrees or higher.
Meanwhile, Eureka Pool has already opened for the summer, as has the Midlands Reserve and Sebastopol Splash Parks.
The Brown Hill Splash Park is in the final stages of construction and is expected to open in early December.
How to get free entry to Buninyong and Black Hill pools this summer
In order to be eligible to receive free entry into the pools, people will need to sign up for a free Season Pass.
People can sign up online via the BALC online portal to register for the Season Pass, before collecting them at either Buninyong or Black Hill pool before swimming.
Proof of ID and residency will be required, with registration forms also available at the pools.
Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre members do not need to sign up as they already have complimentary access to all City of Ballarat managed outdoor pools.
