Prince Alfred Park Pool

Last full day in Sydney before I start the journey home tomorrow. I've been to Sydney a few times and done the usual sightseeing, although last night I walked down to the Opera House and bridge, which I don't think I've seen lit up at night before. Today I've planned a walk that takes in two parks, each with a pool, and passes through Chinatown and the university area. It's essentially a triangle with two 25 minute legs and a 40 minute walk back to the CBD. I haven't walked this way before; I usually put on the trainers and head toward the harbour, but today I'm hoping to see a bit more of older, not‑so‑touristy Sydney.

The two pools planned for today look quite similar, and I'm aiming to do an identical 1600 m set in each. I mistakenly think the parks (and pools) are called Victoria Park and Prince Albert Park — Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — but later realise it's Prince Alfred!

It's a nice morning. The sun is out and it's warm‑ish. Quick breakfast, then an early start as it's due to get windy with some rain later. First leg: from the Hilton down George Street to Prince Alfred Park.

The route from the CBD takes me under the main train lines through a long tunnel, about 15 m wide and more than 200 m long. A column of hundreds of people funnels through on their way into the city; I must pass more than a thousand all starting their Monday morning. I think there's a Courtney Barnett song in there somewhere, as only a dozen of us hug the left wall walking out of town toward the park.

I arrive at the park and head straight to the pool entrance. From the check‑in deck I can already tell this is going to be a great swim. I pay the very reasonable entrance fee and head to the changing rooms.

Judging by the number of shirts hanging in the changing room, this is a popular spot for pre‑work swims before heading into the city.

The pool is busy, several swimmers per lane. Quick stretch to loosen up sore shoulders and arms after yesterday's 6 km, then I jump in a fast lane and make a start. The water temp is perfect and crystal clear. I'm impressed that the pool is so clean and free of debris, given all the trees around.

The pool has a 'slim wall' boom that can be raised to make up to sixteen 25 m lanes. They're both down at the moment to give eight full 50 m lanes, but it occurs to me that when they're up, the lane lengths must be just short of 25 m — a bit short, much like my home pool at Wyndley Leisure Centre!

Definitely feeling too many metres over consecutive days in the arms and shoulders. My Garmin has given up telling me how many recovery hours I need before the next swim; at one point it was up to 58 hours. I keep it light and work through three 400s, then four 100s, for 1,600 m total. Same plan for the other park pool, 25 minutes' walk away.