Victoria Park Pool

Leg two of my walk and swim this morning takes me 25 minutes west of Prince Alfred Park along the edge of the University of Sydney to Victoria Park.

I arrive at the pool, do a full loop around the grounds to find the entrance, pay the fee and head to the changing rooms. After the impressive facilities at Prince Alfred Park earlier, I am slightly surprised to find a small toilet and change area, until a guy opens a second door through to the full changing room. I am basically stripping down to the jammers in the vestibule.

I head out past the gym, rows of exercise bikes facing the glass and the pool deck. The pool pavilion curves in a semicircle along one side.

I know this is going to be a great swim the moment I step onto the deck to Michael Jackson's Thriller and spot an aqua aerobics instructor dressed as a pumpkin bounding along the side of the pool, leading a very energetic class. By the time Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters kicks in, I have decided this is the greatest swim ever.

The sun is out but the wind really picks up. I find a sunbed with shade for my swim kit and half sun to try to dry my towel.

There are a couple of swimmers in each lane. I pick one, jump in and get moving.

I already love the swim, and once I am in the perfect temp, crystal clear water, I am thinking how much I want this to be my local. A beautiful pool with a private country club feel, set in a spectacular park. I could spend the entire afternoon here.

I work through another 1600 m session to bring the day total up to 3.2 km.

Swim done just in time to witness a grown woman having a moment, complaining to the lifeguard that a guy very slowly swimming laps is upsetting her pool play time. I wonder if it sounds as ridiculous to her as it does to me, but she doubles down. The lifeguard awkwardly speaks to the chap causing this lady discomfort. Turns out he needs to be next to the pool wall.

Swim done, time to complete the triangle, but first a stop at the Gardeners Lodge, now a cafe. I plan just a coffee, but end up with a giant chocolate croissant.

Walking triangle complete, about 35 minutes back to Sydney CBD to check out of the hotel, then a quick stop at the Tommy Bahama store on the way to the airport. Definitely no more swimming today... ummm.