Ballarat locals make the most of free pool entry this summer

More than 1,650 Ballarat locals have registered for a free Season Pass for the Black Hill and Buninyong Outdoor Pools this summer. 

Free swimming at Black Hill and Buninyong pools was implemented for Ballarat residents as part of Council’s range of lowered cost-of-living measures implemented in the 2025/26 financial year budget. 

With summer in full swing, City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves encourages residents to take advantage of the school holiday extended pool opening hours and free Season Pass.

“We’ve already seen so many residents beat the heat at the Black Hill and Buninyong Pools this summer,” she 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”.

Both the Black Hill and Buninyong Outdoor Pools are operating on extended school holiday opening hours. 

• Monday to Friday, 1pm to 7pm
• Public holidays and weekends, 1pm to 6pm
• Note, pools open on days when the temperature is 23 degrees or above.

The Eureka Aquatic Centre, which includes a range of facilities such as the heated outdoor 50m pool, learn to swim pool, shaded toddlers pool, outdoor water play park, playground, kiosk and BBQ facilities is also operating on extended school holiday hours.

• Monday to Friday, 6am to 7pm on days where the forecast temperature is 30 degrees or above
• Saturday, 6am to 6pm
• Sunday and Public holidays, 8am to 6pm

All Season Passes are valid until the end of the Outdoor Pool season on Sunday 1 March 2026. 

The free Brown Hill, Sebastopol and Midlands Reserve Splash Parks have also proven popular with residents as a fun and safe way for children to cool off this summer.

How to sign up for a free Season Pass at the Black Hill and Buninyong Outdoor Pools

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.

2026 Swimming Lesson Enrolments 

The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) will be accepting new enrolments for the highly anticipated 2026 Swimming Lesson program.

New enrolments for Term 1 2026 will open from 9am next Wednesday 14 January, with classes commencing Wednesday 28 January 2026.

BALC offers affordable swimming classes six days a week, welcoming participants of all ages. Bookings can be made via the BALC online portal or by phone.