As the final preparations get underway for the upcoming summer season, new opening hours have been confirmed for the Irymple, Merbein and Red Cliffs swimming pools when the gates open on 1 November 2026.
Proudly owned by Mildura Rural City Council and managed by Aligned Leisure, the region’s outdoor pools play an important role in bringing communities together once the warm weather hits, with months of work and planning going into their opening.
As part of this year’s preparations, Council undertook a comprehensive review of pool operating hours across the municipality. Historical attendance data was analysed to identify trends and when community members use each facility, helping to ensure opening times align more closely with demand.
Council’s Acting General Manager Healthy Communities Thomas Stevenson said the review was designed to ensure that resources could be directed towards the times that matter most to the community, recognising that each town has its own usage pattern and needs, and supporting a more efficient and sustainable operation.
“Our local swimming pools are an important part of summer in our communities, and we want to ensure people can continue enjoying them for many years to come,” Mr Stevenson said.
“By looking at years of historical usage data, we can better understand when our pools are busiest and when demand is lower. This gives us a stronger foundation for setting opening hours that reflect how people actually use these facilities.
“It’s about making informed decisions that support efficient operations while continuing to provide valuable opportunities for our communities to swim, cool off and spend time together.”
Mr Stevenson said aligning opening hours with community demand was an important step in supporting the long-term sustainability of the region’s outdoor pools.
The new general public opening times for each location are:
November
Mon – Fri 3.00pm – 6.30pm
Sat – Sun 12.30pm – 8.00pm
December
Mon- Fri 1.00pm – 8.30pm
Sat – Sun 10.30am – 8.00pm
Victorian School holidays
Mon – Sun 10.30am – 8.30pm
January
Mon – Fri 1.00pm – 8.30pm
Sat – Sun 10.30am – 8.00pm
February
Mon – Fri 1.00pm – 8.30pm
Sat – Sun 10.30am – 8.00pm
March
Mon – Fri 3.00pm – 6.30pm
Sat – Sun 12.30pm – 8.00pm
The updated hours will take effect for the upcoming summer season, with specific opening times for Irymple, Merbein and Red Cliffs also available via the Mildura Aquatic Facilities website or by following the individual pool Facebook pages.
Outside of these hours, bookings will still be available for school and community groups in line with historical usage to ensure that valuable learn to swim programming continues at all locations.
Community members are encouraged to follow their local pool’s Facebook page for the latest information on special event days, changes to opening times and other important updates.
• Mildura Aquatic Facilitates Website – https://milduraaquaticfacilities.com.au/opening-hours/
• Irymple Pool Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/irymplepool/
• Merbein Pool Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/merbeinpool/
• Red Cliffs Pool Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/redcliffspool/