As a visitor to Sydney you can start the day with a few laps, like many locals or just come to the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre (YMCA) to relax.

Ian Thorpe also known as the
Thorpedo or Thorpey is one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes. He has won 5 Olympic gold medals, the most won by
any Australian.

In 2001 he became the first person to
win 6 gold medals in one world championship. In total Thorpe has won
11 World Championship golds, the second highest number of any swimmer.

The Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre is a tribute to Thorpe and was opened in 2007.
This Centre is the last public building built by the late Harry Seidler and features a wave shaped roof.

The Aquatic Centre houses an Olympic-size heated pool, a leisure
pool, spa, sauna, steam room, café
and fitness centre.

Following the City of Sydney’s environmental leadership guidelines
the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre includes
Green Initiatives such as hydraulically operable roof vents, which allow for
natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting and automated lighting to assist in reducing energy consumption.

The Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre is open all year round. Located in Ultimo it is a short walk from the CBD and even shorter Darling Harbour.