Welcome to the Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre Knowledge Base

This article provides quick answers to our most frequently asked questions across key areas like opening hours, memberships, pricing, facility access, and more. Whether you're a current member or a first-time visitor, you’ll find helpful information to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

If your question isn't answered here, please contact our customer service team via phone, email, or at reception – we’re here to help.

Centre Information

What time does the centre open?

Monday – Friday

• Health Club (Gym): 5:15am – 10:00pm
• Pools: 6:00am – 9:45pm
• Splash Park & LTS Pool: 8:00am – 9:45pm

Saturday

• Gym: 5:15am – 8:00pm
• Pools: 6:00am – 7:45pm
• Splash Park & LTS Pool: 8:00am – 7:45pm

Sunday

• Gym: 8:00am – 8:00pm
• Pools: 8:00am – 7:45pm
• Splash Park: 8:00am – 8:00pm

👉 Note: Access before 6:00am is via the side door.

Upcoming Public Holiday Hours:

• Saturday 25 April - Anzac Day - 1pm-8pm
• Monday 8 Jun - King's Birthday -  8am-8pm

What time is the centre staffed?
Staff are available until 10:00pm on weekdays and 8:00pm on weekends.

Is the gym open 24/7?
No. Gym hours are:

• Mon–Fri: 5:15am–10:00pm
• Sat: 5:15am–8:00pm
• Sun: 8:00am–8:00pm

Café

Do you have a café? What are its hours?
Yes!

• Mon–Fri: 7:00am–4:00pm
• Saturday: 7:00am–4:30pm
• Sunday/Public Holidays: 8:00am–4:00pm

📧 Contact: cafe@northcoteaquaticreccentre.com.au
Hours may vary slightly.

Facility Access & Etiquette

Indoor Splash Park – Trial of Reduced Operating Hours

• Start Date: Monday, August 25th
• Trial Hours: Closed 12:00pm–3:30pm, Mon–Fri
• Reason: Low midday usage; trial aims to assess demand and efficiency.

Is the Learn to Swim (LTS) pool open?

• Mon–Fri: 8:00am–9:45pm
• Sat–Suns: 8:00am–7:45pm

Are children allowed in the hydrotherapy pool?

• No, only 18+ allowed.
• ❗ Exception: Children with a medical certificate may enter under supervision.

Do you have a spa or sauna?
Yes – located in the Warm Water Pool area.

Are showers available?
Yes, in:

• Aquatics area
• Group fitness zone
• Upstairs gym

Do I need to book a lap lane?
No booking required.
👉 Check lane availability on our website under the Aquatics tab.

Trial Passes

Do you offer trial passes?
We don’t offer trial passes at Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre.
👉 However, casual visit options are available for all services except:

• Reformer Pilates
• Learn to Swim

For everything else – including gym, pool, group fitness, spa/sauna/steam – you’re welcome to attend casually without a membership.

Swim Bright & Learn to Swim Programs

Program Schedule

When are Swim Bright lessons held?

• Weekdays:
  • Infant & Preschool: 8:30am – 12:45pm
  • School-Aged & Adult: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
• Weekends:
  • Saturday: 8:00am – 2:15pm
  • Sunday: 8:30am – 12:45pm

No lessons on public holidays or during 4 scheduled breaks.

Swim Bright Levels

What levels are offered?

• Infants & Toddlers:
  • Level 1 – Murray (6–18 months)
  • Level 2 – Darling
  • Level 3 – Bells
• Preschool:
  • Level 4 – Torquay
  • Level 5 – Clovelly
• School-Aged:
  • Levels 6–11: Koojah → Tamarama → Merro-berah → Lorne → Bundye → Cable
• Teens & Adults:
  • Beginner, Intermediate, Pre-squad

Trial & Enrolment

Can I book a single trial class?
No – enrolment requires a minimum 28-day membership.
👉 Contact us for an in-person assessment.

How do I enrol my children?

• Complete: https://northcoteaquaticreccentre.com.au/swim-lessons/swim-level-questionnaire/
• Or call: 03 9088 4600

Lesson Availability

Are lessons running this Thursday/Sunday?
Yes – unless it’s a public holiday or scheduled break. Contact us for exact dates.

What are Torquay level classes?
Torquay is the first preschool level.

• Weekday mornings: 8:30am – 12:45pm
• Occasionally on evenings/weekends

Progress & Completion

How many lessons does it take to learn to swim?
Progress varies.
👉 We recommend continuing until Level 11 – Cable.

Swim Bright Babies

What age can babies start swimming?

• Swim Bright Babies: 9–18 months
• Murray Level: Starts at 6 months

Online Booking & Tech Support

I’m a member but it says I need to pay for classes?
Some classes require specific access:

• AquaFit: Aquatic Membership
• Reformer Pilates, SkillX: Specialised Classes Membership
• Active Adults: Active Adults Membership
• All others: Group Fitness Membership

Can casual users book virtual cycle classes?
No – virtual classes are for Group Fitness members only.

I cancelled a casual class – can I get a refund?
No refunds.
👉 We offer a class credit that can be used at a later date. 

Casual Entry & Prices

Casual Gym (18+ only)

• Adult: $23.00
• Concession: $18.50

Casual Pool Access

• Adult (16+): $8.30
• Concession: $6.60
• Child (5–15): $6.40
• Under 5: Free

Spa/Sauna/Steam

• Adult: $14.00
• Concession: $11.20

Group Fitness Class (General)

• Adult: $19.20
• Concession: $15.35

Active Adults Classes

• $9.50 per session

Reformer Pilates (Casual Access)
Not available casually due to demand. Members only.

Concession, Family & Seniors

What qualifies for concession?
Eligible cards:

• Health Care Card
• Pension Card
• Student Card
• Veterans Affairs Card
• Carers Card
  🚫 Seniors Cards alone not accepted.

Is there a seniors discount?
No specific discount, but Active Adult Membership includes full access.

Do you offer family passes?
Yes – for casual aquatic visits:

• Family (4 people): $23.50
• With concession: $18.80
  👉 No family memberships – all are individual.

Membership Management

Can I add or remove services?
Yes – visit reception or contact us.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my membership?
Yes – same process as above.

Gym & Fitness Programs

Can I do reformer Pilates without a membership?
No – Zone 4 access required.

Can I try the gym before joining?
No trial periods, but casual passes available:

• Adult: $23
• Concession: $18.50

Promotions

Is there a joining fee?
A $58 joining fee applies to all membership types. There is not a promotion on at the moment. 

Hydrotherapy Access

Can I use the hydrotherapy pool?
Yes – for ages 18+.

What does it cost?

• Adult: $8.30
• Concession: $6.60

Other Questions

Who is Anthony Lawrence?
CEO of Clublinks, which manages NARC.

Can I book a tennis court?
Nearby courts are unaffiliated.
👉 Visit: Northcote Tennis

Can I swim in the 50m pool at 6am?
Yes:

• Mon–Sat: Opens at 6:00am
• Sun/Public Holidays: Opens at 8:00am