Indigo Shire Council is trialling new opening and closing dates for the 2025/26 swimming pool season, with pools now opening on Monday, 1 December 2025 and closing on Easter Monday, 6 April 2026.
This represents a shift from the traditional pool season, which typically runs from the Melbourne Cup long weekend in early November through to the Labour Day long weekend in early March.
The trial has been designed in response to community feedback and changing weather patterns. In recent years, the weather has remained warm and ideal for swimming well into March and early April, while November has seen cooler conditions and low visitation.
"We've heard from our pool users that they'd love to see the season extended later into the year," said Sally Rice, Council's Director Community and Economic Development. "With Easter falling in early April in 2026, this is the perfect opportunity to trial a later season end and make the most of the warmer weather when people want to swim."
What does this mean?
- The pool season will start approximately three weeks later than usual
- The season will end approximately three weeks later than usual
- The total length of the season remains unchanged – there are no budget implications
- No impact on season ticket holders as it's the same number of hours from the previous year.
- All five Indigo Shire pools will follow the new dates
As this is a trial, Council welcomes community feedback. "At the end of the season, Council will undertake community engagement to understand how the change has been received and whether it should continue in future years," Ms Rice said.
