Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora nation

Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain, are the oldest surviving example of a fully enclosed, public tidal baths in Australia. Constructed in 1882 and successively rebuilt enlarged in the early twentieth century, the Baths derive historical and social significance from their continuous use for recreational bathing and aesthetic significance from their picturesque setting on Parramatta River.

Subject to persistent flooding due to tidal patterns of the river, the historic baths had deteriorated substantially. To address this issue and to accommodate predicted sea level rises, it was determined that the southern pavilion needed to be raised by one metre.

The timber-framed pavilion was carefully recorded and dismantled, and the sandstone boardwalk raised in height. The pavilion was reconstructed from salvaged historic timber and second-hand timber, with details corresponding to the original.

The reconstructed pavilion incorporates improved amenities including a new main entry, new change rooms and Olympic-standard water polo lighting.