Frolicking in Double Pay

Give me a beach that has its sea without waves. That has its sand and its grass and a no frills café. Secluded from the crowds but not public transport with views of the harbour am I asking too much?

No, not if you come to Redleaf Pool. My mate Laura has a gorgeous Art Deco home in Double Pay. Right near Andrew Peacock and Julie Bishop in fact.

But we weren’t there to see Andrew or Julie, we were there to spend the summer afternoon with Laura at a public pool, “that was just next door”.

And indeedy it was. Redleaf Pool can be found by walking down a driveway that is just off New South Head Road. As I travelled down the stairs behind Laura, I spotted the pool - a bay, sectioned of with ropes. People were sunning themselves along the sand and nearby grass, while swimmers dived off from two pontoons floating in the bay. A huge working ship slowly moved in the distance, as sailing boats peppered the glorious harbour. For a split second, I thought maybe, perhaps, Sydney is the best city in the world.

Of course there was a café, which seemed unpretentious. It was quite possibly the perfect place.

And it was a perfect afternoon. After a peaceful swim, Laura took us to the nearby yacht club, located just near Double Pay’s ferry jetty. She was a member and so we had exclusive access. We enjoyed Pimms as the sun still glared strongly over the bay. The club’s clientele chatted quietly, the older dames enjoying schooners of beer. The only thing that marred the dignity of the afternoon were the pokey machines behind the bar. Laura reckons they should bring in Russell Crowe to sort out that situation.

She’s probably right, but at that stage, I was simply happy to have discovered Redleaf Pool and enjoy a frolic in Double Pay.

Footnote. My friend Sallyanne has termed Double Bay as Double Pay.