The Des Renford Leisure Centre (DRLC) is an award winning facility located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs at Heffron Park in Maroubra and has been part of the Maroubra community since 1963. It is owned and operated by Randwick City Council and comprises of state of the art gym, aerobics and pool facilities.

For many locals, this place tells a personal story and it is where it all started. First swimming lessons, first squad, first job, or the place they still come to today. It’s not unusual to meet staff who once learned to swim here, now helping the next generation do the same.

Originally opened as the Heffron Park Swimming Centre, the site began as a place for locals to swim, learn and connect. It later became known as the Des Renford Aquatic Centre, recognising the legacy of Des Renford and his deep connection to the community.

In 2013, Randwick City Council redeveloped the centre into what it is today — a modern, multi-purpose leisure facility that extends well beyond the pool — to include a full gym, group fitness and a creche, making it a place that supports people at every stage of life.

Today, DRLC welcomes over 500,000 visits each year. But more than the number, it’s what those visits represent — families staying active together, kids building confidence in the water, older adults maintaining strength and independence and a community that continues to show up for its health and wellbeing.

Why the name matters

The centre is named after Des Renford MBE, one of Australia’s most respected marathon swimmers.

His 19 successful crossings of the English Channel — from 19 attempts — remain one of the most remarkable achievements in the sport. He was later inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, but his legacy goes far beyond that.

Des was a familiar face at the centre. He gave his time generously, supporting the Special Olympics and creating the Coffee Club — a simple idea that brought people of all abilities together to swim and connect.

That spirit still lives here today.

More than a facility

DRLC isn’t just a place to swim or train.

It’s where routines are built, confidence grows, and connections happen — across generations. From young families using the creche, to teens starting their fitness journey, to long-time members who have been coming here for decades, the centre reflects the people who use it.

What you see today — the pools, the gym, the programs — is important.
But what matters most is what happens inside them!

DRLC has a large range of water and dry land activities for you to experience:

• 50m outdoor Olympic pool
• 25m indoor competition pool
• 25m indoor Rogers Brothers Training Pool
• Enclosed outdoor dome pool
• Splash Park for families and kids
• Spacious, fully equipped gym
• Wide range of cardio equipment
• Extensive resistance and functional training area
• Dedicated group fitness and cycle studios
• 70+ group fitness classes each week
• Functional Training Zone
• School-aged fitness programs, including Teen Gym
• Stronger 4 Life program for over 50s
• On-site crèche
• Kiosk/café
• BBQ, lawn and shaded outdoor areas
• Free on-site parking
• Synthetic Soccer Field - Heffron Park

Take a Tour of DRLC

Des Renford Leisure Centre on the Big Screen

DRLC Hoyts Ad 2023

Des Renford Leisure Centre on the Big Screen

DRLC Hoyts Ad 2021