NSW’s best rockpools and ocean baths: Where you should swim this summer
La Niña has delivered some pretty dire weather so far this summer but the sun is finally shining so we have pulled together a guide to the best watering holes in and around Sydney.
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It’s no secret NSW is spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor swimming spots, so much so that picking a place can feel overwhelming.
With around a hundred of them in NSW, ocean pools are a unique asset to our state’s coastline and most, if not all are historically significant in one way or another.
Thanks to a little facelift every so often they have stood the test of time retaining a special place in the hearts of Aussies.
If chlorine makes your eyes sting or you don’t enjoy going to the beach only to cop a brutal dumping by waves this guide to NSW’s oceans pool (plus some other outdoor swim spots) may be just what you’re looking for.
FAIRY BOWER POOL – MANLY, SYDNEY
The smallest of Sydney’s ocean pools, you can find this cozy jewel halfway between Shelly and Manly beach.
Triangular in shape, tranquil by nature Fairy Bower is a calm, clear oasis compared with the rough and tumble of Manly’s waves, and is home to an iconic bronze statue of water nymphs who watch over the pool’s swimmers and sunbakers.
Fairy Bower is a great pick if you just feel like cooling down without being pummelled by whitewash, ideal for toddlers, young families and/ or people who have just washed their hair.
One downside to note is that this spot is completely lacking in shade, so if you are particularly susceptible to heatstroke it might be best to avoid here on stinking hot days — take it from someone who’s been burnt before. Literally.
Where: Marine parade Manly 2095
OAK PARK TIDAL POOL – CRONULLA, SYDNEY
This tidal pool in Sydney’s south sits right on a stretch of the sand so you can just run right into the water instead of having to hobble across slippery rocks, not to mention it has free parking making it a very family-friendly pick.
Waves spill, rather than crash over the sea wall so you can enjoy bobbing up and down without copping a full-on thrashing.
Just next door to the pool is Oak Park, a spacious grassy area with two undercover BBQ facilities, picnic tables and plenty of shade. The adjoining art deco pavilion is also a pleasant place here to sit and enjoy each other’s company as you watch yachts sail past.
Where: 156 Ewos Parade, Cronulla NSW 2230.
JELLY BEAN POOLS – GLENBROOK AREA IN BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
For those hot days out west when you don’t feel like sitting in bumper to bumper traffic to get to the nearest beach, Jelly bean pools is a swimming spot as sweet as its name suggests.
Located in the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park, this family-friendly lake boasts calm waters surrounded by sandstone cliffs, a perfect place for lying on a lilo, birdwatching or just taking in all the tranquillity.
Getting to the pools requires about a 1km return hike from the entry of Blue Mountains National Park, or you can skip the walk and drive directly to the Jelly Bean car park but car spots may be limited.
Where: Glenbrook area in Blue Mountains National Park.
Park entry fees apply, swimming is not recommended here following heavy rainfall. Ensure to check current alerts before planning your visit.
WYLIE’S BATHS – COOGEE, SYDNEY
Located just a stone’s throw south of Coogee beach these heritage-listed tidal pools boast 180-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean so everywhere you look you’re faced with beautiful blue.
And as if that wasn’t enough of a drawcard to visit, Wylie’s also has on-site massage therapists, along with a comprehensive schedule of wellness workshops, including pilates and tai chi, so you can make the most of your time there.
Where: 4B Neptune St, Coogee, roughly a hundred or so metres south of Coogee beach, entry is $5.50.
BULLI ROCK POOL – BULLI, ILLAWARRA
Bulli Rock Pool is a full Olympic-size ocean pool in the Illawarra, dating back to the 1930s with an adjacent paddling pool for ankle biters and a cafe directly above.
The waves breaking on the wall makes for a surreal swimming experience, as only a slab of concrete separates it from waves, essentially making it an infinity pool right on the Pacific Ocean.
Any local will tell you part of the fun is waiting for the waves to crash into the pool, disrupting the illusion of serenity.
If you really want to drink in the ocean views, enjoy a latte from the cafe directly above, the best seats in the house will get you a view that rivals Bondi Icebergs.
Where: Lot 68 Trinity Row, Bulli NSW 2516
MEREWETHER OCEAN BATHS – NEWCASTLE
Behold the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere:
This swimming spot is a Newcastle institution with two Olympic sized pools – one deep, one shallow- overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Even better it’s 24 hours and free entry with a on-site kiosk offering up ice cream and ice coffees.
For keen Instagrammers and photographers, Merewether Ocean Baths offer ample opportunity to capture some stunning shots of the iconic diving blocks against the brilliant blue backdrop of the ocean.
Where: 3a Ocean St, Merewether NSW 2291
BOGEY HOLE – NEWCASTLE (Not to be confused with the Bogey Hole at Sydney’s Bronte Beach)
A real diamond in the rough, while being an ‘Instagrammers dream’, tread with caution when venturing to Bogey Hole, as it’s not recommended for young families due to the slippery rocks and unpredictable waves.
Locals will warn you it’s best to keep your phones and belongings stowed up high as even on days with the calmest of swells, a rogue wave can appear seemingly out of nowhere and saturate everything in its path.
Convicts were put to work in expanding this from a pre-existing rock pool into an ocean pool, so it has the unique appearance of being a one-half rectangular in-ground swimming pool and the other half natural rock formation.
Located in King Edward Park, Bogey Hole is listed on NSW State Heritage Register for its historical significance in likely being the first purpose-built ocean swimming pool.
It’s believed the name from the Dharawal word meaning ‘to bathe’.
Where: King Edward Park Newcastle, can be accessed on foot via Newcastle Main beach as well as through the national park which has steps that will take you down.
NEWPORT ROCKPOOL – NORTHERN BEACHES, SYDNEY
Possibly the most aesthetically pleasing pool on the list, Newport Rockpool is 50 metres in length with a simple and elegant design that makes it look as if an Olympic pool was transplanted right next to the ocean, surrounded by waves crashing on all sides.
Please note, its swim conditions are often at the mercy of the tides so pay close attention to what time you’re heading off.
Where: Southern end of Newport Beach, access by a walkway Calvert Parade and The Boulevard.
SIMMOS BEACH RESERVE – MACQUARIE FIELDS, SYDNEY
While, not an ocean pool, Simmos beach deserves a mention for being a delightful natural swimming spot with lots to offer.
Simmons Beach Reserve lies on the Georges River where it is nestled away in pristine bushland boasting lush greenery and picturesque view.
The white sand here makes this place seem like a secret beach hidden in the middle of a forest where the bush meets the sea.
As well as being a scenic place to cool off Simmo’s beach is also home to a rich array of flora and fauna if you are very lucky you might spot a koala, and if you’re very quiet you may see a platypus
It also has a kayak ramp, walking trails, picnic space and BBQ facilities.
Where: Fifth Ave, Macquarie Fields NSW 2564
THE ENTRANCE OCEAN POOLS, THE ENTRANCE - CENTRAL COAST
The Entrance Ocean Pools has the honour of being the only ocean pool on the Central Coast.
Located just a short walk from the centre of town, these heritage-listed ocean pools are made up of two small wading pools and a 50-metre lap pool with marked lanes.
There is also a kiosk with all necessary snacks available for post-swim munchies.
The complex is free entry, manned by lifeguards from 8:30 to 5pm daily and once a week the pools are drained and replenished with fresh saltwater from the adjacent beach.
Where: 88 Ocean Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261
DAWN FRASER BATHS – BALMAIN, SYDNEY
Because any list of swimming spots would be incomplete without it: Dawny’s as it’s fondly called by locals is a historic tidal saltwater pool in Sydney’s inner west.
Built in the early 1800s, Dawny’s is the oldest remaining harbour pool in the country and recently underwent an $8 million restoration.
Unique in its design, Dawny’s is enclosed with a timber framework making it like a mini-beach.
Taking a dip here does also feel like taking a trip back in time, it certainly is a national treasure but because of this reason, it does tend to get crowded.
Where: Elkington Park, Balmain NSW 2041 Australia
COALCLIFF ROCK POOLS – COALCLIFF, ILLAWARRA
This secluded and idyllic pool is tucked away down the southern end of Coalcliff beach.
When the sunlight hits the water, the ripples can put on a dazzling display sparkling more than a Camilla kaftan.
While the location offers dramatic views of both the ocean and the neighbouring Royal National Park, the biggest drawcard in paying a visit is the view of the winding Sea Cliff Bridge below, e.g. NSW’s Instagram equivalent to the Great Ocean Road. A photo opportunity that’s not to be missed.
The pools also have a toddlers area, outdoor showers and viewing platform.
Where: Southern tip of Coalcliff Beach, Paterson Rd, Coalcliff.
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