The best Sydney outdoor pools to splash in this summer
Cool down this summer with a dip in one of Sydney’s best outdoor pools.
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As summer gets into full swing we start asking ourselves important questions such as swimming pool or beach? Super wavy or flat and calm? For those who can’t make up their minds, here is a list of Sydney’s best ocean baths and outdoor pools to cool off over New Years.
North Narrabeen Pool
One of the most beautiful rock pools in the Northern Beaches, swim in the salty waters gazing at the spectacular views of the coastline. With a wooden boardwalk creating a separate lap pool and a shallow area for kids, it’s the perfect pool for families and exercise nuts alike.
Collaroy Pool
This pristine Northern Beaches rock pool feels very private despite being close to Collaroy’s main hub. Situated at the southern end of the 3.5km beach, it’s tucked away enough to make you feel like it’s just you and the ocean, but with far less waves.
Dee Why Pool
This ocean pool is perfect for families. Split into two, one is a long lap pool overlooking the expansive Dee Why beach. The other is for the little ones to splash around in. Its shallow waters are toddler friendly. If you end up feeling like a little wave action, just dip next door for some of the best surf in Sydney.
North Cronulla Rock Pool
This one makes you feel as if you really are in the wild. With a big sandy bottom and waves that splash over the edge of the wall at high tide. The water can become boisterous during a storm so better to keep it for a clear day.
Clovelly Ocean Pool
Although Clovelly beach itself is essentially one big rock pool, protected from waves and rips, the area sports a 25 metre lap pool where you can gaze at passers-by doing the Bondi to Coogee cliff walk.
Mahon Rock Pool
Just tucked around the headland to the north of Maroubra beach, the views from this rock pool are spectacular. As the waves often lap into the pool churning the water, the effect is dramatic and wild. A sign as you enter warning of hazardous marine creatures is a good reminder to watch out for anemones on the pool floor.
Fairy Bower Ocean Pool
Situated between Manly beach and Shelly Beach, this might be the smallest of Sydney’s ocean pools, which makes it the perfect place to take the kids to cool off.
Freshwater Ocean Pool
This one is essentially a 50 metre lap pool, only situated under a cliff on the northern part of Freshwater beach. Ideal for getting on top of those New Year's fitness resolutions.
Queenscliff Rock Pool
While Fairy Bower is perfect for the kids, this Manly ocean pool is all about the lap swimmers. Situated on the northern side of Manly beach, the distance indicators on this 50 metre pool are for swimmers wanting to get serious.
Bilgola Rock Pool
A favourite among Bilgola locals, this 50 metre ocean pool plays host to kids swimming groups, serious swimmers and waders looking for a little light exercise.
Avalon Rock Pool
This beautiful pool sports sweeping views of Avalon beach and ocean as far as the eye can see. Relax as the surf hits the rocks and laps over the stone wall.
North Curl Curl Rock Pool
This is one of Sydney’s wildest ocean pools. Tucked into the cliff face on the north side of North Curl Curl beach, this pool is exposed to the elements meaning it can get quite boisterous in large swells. It may be the only pool to have a rock island jutting out of the middle of it.
Mona Vale Rock Pool
This serene ocean pool sits out on a rock platform beyond a sandy promontory that separates Mona Vale beach from the calmer Bongin Bongin Bay. With a lap pool and a small wading pool for children, this is a great one for families. If it is dramatic wave action you’re after, be sure to come at high tide.
Botany Aquatic Centre
Bring the whole family along to this venue that has three different heated outdoor pools suitable for adults, older children and tiny tots, in addition to a big lush green barbecue area.
Details: Corner of Myrtle St and Jasmine St, Botany | 02 9316 6218 | website for times and prices
Oak Park Rock Pool | Cronulla
This spacious, sandy tidal pool in Sydney’s south is another great family-friendly option with calm conditions and reduced wave activity thanks to the natural rock wall. Free parking is also available.
Details: Ewos Pde, Cronulla | 02 9710 0333 | website here
Bondi Icebergs
The iconic Bondi Icebergs is one not to miss. It is one of Sydney’s oldest institutions that offers breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Bondi Beach where you can enjoy drinks by the poolside.
Details: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach | 02 9139 3120 | website for times and prices
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
Head out west to where the action was during the Sydney 2000 Olympics for a fun, modern swimming facility for kids – and adults – to enjoy slides, playgrounds and lap lanes.
Details: Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park | 02 9714 7500 | website for times and prices
Whitlam Leisure Centre | Liverpool
Beat the heat – or the rain – with Liverpool’s leading leisure centre. There are indoor and outdoor heated pools, picnic areas, a spa and a sauna among many other facilities.
Details: 90 Memorial Ave, Liverpool | 02 9600 9333 | website for times and prices
Bulli Rockpool | Illawarra
Along with an elevated 50m Olympic size ocean pool for the adults, this rock pool is a great option for families with little ones in tow. There’s plenty of sand to stretch across, cafes nearby and a paddling pool for kids.
Details: Lot 68 Trinity Row, Bulli | website here
Mount Druitt Swimming Centre
This swimming centre is a family-friendly gem in Sydney’s west with three sizeable outdoor pools – a mix of sun-drenched and well-shaded – surrounded by sheltered grassed areas, picnic spots and playground facilities.
Details: 7 Mount St, Mount Druitt | 02 9625 6360 | website for times and prices
Maccallum Seawater Pool | Cremorne
Also dating back to the 1920s with incredible history is this gorgeous harbourside pool, which balances the art of donning a vintage look with contemporary charm.
Details: Milson Rd, Cremorne Point | website here
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