Bulgo to Werri Beach: 10 of the Illawarra’s best rock and ocean pools
The Illawarra has the fortune of occupying one of the best stretches of coastline in Australia. On that coastline are dozens of rock and ocean pools. Here are 10 to take in this summer
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The Illawarra is blessed with countless spots to while away the stemming summer months.
Jamberoo Action Park is popular, as are the region‘s stunning beaches, however, there are a host of beachside ocean pools to explore for those looking to dodge the waves.
Check out these 10 rock and ocean pools to tick off your list this summer.
Beverley Whitfield Pool, Shellharbour
The Beverley Whitfield Pool, also known as the Shellharbour Ocean Pool, is an Olympic-sized pool at Shellharbour Village.
The pool was first opened in the last 19th century and was later renamed after Olympic breaststroke gold medalist, Beverley Whitfield, who was a part of the Shellharbour Swimming Club.
Most mornings the eight lanes are full of swimmers chattering away and getting in their daily laps.
The facility also features a shaded paddling pool and changing rooms.
Location: 1 Boollwarroo Pd, Shellharbour
Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama
As the name suggests, this semi-naturally sculpted pool is situated on the same point as the famous Kiama Blowhole which attracts 100s of thousands of visitors each year.
This pool isn‘t set up to do laps in, however, it is a great spot to cool off and enjoy being in the water.
The pool offers fantastic views of Bombo Beach on one side right through to the Kiama Lighthouse on the other.
Location: Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama
Bulgo Beach Ocean Pool
The Bulgo Beach Ocean Pool is located on the southern end of Bulgo Beach, about a 20 minute walk from the nearby township of Otford.
The most northerly pool on this list, the Bulgo Ocean Pool is situated alongside one of the few remaining shack communities in the Royal National Park.
While short laps are possible if you're the only one there, this pool is best for a relaxing stop during a day in nature.
Be mindful the nearest amenities are back up the trail at Otford.
Location: Bulgo North Branch Track (Walking) of Lady Wakehurst Dr, Otford
Bulli Rock Pool
The Bulli Rock Pool is perched at the north of Bulli Beach on Waniora Point.
The site features a 50m lap pool surrounded by stunning north-south views, with patrons able to see Woonona Rock Pool (a lovely pool in its own right) at the other end of Bulli Beach.
For those of the running persuasion, a stop at Bulli Rock Pool could be worked into a Saturday Parkrun with the Sandon Point run starting and finishing nearby.
There is a children's paddling pool on the cliffside of the main pool as well as the Bulli Beach Cafe.
Location: Farrell Rd, Bulli
Coalcliff Ocean Pools
The Coalcliff Ocean Pools are tucked in the northern reaches of the Illawarra, just beyond the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.
The pools have flanked the tiny town of Coalcliff and its beach for more than 70 years with visitors greeted by spectacular panoramic sea views.
The main pool is 27m and is accompanied by a paddling pool and a shower area.
Location: Paterson Rd, Coalcliff
Continental and Gentlemen’s Pools, Wollongong
These pools on the iconic Blue Mile are the jewels in the crown of Wollongong‘s Belmore Basin.
The Continental, parked alongside the Northbeach Pavilion, features a 50m, a 45m pool and a paddling pool.
The facility has toilets, changing rooms, showers and the modern luxuries of free wi-fi, though Wollongong Council stresses to “watch your child, not your phone”.
The Gentlemen’s Pool, which has gone by a plethora of names over the years, is located directly to the north of the Continental Pools.
The Gentlemen‘s Pool has been around since 1881 and offers a less crowded experience, though it is more exposed to the conditions.
Location: Cliff Rd, Wollongong
Nuns’ Baths, Wollongong
The Wollongong Nuns’ Pool, which has also gone by the name the Nuns’ Baths and Chain Baths, are a local secret just beyond Flagstaff Lighthouse.
The Nuns’ Pool is believed to be one of the first ocean pools in NSW having been established in the 1930s as a women‘s only haven.
Nowadays, when the conditions are calm, it's a perfect spot of cool off away from the crowds at the nearby Continental.
Location: Endeavour Dr, Wollongong
South Werri Ocean Pool, Gerringong
At the southern point of Gerringong‘s gorgeous Werri Beach, you will find the sanctuary that is Werri Beach Ocean Pool - also known as Ourie Pool.
The pool can be hazardous in rough conditions, however, most of the time is offers an idyllic location to enjoy the water away from the the South Coast's famous surf.
People could also take advantage of the pool after taking on the southern section of the Kiama Coastal Walk which traverses from Loves Bay through to Gerringong.
Location: Geering St, Gerringong
Towradgi Rock Pool
The Towradgi Rock Pool is a 50m pool located on the point in between the picturesque Towradgi and Corrimal beaches.
These two beaches are popular surfing spots so this pool can cop a bit of wave action, so be careful on windy days and especially at high tide.
There is also a toddlers’ pool as well as amenities nearby.
Location: 113 Towradgi Rd, Towradgi
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