Australia's East Coast is well known for its stunning coastline, featuring pristine waters and golden sands. But quite uniquely, it also boasts an incredible scattering of ocean pools — more than anywhere else in the world.
Inspired by the book, 'Places We Swim', our friend Justine recently chose to swim in 45 ocean pools stretching from Palm Beach in the north to Gymea Bay Baths in NSW. Motivated by her amazing swims (and slight envy of her weekly Instagram posts), we've curated a list of our favourite pools along the NSW Coast.
1. Wylie's Baths, Coogee
Nestled beneath the cliffs south of Coogee Beach, Wylie's Bath is a glorious tidal pool -great for morning laps or a lazy Sunday basking in the sun. What makes it especially unique is that it has natural rock bottom, so you'll often spot seaweed, fish and sometimes even an octopus, brought in by the tide. There's also a great cafe serving coffee and wholesome meals, so you can easily spend a whole day here. Entry is $6, but it's well worth it.
Image source: Places We Swim
2. North Curl Curl Rockpool
A more secluded pool at the end of North Curl Curl Beach, Justine describes it as 'the most zen of them all'. It can only be accessed via the beach at low tide which means it is often fairly empty. White sandstone cliffs provide shelter and its corner position means it's protected in most conditions, making it an ideal spot when other beaches are rough. It has a humble charm and peace about it that makes it a place you want to keep coming back to.
Image source: Location Scout
3. North Narrabeen Rockpool, Narrabeen
A slice of paradise, with panoramic ocean views and a boardwalk stretching out to the sea. There is a large 50m lap pool alongside a shallow section, so it's a great one to take kids. Located north of the surfing hotspot Narrabeen Beach, there is easy street parking, and changing rooms and showers are available.
Image source: Tim Wrate Photography
4. Bilgola Rockpool, Bilgola
Tucked between towering headlands, Bilgola Rockpool is a quiet spot that offers a great escape from reality. With its deep blue hues and secluded feel, it provides the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some lazy morning laps. There is also a weekly swimming club held on Saturday mornings between October and April, open to all ages and abilities.
Image source: Location Scout
5. Mahon Pool, Maroubra
This sublime pool is naturally formed into the cliffs. It is especially tranquil at sunrise and just long enough for a lap swim. The high tides flush the water out, which makes for particularly good water quality. There are rocks around the edge to lounge on and great cafes just a short walk down the road.
Image source: JumpOn
6. Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach
We may be biased, but we had to include Bondi Icebergs - it's one of the most photographed pools in the world for a reason. There's something captivating about the turquoise-blue water against the white sandstone. Loved by locals and travelers alike, it's a little slice of paradise. For the best experience, we'd visit early before the crowds (pre-9am) or at dusk to watch the surfers and the golden glow lighting up the ocean. Entry is $10 (sauna included) but given how iconic it is, we say it's worth it.
Image source: Morning Bondi
7. Bronte Baths, Bronte
Truly one of the most scenic pools in Sydney, or as Justine puts it, "33m of perfection". It sits into the cliffs and just above the ocean making it particularly picturesque. Most magical in the morning as the sun rises over the horizon and the pool turns a golden orange. For those feeling adventurous, there's also a ladder that leads to a natural rock pool where you can immerse in the waves.
Image source: Morning Bondi
8. Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama
Tucked away in the quiet seaside village of Kiama on the NSW South Coast, this small, irregularly shaped ocean pool has a special kind of charm. During the week, it's a spot mostly known to locals - there's a sense of calm and community. Just long enough for laps, it attracts a regular crowd enjoying their gentle morning swim — even during the winters. With a natural rock floor and an eastern wall that opens up to the vast ocean, watching the waves splash between you and the rising sun is mesmerising.
Image source: Kiama Council
9. Shelly Beach Rockpool, Cronulla
A scenic 25m pool with a sandy bottom, it is one of the more historic pools. In the early 1900s, it was scandalous as a place where women and men bathed together. Now it's a great place for families as you enter the pool from a sandy bank that gradually gets deeper. It rarely gets overcrowded and it can be exciting to watch the surf roll in when the swells are big.
Image source: TimeOut
10. McCallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne
A hidden gem with scenic views of Sydney Harbour, nestled along the Cremorne Point Walk. On the smaller size, it's best for a dip but its waterside timber deck makes an ideal sunbathing spot. We recommended heading down at dusk and enjoying a picnic dinner while admiring the city views.
Image source: TimeOut
Header image: Morning Bondi
