Explore Sydney’s Top Ocean Pools

If you find Sydney’s ocean surf a little intimidating or if you just want to soothe your jetlag with a few slow laps, take advantage of the city’s famous ocean pools. With 40 seawater pools scattered along the coast, most of which are free, you can find the perfect spot to relax. Here are some favorites you wouldn’t want to miss.

Bondi Icebergs Pool

Sydney’s most iconic pool commands the best view in Bondi and serves as a hub for the community. It features a sauna and a charming cafe. The saltwater lap pool is often doused by larger waves, but there’s a more sheltered area for kids to enjoy. Please note that the pool is closed on Thursdays for maintenance, although it sometimes reopens once the cleaning is complete.

Fairy Bower Beach

Indulge your mermaid fantasies in the lovely triangular ocean pool situated along the rocky shoreline. Life-size bronze sea nymphs from Helen Leete’s sculpture, Oceanides (1997), stand at the edge, graced by the surf. Fairy Bower is most easily reached by the promenade that circles around Manly Beach’s southern headland.

Giles Baths

Located at the northern end of Coogee Beach, beneath Dolphin Point, Giles Baths is a “bogey hole” – a semi-formal rock pool that welcomes the invigorating surf. It is considered safe for children and a good choice for those concerned about waves.

McIver’s Ladies Baths

Perched against the cliffs south of Coogee Beach and well-screened from the public, this sea pool has been a popular bathing spot for women since before 1876. Its strict women-only policy fosters a relaxed environment, frequented by women seeking privacy, including nuns and Muslim women. Boys under a certain age are allowed to accompany their mothers or guardians.

Mahon Pool

Hidden among the cliffs, approximately 500m (1640ft) north of Maroubra Beach, Mahon Pool represents a beautiful rock pool where the surf crashes over its edges during high tide. It is arguably one of Sydney’s most picturesque bogey holes.

Freshwater

This quaint, southeast-facing sandy bay just north of Manly features a cool ocean pool popular among local teenagers. It also serves as a good spot for learner surfers to practice their skills.

Bogey Hole

Situated south of Newcastle Beach, underneath King Edward Park, lies Australia’s oldest ocean bath—the convict-carved Bogey Hole. This area offers a stunning place to enjoy the water when the surf is crashing over its edge; however, caution is advised during high tide.

Figure Eight Pools

This eight-shaped pool on a rock shelf near Burning Palms Beach is a favorite among Instagram users. Nevertheless, it is crucial to be attentive to conditions as tides and weather can render the shelf hazardous or even fully submerged. Check the website for daily forecasts and safety updates before visiting. The trek from the Garrawarra Farm car park is a challenging 6km (3.73-mile) round trip.