CityQuokka
Sydney's Best Ocean Pools
Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a weekend paddler, there's an ocean pool perfect for you

Written by Pasha Tehrani

Monday 12 May 2025

Sydney is a city blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, and its ocean pools are no exception. These stunning pools offer a refreshing and invigorating way to experience the outdoors, all while soaking up the stunning Sydney coastline. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a weekend paddler, there's an ocean pool perfect for you.

Here's a quick rundown of some of Sydney's most popular ocean pools, including their best features and opening times (where applicable):

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Icebergs is an iconic ocean pool located at the southern end of Bondi Beach. It's known for its stunning views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean, as well as its historic clubhouse, which has been a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike for decades.

Bronte Baths

Bronte Baths is a popular ocean pool located in the seaside suburb of Bronte. It features a large lap pool, a rock pool for children, and a grassy area for picnics and sunbathing.

Wylie's Baths

Wylie's Baths is a secluded ocean pool located in Coogee. It's known for its calm waters and its historic charm.

McIver’s Ladies Baths

McIver’s Ladies Baths in Coogee is Australia’s only women (and children)-only ocean pool. The pool is 32.9 metres long and is not far from another famous Coogee (unisex) ocean pool, Wylie's Baths. Access is down the steps from Grant Reserve at the top of the cliff. The pool was officially opened in 1886 after 10 years of building and improvement works, and had been used as a space reserved for women and children since the beginning of the colony.

a woman swimming in emerald-coloured water at McIver's Ladies Baths in Coogee
Mahon Pool

Mahon Pool is a popular ocean pool located in Maroubra. It features a large lap pool, a children's pool, and a kiosk. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Murray Rose Pool

Murray Rose Pool is an Olympic-sized ocean pool located in Double Bay. It's a popular spot for serious swimmers and triathletes.

Maccallum Pool

Maccallum Pool is a popular ocean pool located in Cremorne Point. It features a stunning harbour side pool with heritage charm and timber deck offers prime sunbathing with views.

Fairy Bower Pool

Fairy Bower Pool is a scenic ocean pool located in Freshwater. It's known for its sheltered waters and its beautiful surroundings. The pool is surrounded by cliffs and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Queenscliff Rockpool

Queenscliff Rockpool is a natural rock pool located in Queenscliff. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The pool is surrounded by rocks and offers a refreshing swimming experience.

Freshwater Rockpool

Freshwater Rockpool is a large ocean pool located in Freshwater. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. This ocean pool is perfect for people who prefer swimming in a pool yet are still able to enjoy the stunning views of the adjacent beach and across the ocean towards North Head.

North Curl Curl Rockpool

North Curl Curl Rockpool is one of the most secluded ocean pools in Sydney. It can be accessed via the beachfront at low tide and via the coastal walk in high tide. It is extremely popular with photographers for its unusual location and beauty.

South Curl Curl Rockpool

South Curl Curl Rockpool is two interconnected rock pools located in Curl Curl. It's a popular spot for families and children. The pools are surrounded by rocks and offer a safe and sheltered swimming experience.

North Narrabeen Rockpool

North Narrabeen Rockpool is a large ocean pool located in North Narrabeen. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Collaroy Rockpool

Collaroy Rockpool is a popular ocean pool located in Collaroy. It features a large lap pool, a children's pool, and a kiosk. Collaroy Rockpool is a great spot for kids and those who require disability access.

Mona Vale Rockpool

Mona Vale rockpool has two rock pools: a larger pool measuring 30 metres long, and a smaller pool which is suitable for children and less confident swimmers. These pools become surrounded by water at high tide, creating the illusion of floating in the middle of the ocean.

Palm Beach Rockpool

Palm Beach Rockpool is a picturesque ocean pool located in Palm Beach. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The pool is surrounded by white sand and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Cronulla Ocean Pools

Take a dip in North Cronulla Rockpool or challenge yourself to some laps at Cronulla Beach rockpool. Enjoy a coffee after your dip in the rock pools, or take in Cronulla’s scenery with a leisurely stroll. The Cronulla Ocean Pools are the perfect spot for all.

Marrinawi Cove

Marrinawi Cove is a beautiful and sheltered swimming spot located at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve. It's a great place to take a dip in the waters of Sydney Harbour, surrounded by stunning city views.

Dawn Fraser Baths

Dawn Fraser Baths is a historic swimming pool located in Balmain. It's the oldest pool in Australia and offers a unique swimming experience in a tidal flow saltwater pool.