Discover Sydney – Ocean Pools

Ocean pools have been used across Sydney for over 200 years – and across New South Wales there are so many incredible ocean pools that it would take you quite some time to explore them all.

Some of the ocean pools – like Bondi Icebergs and MacCallum Pool are well known, but there are plenty of pools around Sydney where locals and visitors alike are experiencing the best of ocean swimming in a contained area.

In addition to the ocean pools, there are several harbour tidal enclosures that are fantastic for swimming in.

So let’s discover the ocean pools around Sydney that are a must for swimming as well as offer some fantastic photo opportunities.

Bronte Baths

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Bronte Baths was one of the first ocean pools in NSW, and used to have strict times for women and men to swim separately. The oldest winter swimming club was formed at Bronte Baths and the Bronte Splashers are still going strong with weekly swimming sessions every Sunday morning from May to September inclusive. One of the most photographic pools, the Baths have been carved into the rockface, at high tide, the waves will often splash over the top of the pool.

Location: Bronte Park, Bronte Road, Bronte

Fairy Bower Pool

Located in Manly, the Fairy Bower Pool was built by locals in 1929. Triangular in shape, you’ll find several sculptures sitting along the rock edge known as ‘The Sea Nymphs’ or ‘The Oceanides’, created by Helen Leete.

Jump on a 40 minute ferry from Circular Quay, this 20 metre pool is perfect for casual weekend or weekday swims.

Location: 5B Marine Parade, Manly

Mahon Pool

Mahon Pool was built in 1935-1936 using the foundation of a naturally formed seaside rock pool. It is an example of Depression Era work in the region which provided food and shelter for many local families who had fallen on hard times. The exposed rock outcrops and cliffs above it make it a spectacular swimming and photography spot, and the pool is regularly used as a training venue for elite sporting teams and athletes.

Location: 15R Marine Parade, Maroubra

Coogee Women’s Baths/McIvers Ladies Baths

McIvers Ladies Baths is the last remaining women’s-only seawater pool in Australia and has been in continuous use since its establishment in 1886. The baths are only open to women and children, making it perfect for those women looking for a female-friendly and safe swimming option. Open year-round and with low entry fees, The Randwick & Coogee Ladies Swimming Association Inc have a mission to make ocean swimming safe and accessible.

Location: 145-149R Beach St, Coogee

MacCallum Pool

The MacCallum Pool is located on the western side of Cremorne Point, and is a unique 33 metre harbourside pool with heritage character and amazing views looking over to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The waterside timber deck is the perfect spot to soak up some winter sun, while offering some fantastic photo opportunities. MacCallum Pool was originally a rock pool created by local residents to form a safe harbour swimming hole and dates back to the 1920s.

Location: Milson Road, Cremorne Point

Dawn Fraser Swimming Pool

The Dawn Fraser Swimming Pool gives you the opportunity to swim in the oldest pool, and oldest swimming club in the country. It is a tidal salt water pool located in Elkington Park, Balmain and at low tide there’s a beach to build sandcastles or sit and enjoy the surroundings. Because this is a tidal pool, there may be times where the pool is closed due to water quality and other environmental factors.

The Dawn Fraser Pool is only open during the summer season, so this is one to pop on your list for the warmer months.

Location: Elkington Park, Fitzroy Ave, Balmain

Bondi Icebergs Pool

What would a list of Sydney’s ocean pools be without the Bondi Icebergs pool? Bondi Icebergs is one of the city’s most iconic ocean pools,and has won over the hearts of both locals and tourists over the past century. This distinctive swimming spot is a definite destination for those seeking a revitalising ocean swim and a taste of the city’s beach culture. Featuring both a larger lap pool and smaller kid’s pool, qualified lifeguards are on patrol during opening hours all year round.

We recently included the Bondi Icebergs pool in our Sydney Locations to Show Off on Social Media blog.

Location: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach

Clontarf Baths

Clontarf Baths will have you really feeling like you are swimming in the harbour – there’s a beach, a swim area and a kiosk that is open daily. Sitting in Middle Harbour, Clontarf Baths have no surf, and the beach gently slopes towards the water. This is a netted pool which means you can swim safely and is a safe place for swimmers of all levels.

Location: Boyle St, Balgowlah

Sydney is well known for its ocean pools and we really recommend spending some time discovering them all.

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