By Bed Threads Entertainment 16.09.2022

45 Secret Ocean Pools Around Australia to Add to Your Bucket List

From a heart-shaped waterhole to an infinity pool with a million-dollar view, you need to visit these spectacular destinations.

Whether winter or summer, a dip in the ocean is one of the best ways to clear your mind. We're pretty blessed here in Australia, with an abundance of breathtaking beaches that attract droves of travellers year-round.

But if waves aren't your thing, there are plenty of ocean pools where you can enjoy a relaxing dip and catch up on your latest read in the sun (or shade). To make organising your next road trip a little easier, we've compiled 45 (yes, 4-5!) secret ocean pools to add to your bucket list.

So, as you plan your next getaway, consider one of these secret ocean pools around Australia, and wherever you end up – remember to wear SPF and take your rubbish with you when you leave.

New South Wales

1. Bronte Rockpool

One of the most photogenic spots in Sydney's East, Bronte Rock Pool is carved out of a cliff face and offers a 30-metre length lap for keen swimmers.

2. Blue Pool

Bermagui's famous Blue Pool is located at the bottom of a cliff face and is a sight to behold from above. Once you make it down, you'll be treated to a fresh ocean pool with to-die-for views.

3. Currarong Rockpool

In between two sets of rocks along a sandy channel on the idyllic South Coast of NSW is Currarong Rock Pool – the best spot in town to rejuvenate your body with a bit of saltwater therapy.

4. Mahon Rockpool

Just north of Maroubra Beach, this rock pool is easily accessible from the car park with an adjoining staircase. With toilets, change rooms, and showers, there's no reason to rush home this summer.

5. Wylie’s Baths

Sydney's East is home to many beautiful swimming spots, and Wylie's Baths in Coogee is one of the best. Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while taking in the glorious rays from the sun.

6. The Entrance Open Baths

This beautiful ocean pool on the Central Coast of NSW offers up a 50-metre pool that is perfect for cooling off, relaxing or practising a few laps.

7. Coalcliff Pool

This ocean pool becomes one with the turquoise ocean to which it belongs to, unassuming and still. A local gem, Coalcliff Pool should be on your list of summer activities.

8. Killen Falls

While not strictly an ocean pool, we couldn't help but include Killen Falls on this list. It's a must-see when you're in the Ballina area – a stunning natural waterfall with a swimming spot flanked by lush foliage.

9. Fairy Bower Ocean Pool

The eye-catching triangular Fairy Bower Ocean Pool is one of Manly's many natural attractions. The pool is located about halfway between iconic Manly Beach and the more secluded Shelly Beach and attracts locals and tourists looking for a spot to savour the sun in.

10. Cronulla Rockpool

If you're in the area, Cronulla Rock Pool is worth a visit. In fact, it's worth travelling for. Treat yourself to a refreshing dip and a world-class view some would pay millions for.

11. Dee Why Rockpool

50-metres in length and offering a toddler area that's perfect for families, Dee Why Rock Pool is one of many beautiful bathing spots along Sydney's Northern Beaches. After your swim, retreat to the grass area for a picnic and settle into the afternoon.

12. Blowhole Point

With ample parking and facilities on-site, Blowhole Point is a great way to spend a summer's day. It has a natural rock floor and an organic shape which makes it feel like an extension of the ocean.

13. Pearl Beach Rockpool

The southern end of Pearl Beach is blessed with a gorgeous natural rock pool that is protected by a cliff face and allows a glimpse across the water to the sandy coves beyond.

14. MacCallum Pool

This unique North Sydney pool is a real showstopper, whether you're taking in the incredible harbour views on the deck or getting in a few laps of the 33-metre-long pool.

15. McIver’s Ladies Baths

Not far from Coogee's Wylie's Baths, McIvers Ladies Baths is the only remaining female-only ocean pool in Australia and is open to women and children.

16. Fairlight Rockpool

If you happen to be out and about along one of the scenic walking tracks around Manly, you're bound to find yourself at Fairlight Beach – a small, friendly summer spot with a tidal swimming pool and some of the best views of Manly cove on offer.

17. South Curl Curl Rockpool

If swimming laps is preferable to dodging waves, then South Curl Curl's 50-metre rock pool is the place for you. One side if for swimmers and one side is for play, so pick a line and bask in the ambience.

18. Shelly Beach Rockpool

Close to Cronulla Beach, this lovely little rock pool is accessible by a sandy bank and is big enough to cater for the summer crowd. There are no lanes here, just crystal-clear water ready to cleanse your soul.

19. Merewether Ocean Baths

Merewether Ocean Baths contains two saltwater swimming pools in its complex at the southern end of the beach. Watch the sky change hue as the day passes by, alternating between thumbing through your favourite summer read and splashing in the giant pools.

20. Yamba Beach Rockpool

Yamba's local beach is matched only in beauty by its very own ocean pool. Quintessentially Australian, it's just azure waters and green foliage as far as the eye can see.

21. The Bogey Hole

This heritage-listed sea bath in Newcastle is a popular spot for locals come summer. It's organic in shape and offers a more tame take on the impressive ocean.

22. Freshwater Ocean Pool

Tucked away to one side of quaint Freshwater Beach, the ocean pool is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of how stunning the surrounding coves and cliffs actually are. You'll find loyal locals cooling themselves and then drying off on the rocks below.

23. Giles Baths

Giles Baths is a fun place to explore on the northern end of Coogee Beach, accessible from a few different points. The naturally-formed rock pool gives you the best of both worlds – salty ocean water and a more timid, wave-free experience.

24. The Continental Pool

Kiama is a popular summer area for locals and tourists, and The Continental Pool is a beautiful addition to the town that should be on your to-do list.

25. Jellybean Pool

For your next weekend adventure, consider a trip to the Blue Mountains where you'll see some of the best natural beauty Australia has to offer. As well as that, Jellybean Pool is a great place to lay out a picnic and wade in the natural waters.

26. Avalon Rockpool

Avalon's angular rock pool is filled with bright, glimmering water that draws you in instinctively. Take a breath and enjoy the expansive vistas of one of Australia's most beautiful coastlines.

27. Collaroy Rockpool

Another ocean pool on the list featuring an irregular shape, Sydney's Collaroy Beach features a glorious place to swim, while the grassy areas surrounding the pool make for a great place to snack and catch up on some reading.

28. Ivor Rowe Rockpool

The smallest of the rock pools along the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Ivo Rowe Pool is a shallow swimming hole that is perfect for cooling off without having to compete with surfers and crashing waves.

Victoria

29. Cape Paterson Rockpool

Cape Paterson Bay Beach is renowned for its large man-made rock pool that was built in the 1960s. Sited on a rock platform, this tranquil spot with its turquoise waters is a great spot for snorkelling and whiling away hot summer days.

30. Brighton Baths

Inner city Melburnians flock to this 50-metre ocean pool to swim laps, soak up the sun and bring in the good vibes. For more than a century this historic destination has drawn in locals and travellers alike looking for ocean water swimming in the heart of Melbourne. Some even swim all year round.

31. Sorrento Back Rockpool

Small, but perfectly formed, this natural rockpool in Sorrento beach is a must-visit, particularly for those with kids in tow. The pool is shallow and full of sea life, meaning you can go for a dip while also taking in the crabs and fish.

32. Cape Schanck Rockpools

It’s unlikely you’ll ever swim in a more picturesque location than the Cape Schanck Rockpools, down on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by cliff faces, this rock pool offers stunningly pristine and clear water and pure isolation.

33. Injidup Natural Spa

Surrounding natural rocks shelter this glorious rock pool and protect it from the crashing ocean waves. Take a break from the sea and stake your claim on one of the large rocks that are perfect for sunbathing.

Western Australia

34. Hamersley Tidal Pool

From above, you could be forgiven for thinking Hamersley Pool was located on the south coast of Italy due to its natural curves and sandy position. With water so clear it rivals the Maldives, Hamersley Pool is one of WA's best-kept secrets.

35. Mettams Pool

This sheltered, sandy swimming area in Perth's northern suburbs is protected by a surrounding reef. If you enjoy snorkelling, Mettams Pool is a great place to witness some of the underwater creatures that live in this protected marine park.

36. Collie Long Pool

Calm and clear waters as far as the eye can see. That’s what you’ll get at Collie Long Pool, inside the Wellington National Park. It makes this freshwater spot perfect for swimming, kayaking or generally just lazing about with a picnic and a free afternoon.

Queensland

37. Kings Beach Waterfront Pool

This addition to the list has been freshly upgraded and even includes shade sails and a wading area that overlooks the ocean below and feels like a high-end resort.

38. Currumbin Rockpools

A waterfall cascades into this swimming spot, complete with a picnic area and sandy beach foreshore. The soundtrack only adds to the serenity of this secluded and special place.

39. Snapper Rocks

One of just a handful of true ocean pools in the whole of Queensland, Snapper Rocks is also one of the best seawater swimming spots on this list. The location on Coolangatta can’t be beaten, but it’s also a well-maintained and beautifully built pool perfect for doing laps.

40. Townsville Rockpool

A truly unique ocean pool built right into the foreshore, Townsville’s Rockpool is enormous and is often heaving come summertime. Still, we love swimming in this spot, which feels like you’re in a resort.

South Australia

41. Edithburgh Tidal Pool

This seawater swimming pool is perfect for gathering friends and making a day of it. Surrounded on all sides by concrete steps, simply lay your towel down and take advantage of the fresh ocean water that gently flows in with each wave.

42. Moonta Bay Seawater Pool

Just two hours from Adelaide, you'll feel like you're swimming in your very own personal beach at Moonta Bay's seawater pool, and only the chill of the evening will tempt you to return to land.

43. Streaky Bay Jetty Pool

Located on the Eyre Peninsula, Streaky Bay's netted swimming area is as picturesque as it gets. Travel along the L-shaped jetty to get there and become one with the ocean.

Northern Territory

44. Darwin Wave Pool

There’s fun for the whole family at Darwin Wave Pool. This man-made facility was built into the harbour front and will have you jumping for the wave simulations all day long.

Tasmania

45. Bay of Fires

This iconic spot on Tasmania's north-east coast boasts spectacular white beaches and vibrant orange boulders. The bay is peppered with rockpools for you to take a leisurely dip in.

Enjoyed This?

Explore more travel content.

by Bed Threads Entertainment 12.08.2022

Shop by Colour