The 5 best ocean pools in NSW

Need a dose of vitamin sea? Take a dip in some of the best ocean pools in NSW, which are dotted up and down the coast.

If your need to swim in the ocean makes you gravitate toward the coastline come summer, you should seriously consider a trip to NSW. The practice of stacking concrete blocks and rocks to cajole the ocean into calm pools took off in NSW in the late 19th century to provide somewhere safe to swim that was protected from the wild waves. Today, Sydney and NSW have the largest number of sea pools in Australia, with some 100 pools designed to serve the state’s population. Here are five of the best NSW ocean pools that have become like jewels set into the landscape.

1. Blue Pool, Bermagui – Sapphire Coast

You’ll find Bermagui’s Blue Pool in the Bega Valley Shire, just a little more than three hours from Canberra on the NSW South Coast. The sea pool, which keeps hold of its tidal waters with the help of a natural rock shelf and some strategically placed concrete is deep enough to get a few laps happening, while the kids can splash about in the adjoining toddler pool. And starting the day with a sunrise swim at the Blue Pool Bermagui in summer doesn’t get any more idyllic. Positioned dramatically at the base of a cliff, the famous Blue Pool is rated in the top 10 per cent of worldwide attractions, and is ranked six out of eight of the best ocean rock pools in the world. There are well-formed steps that lead down to the pool as well as a toilet, shower and change room. The platform around the rock pool becomes somewhat of a coliseum at sunrise, as locals gather to watch the sun rise over the sea.

The scenic Blue Pool on the Bermagui coastline. — The scenic Blue Pool on the Bermagui coastline offers stunning views of the Sapphire Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

What we love: The Bermagui Blue Pool offers stunning coastal views from its position at the base of a dramatic cliff and is large enough to accommodate the many locals who converge here religiously to do laps. Follow @davidrogersphotography on Instagram to see snapshots of the Blue Pool and the locals who frequent it.

2. Wylie’s Baths – Coogee

The Bondi Baths are rightfully famous for their incredible turquoise hues and impossibly glamorous sunbathers. But backtrack south from Bondi along the iconic coastal walk to Coogee and you’ll discover Wylie’s Baths , which was designed as a safe refuge for swimmers who wanted to avoid rips, sharks and hazardous waves. Established in 1907 by champion swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie, the baths were the first mixed gender bathing pools in Australia. And to this day, the baths are considered an asset, and treasured by Eastern Suburbs locals. Wylie’s Baths is located at the southern end of this iconic Sydney beach and surrounded by a rectangle of sandstone. The picturesque NSW ocean pool has been classified by the National Trust of Australia and the yellow and blue-flanked deck perched above the pool on stilts is iconic. The baths are popular with all those who prefer a sheltered ocean paddle.

Hidden leafy entrance to Wylies Baths in Coogee — Hidden leafy entrance to Wylies Baths, Coogee. (Image: Destination NSW)

What we love: Wylie’s Baths, which is open 365 days of the year, follows the curve of the coastline. The thing to do here is grab a coffee from the kiosk and sit soaking up the warmth from the sun.

3. The Entrance Ocean Baths – The Entrance

Long before these ocean rock pools were given heritage status, it’s believed the spot was used as a fish trap by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation. These days, the baths, which were constructed between 1938 and 1965, include a 50-metre, seven-lane pool that cost just £425 in 1938. The historic pool is a source of great local pride and was vehemently defended when public liability costs threatened its closure in 2002. Now safely extricated from all the red tape, the pools continue to provide a protected space to enjoy the salt air. When the sun is blazing down in summer, do as the locals do and enjoy the soothing monotony of churning out a few laps in a sea pool. The Entrance Ocean Baths include a 50-metre lap pool, a 22-metre pool and a children’s wading pool. There’s also a kiosk located onsite.

Sign welcoming visitors to The Entrance on the state's Central Coast. — The Entrance is the pelican capital of Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

What we love: That the pools are located on the Central Coast at The Entrance, the pelican capital of Australia and, if you’re floating on your back in the breeze you will likely see the birds spearing into the ocean from a great height. There is also a pelican feed that takes place at The Entrance waterfront at 3.30 pm each day.

4. Coalcliff Pool – Coalcliff

Legend has it that the Coalcliff Pool was formed in 1921 when a few enterprising locals got their hands on a powder keg from a nearby mine and blasted the rock shelf at Coalcliff Beach. Unfortunately, Wollongong’s northernmost rock pool was initially deemed too small to accommodate the number of swimmers who wanted to use the facility. So the community, led by a progress committee, reconvened with the intention to expand the site. Five years and a stolen drainpipe later, the pool was complete for all to enjoy and has been ever since. It’s a particularly pleasing spot for an ocean frolic with views up toward the cliffs, which tumble down to the sea. This popular NSW ocean pool includes a pool for toddlers as well as a raised shower area and viewing platform designed as a great vantage point to watch when the big seas roll in. The Coalcliff Pool is totally secluded and includes steps at both ends. There is also a small toilet and changing facility near to the top of the path leading down to the pool, which is surrounded by a raised concrete deck.

Coalcliff Pool at sunrise — Coalcliff Pool is Wollongong’s northernmost rock pool.

What we love: The blue-painted floor of the pool makes the colour of the water pop. Come down on a winter weekend to meet members of the Sea Eels Swimming Club and unlock a few more local secrets.

5. Mahon Rock Pool – Maroubra

Many of Sydney’s pools were built during the Great Depression as a way to provide jobs and stimulate the economy. For those who might be a bit wimpy about swimming in the ocean, this pool provides both access to the ocean and shelter from the waves. While it can be like a washing machine during big seas, that’s part of the fun. This man-made pool takes advantage of the natural rock platform, with its rough-hewn edges making it feel more connected to the city’s coastline. The south of Sydney has a lovely cluster of rock pools, but the most spectacular, arguably, for a casual dip away from the swarms of Coogee and Clovelly is Mahon Pool at the north end of Maroubra Beach. The pool was built in 1932 by Randwick Council as an unemployment relief project. It became a popular place for children to swim safely in the 1940s and, to this day, you will find goggle-eyed locals from the Maroubra Seals winter swimming club, which was established in 1958. With free entry and parking, it’s perfect for scampering onto a rock and staying put for a few hours in the summer sun.

Aerial view of Mahon Rock Pool — Find Mahon Pool at the north end of Maroubra Beach.

What we love: That the ocean pool is home to swimmers and sea life. Grab a coffee and cake from the nearby Grumpy Baker or Pool Café and stay and play all day.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

The five most beautiful ocean pools in NSW