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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

The five most beautiful ocean pools in NSW