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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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