15 Refreshing Rock Pools in Sydney

Need a cool, fun place to escape the heat with your littlies in the warmer weather? There’s something truly magical about rock pools in Sydney - they're set against gorgeous beach backdrops, are full of hidden treasures to provide young ones with hours of exploring and adventuring, and are the ideal temperature on a hot summer's day.

How many rock pools are there in Sydney? Too many to mention since we seem to discover new ones every month! For now, we'll focus on our favourites.

The Best Rock Pools in Sydney

1. Bronte Baths

Wylie's Bronte Baths, the Bronte Ocean Pool, Bond's Ocean Pool... whatever you call it I think we can all agree that you can't have a list of awesome Sydney rock pools and not mention Bronte Baths.

This gorgeous rock pool is adored by almost all of Sydney because it's that spectacular and the perfect spot to go for a dip on a hot summer's day. The kids will love it, trust us!

Location: Bronte Rd, Bronte 

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2. Bogey Hole

Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs has some of the best rock pools around, and Bogey Hole is no exception.

Also located in Bronte and only revealing itself during low-tide, this small and shallow pool makes it easy to keep an eye on your kids whilst they explore all the natural wonders swimming, crawling and sliding about.

Why not top off the day with lunch at Bogey Hole Cafe?

Location: 502 Bronte Rd, Bronte 

3. Ross Jones Rock Pool

Enjoy sun, sea, and stunning views at the Ross Jones Memorial Pool.

Tucked away at the southern end of Coogee Beach, this picturesque rock pool offers a mix of tranquility and adventure, making it a go-to destination for families, swimmers, and ocean lovers alike. Framed by sandstone walls and with the ocean stretching out beyond, the pool is a photographer's dream—perfect for capturing those iconic coastal vibes.

Pair your visit with a stroll along Coogee's coastal walk, and you've got yourself the ultimate beachside adventure.

Location: 133R Beach St, Coogee

4. Dee Why Rock Pool

Dee Why Rock Pool is perfectly located right near the promenade along the beach, making it one of the most frequented rock pools in Sydney.

With natural sandstone and concrete walls, this 50-metre pool has a special toddler area. It’s well maintained with plenty of shallow water for splashing around. There are toilets and showers close by, not to mention loads of coffee shops for that next dose of caffeine.

Location: Oaks Ave, Dee Why

5. Freshwater Rock Pool

Warringah council maintains six rock pools in the area, and this one is situated at the northern end of Freshwater Beach.

It’s a 50-metre lap pool, perfect for kids who want a proper swim without the size constraints of many rock pools in Sydney and without the waves and traffic of the ocean. Similar to Newcastle’s Bogey Hole, it has the structure and security of a man-made pool but with all the gorgeous scenery and natural elements of the beach.

Location: 4 Lumsdaine Dr, Freshwater

6. Fairy Bower Pool

Another incredble rock pool on the Northern Beaches, the Fairy Bower Pool is kind of a big deal.

Located along the popular Manly to Shelly Beach walk, the Fairy Bower Rock Pool attracts loads of swimmers keen to take a dip and to ogle at the unique sculptures the pool is famous for. These sculptures on the edge of the pool are known as 'The Sea Nymphs' or 'The Oceanides', and help to make Fairy Bower one of the most unique rock pools in Sydney.

Location: 5B Marine Parade, Manly 

7. Giles Baths

Giles Bath is quite a large rock pool, with rocks for climbing and most suitable for older children.

It’s set away from the summer mayhem of Coogee beach, found up a hill that the locals just couldn’t keep a secret. Also nearby, check out the women's only McIver's Ladies Baths which is Australia's last remaining women's-only seawater pool. 

Location: 105-109R Beach St, Coogee

8. North Curl Curl 

A hidden gem and the locals' best-kept secret, you'll find this 25-metre rock pool near the end of the North Curl Curl Beach Headland. 

Note that during high tide it can only be accessed through the coastal walk along the headland.

Location: Huston Parade, North Curl Curl

9. Fairlight Rock Pool

Also known as Fairlight Ocean Bath, the Fairlight Pool is pretty spectacular.

The structured rock pool is also surrounded by untamed rocks for plenty of exploration, and the adjacent beach makes for a perfect family day out. 

Location: Fairlight Walk, Fairlight

10. Oak Park Beach Baths

Located on the Cronulla Esplanade, Oak Park Beach Baths are super popular so expect the rock pool and adjacent beach area to be rather busy on a weekend.

Grab the kids and get to Oak Park Beach Baths early to enjoy the pristine waters and prime beach location.

Location: 156 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

11. Collaroy Rock Pool

Another entry for the Northern Beaches, Collaroy Rock Pool is a top pick for families.

The shallow sections of the pool are perfect for little ones to splash around safely, while nearby amenities like grassy picnic areas and playgrounds add to its family appeal. It's also steps away from the beach, so you can easily alternate between the pool and the ocean.

Location: Beach Rd, Collaroy

12. Palm Beach

The picturesque seaside suburb is not only famous for Home & Away! Palm Beach is frequented by Sydney families almost every day of the year thanks to its generous offering of watering holes to suit all tastes, including a glorious rock pool.

The Palm Beach Rock Pool is located on the tip of the southern end of the beach and can be accessed via Ocean Road. Once you've had your refreshing dip, stop by one of the nearby cafes for some summer refreshments. 

Location: Ocean Rd, Palm Beach

13. Gunnamatta Bay Baths

Ok, ok, so Gunnamatta Bay Baths is not a rock pool per se, but we just had to include it on this list because of how amazing it is!

If you're looking for a peaceful, family-friendly spot to enjoy the ocean in Cronulla minus the huge waves, look no further than Gunnamatta Bay Baths.

Nestled in a serene part of the bay, Gunnamatta offers crystal-clear waters, calm swimming areas, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The bay is protected with shark nets, so little adventurers don't need to worry about any creepy-crawlies nearby!

Location: 39/41R Nicholson Parade, Cronulla

14. Minerva Pool, Dharawal National Park

If you're keen to find one of the most unique natural pools in Sydney, we suggest venturing deep into nature in the Dharawal National Park.

At the end of a short bushwalk in the Dharawal National Park, Campbelltown, you'll find the Minerva Pool, a pristine waterhole with sandstone features and a small stone island. Unpack a picnic lunch and spend some time enjoying the view as you watch the waterfall cascade into the rock pool below.

Please be mindful that this is a sacred site for the Dharawal People and an important part of Aboriginal culture, so tread carefully and with respect during your visit. The Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council asks that only women and children enter the waters of Minerva Pool. The Minerval Pool is only suited to older kids as it is quite steep. 

Location: Dharawal National Park, near Campbelltown

15. Bonus: The Bogey Hole, Newcastle

Put this on your weekend road trip itinerary! Newcastle's finest ocean pool has the structure and security of a pool but the natural edginess of the ocean. It’s large and enclosed, perfect for kids wanting to make a big splash.

With an incredible convict history dating back to 1820, kids will enjoy exploring every crevice of this rock pool with an endless ocean stretching out in front of it.

Source: Visit NSW

Safety Tips for Rock Pool Adventurers

• Remember that rock pools are a part of nature, and this means marine life inhabits these small spaces. Whilst rock pools are a tactile experience, keep an eye out that your children aren’t picking up bluebottles, sea urchins, blue-ringed octopus, or anything you’re not sure is safe.


• Whilst some of the rock pools listed are shallow, kids, especially weaker swimmers and younger children should always be within your reach.


• Rock pools are usually surrounded by slippery, mossy rocks, so no running!


• Ensure young children and weak swimmers wear floaties, even in shallow water.


• If one of these rock pools is in a new and unknown area, ask lifeguards and locals where to go and which areas are safe.


• Rock pools attached to the ocean can be subject to the whim of the waves, so only let your kids take a dip in the pool if the water is calm and stable.

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