Sydney’s Best Ocean Pools For Kids And Families

  • All Ages
    Mums & Bubs
    Toddlers
    Preschoolers
    Kids
    Teens
    Family

For the times when choosing between a beach and a swimming pool seems like too hard a task for you and your family, Sydney’s got some epic ocean pools that perfectly bridge the gap between the two—offering salty ocean water but without the intensity of the surf. 

Here’s where to get your ocean pool fix around the city’s beautiful beaches.

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Icebergs 


‘Cause an ocean pool list ain’t an ocean pool list without mentioning the most iconic and photographed pool in Australia. Bondi Icebergs is something of an institution and located on the Bondi to Coogee walk—making it a popular pit-stop for active families. It’s the most well-equipped pool you’ll see on this list, complete with an on-site sauna, masseuse, cafe and more—but it will cost you $6.50 for casual entry. Worth it for the pictures, though!

They also have the most picturesque swim school for kids in the world! 

If you're looking for something more 'free', head on over to the newly refurbished North Bondi ocean pool. This is very popular with the kids! 

McIver’s Baths, Coogee

McIver’s Baths, Coogee


Another Eastern Suburbs gem but without the modernisation that Icebergs has undergone, McIver’s Baths in Coogee’s southern end is the country’s only ocean pool solely for women and young children. The views and surrounds are utterly breathtaking, and entry will cost you just a gold coin donation. The community feel makes it the ideal summer’s day out for a mum and kids! 

Shelly Beach Rock Pool, Cronulla

Shelly Beach Rock Pool, Cronulla


Located just south of Cronulla, Shelly Beach is a super-popular spot for swimming and set amongst rocks and near sand, making it the perfect location for a beach day for the whole family. Kids will love the calmer waters, and the stunning views certainly don’t hurt either. 

Fairy Bower Pool, Manly

Fairy Bower Pool, Manly


Renowned for being triangular in shape and with sculptures peppering the rock edge, Fairy Bower Pool in Manly is 20 metres long, making it a great choice for families wanting to play in the water and explore the rocks, as well as swim some laps while they’re there. Built by local residents in 1929, this historic pool is full of sheltered nooks and crannies. 

Bilgola Rockpool

Bilgola Rockpool


Set at the southern end of the beautiful Bilgola Beach, this 8-lane, 50-metre pool is something of a Northern Beaches institution. There’s a separate wading area plus a bench area that are ideal for kids, as well as the main area that is usually very busy with local swimmers! 

Mahon Pool, Maroubra

Mahon Pool, Maroubra


A beautiful pool located at the Northern end of Maroubra Beach, Mahon pool is free to enter and a welcome shelter from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are rock pools brimming with critters for children to explore, and thanks to Maroubra being slightly less-known among tourists than its nearby Bondi to Coogee counterparts, it’s often a whole lot quieter and more peaceful too.

Hero image: abc.net.au

More Sydney Swimming Locations

Kid-Friendly Rock Pools
Sydney's Top Indoor Swimming Pools
Check Out These Outdoor Heated Pools


Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!

 

 

Reviews