12 of the Best Rock Pools in Sydney

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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.

12 of the Best Rock Pools in Sydney

1. Dee Why Rock Pool

Dee Why Rockpool
One of the most popular rock pools on the Northern Beaches is in Dee Why.


Dee Why Rockpool 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

RELATED:
Sydney's Best Kept Secret Beaches
Natural Swimming Holes in Sydney & Beyond

2. Minerva Pool, Dharawal National Park

Minerva Pool, Dharawal National Park
The Minerva Pool is a wonderful secret Sydney swimming spot.


If you're keen to find one of the most unique rock 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

3. Freshwater Rock Pool

Freshwater Rock Pool
A stunning aerial view of Freshwater Rockpool.


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

4. Bogey Hole

Bogey Hole Bronte
Bogey Hole is a popular rock pool in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.


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

Only revealing itself during low-tide, this small and shallow rock 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 

5. Fairy Bower Rock Pool

The best rock pools in Sydney
Manly's Fairy Bower Rock Pool.


Another incredble rock pool on the Northern Beaches, the Fairy Bower Rock 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 rock 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 

6. Giles Baths

Giles Bath Coogee
Another favourite rock pool in the Eastern Suburbs is Giles Baths, a gem along our stunning coast.


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

7. North Curl Curl Rockpool

The best rock pools in Sydney
Pair a morning surf at Curly with a dip in the North Curl Curl Rockpool.


A hidden gem and the locals' best-kept secret, you'll find this 25-metre rockpool 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

8. Bronte Baths

The best rock pools in Sydney
Just try and tear the kids away from the perfect waters at Bronte Baths. Image via Matt Lauder.


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 

9. Fairlight Rock Pool

The best rock pools in Sydney
You can access Fairlight Rock Pool via the Manly to Spit Walk.


Also known as Fairlight Ocean Bath, the Fairlight Rock 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

Oak Park Beach Baths
Oak Park Beach Baths is an idyllic swimming spot in Cronulla.


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. Palm Beach

Palm Beach Rock Pool
The Palm Beach Rock Pool is located on the southern end of the 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

12. Bonus: The Bogey Hole, Newcastle

Put this on your weekend road trip itinerary! Newcastle's finest rock 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.

Bogey Hole Newcastle
Take a Sunday drive to the famous Bogey Hole in Newcastle.
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.

Want More Swimming in Sydney?

Idyllic Royal National Park Beaches
Sydney's Best Indoor Swimming Pools for Kids
Sydney Beaches the Whole Family Will Love


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Hero image: Australian Geographic

 

 

Reviews


Evie

Apr 02 2023

good


rachel

Nov 29 2016

I'm very concerned by the irresponsible recommendation of taking kids to the figure 8 rockpool. Many adults had to be rescued from that site last summer. Yes, it is far safer at low tide, but not a place for children. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/figure-8-pools-instagram-craze-drives-risky-behaviour-in-royal-national-park-20160110-gm30cf.html


Ana

Nov 27 2016

Burning Palms, Royal National Park is a dangerous place for kids. Calm days like the photo are rare, you must look at tides and wave conditions first to see if it's safe before doing the hike.


rosie

Nov 14 2016

Mahon Pool at low tide is beautiful, lots of starfish. My toddler loves it there.


Aura Pool

Nov 09 2016

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Kelly

Feb 25 2016

Great article - thank you :) ..one that's definitely worth mentioning, though, is Fairlight Rock Pools (look up 'Fairlight Beach'). It's about a ten minute walk from Manly Wharf (lovely walk, too!) &amp; has a shallow pool for very little ones, a larger pool that's even good for burgeoning snorkelers, &amp; some beach for anybody wanting deeper water - this also also great snorkeling.


Seana Smith

Dec 07 2015

I must get to the one at Burning Palms and some of the eastern suburbs ones this summer. I know the Northern Beaches ones very well and there isn't a bad one amongst them. But two faves in our family are North Curl Curl for it's marvellous fish (bring snorkelling gear) and then North Narrabeen, the most iconic and photographed of them all.