There are more than 44 ocean pools and harbour baths in Sydney, with almost every beach in the city having their own swimmer’s sanctuary. These are our favourites.
Head to any major stretch of sand in Sydney and you’ll find an ocean rock pool at either the north or south entrance.
The majority of Sydney’s best ocean baths charge a small fee for public facilities like showers and lockers, but they are all free entry and open to everyone (except Coogee’s women-only McIver’s Baths), giving tourists and visitors plenty of chances to enjoy many different perspectives of our world-famous harbour.
Why swim in an ocean pool instead of the actual ocean? Well, some swimmers prefer the calm waters of a swimming pool since there are no strong currents to worry about, or sea creatures to massage our feet. That said, sometimes waves do bring sea life into the pools so you might spot the odd stingray or octopus practicing for the Olympics.
Many of these inner harbour baths are special parts of Sydney’s maritime heritage, preserved over decades with very unique, sightly designs that serve as regular inspiration for the city’s best photographers.
1. Bronte Baths, Bronte
You’ll find Bronte Baths carved into the sandstone cliff at the southern end of Bronte Beach. The 30-metre long pool was opened to public in the late 1880s, serving as a respite from the ocean’s temper tantrums since. Waves often leap over the rocks into the edge of the pool so it isn’t exactly the calmest body of water out there. Still, confident swimmers tend to prefer the slight challenge of doing laps in Bronte Baths, especially the sun is just waking up.
Address: Bronte Rd, Bronte NSW 2024
Opening Hours: 24-7
Entry: Free
2. Wylie’s Baths, Coogee
Bronte Baths may predate its more famous neighbour, but Wylie’s Baths earns its reputation as one of the most picturesque ocean pools in the world. The heritage-listed ocean pool is located just a few hundred metres south of Coogee Beach, proudly wearing its age since 1907. Wylie’s Baths is also available as a wedding venue but the waitlist is often too long and intimidating for most couples.
Address: 4B Neptune St, Coogee NSW 2034
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (7pm – 5pm in winter; 7am – 7pm in summer)
Entry: $6
3. Shelly Beach Rock Pool, Cronulla
Sheltered from Cronulla Beach’s typically wild waves, Shelly Beach Rock Pool is a great, family-friendly swimming pool that is very accessible for prams and wheelchairs. You’ll typically find families spending most of the day at this picture-perfect pool, given there’s a well-maintained fenced playground nearby and grass lawns perfect for a picnic.
Address: 70-110 Ewos Parade Cronulla NSW 2230
Opening Hours: 24-7
Entry: Free
4. Fairy Bower Pool, Manly
Manly is home to some of the best swimming spots in Australia, from Manly beach to the much smaller, more intimate Shelly Beach. But when jumping through waves becomes tiresome, retreat to Fairy Bower Pool. This triangular rock pool was built by local residents in 1929, just a pebble’s throw from Manly’s many cafes and coffee shops. You’ll find plenty of families spending their weekend here in the summer but weekdays are relatively quiet.
Address: 5B Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095
Opening Hours: 24-7
Entry: Free
5. Bondi Icebergs, Bondi
Perhaps the most famous ocean pool in the world. Whether you’re watching the ocean’s waves spill into the pool from dining room above or joining the rest of Sydney with a quick sunbathing session, it’s hard not to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind view. But there’s no point just daydreaming about it. Remember that the pool is licensed, so grab a local brew and relax while taking in one of the most life-affirming lifestyle scenes Sydney has to offer.
Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday (6am – 6:30pm); Friday (6am – 6:30am); Saturday – Sunday (6:30am – 6:30pm)
Entry: $9
6. McIver’s Baths, Coogee
When McIver’s Baths opened in 1886 as a cliff-side safe space for women swimmers. Not one single bloke has been allowed to use the baths since, carving out an exclusive space where women and their kids can enjoy the salty-fresh waters without sharks, jellyfish or men. You’ll find this one on a cliff face between Coogee Beach and the unisex Wylie’s Baths, with entry by gold coin donation.
Address: 145-149R Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (7am – 7pm)
Entry: Gold coin donation
7. Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay
Formerly known as Redleaf Pool, this 90-metre-wide swimmer’s paradise is one of Sydney’s most popular ocean baths and a regular spot for Double Bay’s ritzy community. Watch those million-dollar yachts bob in the distance as you circle the raised boardwalk to try and decide on the best launch pad. Makeshift diving competitions are common and the on-site kiosk offers a criminally underrated breakfast sandwich along with a solid list of smoothies and shakes.
The placid conditions at Seven Shilling Beach also makes this inner harbour pool one of the more popular swimming spots for families, especially since kids love the pool’s two floating pontoons.
Address: 536 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2028
Opening Hours: 24-7
Entry: Free
