When I first moved to Sydney in 2012, I lived a 10-minute drive to Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous beach. It’s just one of the many gorgeous beaches in the country, but it wasn’t a place I planned to frequent.
As someone who grew up being dumped by the often powerful waves at Australian beaches, I know that the best places to swim aren’t the beaches at all, rather the ocean pools.
These salt water pools set right next to the sea offer visitors stunning views and an invigorating swim, usually without the worry of sharks or strong currents. Some are free, but guests will pay a small fee to visit others, usually less than A$10 (about $7 USD).
After trying most of them, I’ve found my favorites for swimming laps, relaxation, and spending a day seaside with my family.
Bondi Baths at Icebergs, Bondi Beach
Based on my experience of living nearby, I think no visit to the famous Bondi Beach is complete unless you take a dip at Bondi Baths.
For a small fee, you can access white painted-lap pools which are filled with saltwater. I think it’s the most ideal, scenic spot in and around Sydney for swimming laps.
I also find it a great place to cool off after doing the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, one of the city’s most iconic walks.
Wylie’s Baths, Coogee
A visit to Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, a suburb of Sydney, feels like stepping back in time. After paying a small entrance fee, you’ll walk onto the yellow and blue adorned deck overlooking the pool.
This ocean pool has a natural rock bottom and marine life so it kind of feels like swimming in an aquarium, but without the risk of larger predators. On my last visit, I swam alongside vibrant black and yellow striped fish.
After your swim, I recommend getting an outdoor massage on the deck, but make sure you book ahead, as this seems to be a popular activity. The feeling of a gentle sea breeze while getting a massage is hard to beat.
Mahon Pool, Maroubra
South of Wylie’s Baths, you’ll find Mahon Pool in Maroubra, which is hidden below rocky cliffs.
This ocean pool, with no admission fee, is one I keep going back to again and again because of its relaxing atmosphere. I suggest taking a book and hanging out on a rock or the grassy hill above the pool, as I like to do when I’m by myself.
Visitors should keep an eye open for small, harmless crabs scuttling around the rocks, and larger creatures in the distance. Once I spotted a whale passing within a few meters of the pool.
Bermagui Blue Pool, Bermagui
In my opinion, sometimes it’s worth leaving Sydney to visit ocean pools with less crowds. The Bermagui Blue Pool, which is nestled next to a cliff, is located a five-hour drive south of Sydney. I’ve only been to this free pool once, but it’s the kind of place that leaves an impression.
Bring a mask and snorkels as you may spot some sea life, such as fish and marine snails, while swimming in this pool.
I really wish I’d spent longer at this pool, but it was just a quick visit during a road trip so I’d suggest allowing at least a couple of hours to really soak in its beauty.
Merewether Ocean Baths, Newcastle
My list of favorite ocean pools wouldn’t be complete without the impressively large Merewether Ocean Baths, which are a two-hour drive north of Sydney.
I recommend these admission-free baths for families because there is a shallow pool for young children to play in, as well as a larger pool for experienced swimmers.
The first time I swam here I was in tears at just how beautiful it is.
Whichever ocean pool you visit, check tidal information before you go because tides can greatly change a pool’s conditions. At high tide, waves can break into ocean pools, making them deeper and creating choppier conditions. At low tide, these pools are often calmer with better visibility.
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