Sydney’s Ocean Pools

As you’d expect from a city whose iconic natural attractions include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach, Australia’s most populous state also has an impressive number of ocean pools. But what’s the story behind them, and why does NSW have so many of them?

The answer is a complex one, but one that can be traced back to geology, climate and culture. The southern two-thirds of the NSW coastline comprises sandy beaches nestled between rocky headlands. In most cases, these headlands are made from sandstone, which is ideal for building swimming pools as it can be easily excavated but is stable over human timescales. This means pools can be sited without affecting the surrounding beach or filling with too much sand, and they can be protected from waves by sea walls.

Consequently, there are ocean pools all over the coast and at several points along the shoreline of Sydney. Some of them are as pristine as you could wish, while others have fallen into disrepair. But despite their relative rarity, they are all worth a visit.

Aside from the natural beauty of these swimming holes, they are also a great place to soak up the sunshine and savour the scent of salty sea air. They are often backed by parks, and some have cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or meal. And for the braver swimmers among you, a few of them have nipple-warming freshwater depths.

There are also a few that are less well-known and therefore less crowded, which makes them an excellent option for those who want to avoid the crowds and still have the opportunity to swim in the ocean. For example, the shady Elkington Park Baths are tucked below the cliffs of Balmain and have a corrugated iron roof, which lends them an almost Victorian elegance.

If you’re a fan of surfing, then you should definitely check out these ocean pools, which offer a variety of surf breaks. Some even have lifeguards on duty during the warmer months, so you can feel confident that you’ll be in good hands should something go wrong. You can also read more about the history of these pools here.