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The Best Rockpools in Australia: Beautiful Places to Swim

Friday, 31 January 2025, 01:42 PM By Ana Camara

Australia has many beautiful beaches that are worth visiting. However, if you want a different swimming experience, rock pools are a great choice. The ocean forms these natural pools and offers calm, clear water. Here are some of the best rockpools to visit in Australia. 

1. Maccallum Pool 

Maccallum Pool

Maccallum Pool is a special 33-metre pool by the harbor. You can find it on the western side of Cremorne Point. The pool has a unique heritage style and offers great views.

The pool is always open and only closes for cleaning as detailed here. There is street car park available near MacCallum Pool on Milson Road in Cremorne Point. The council manages this metered parking, so be sure to check the parking fees and time limits.

2. Fairy Bower Pool, NSW

Fairy Bower rockpool

Fairy Bower Pool in NSW is an ocean rock pool, but it is not a completely natural beach rock pool. It is a man-made ocean pool that sits right by the sea, allowing ocean water to flow in.

Key Features of Fairy Bower Pool:

✔️ Located between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach

✔️ Man-made ocean pool with a natural seawater experience

✔️ Small, scenic, and peaceful compared to larger rock pools

✔️ **Has sculptures called “The Sea Nymphs” decorating the edge

✔️ Popular for swimming and relaxing with ocean views

3. Bondi Icebergs Pool, NSW

Bondi Icebergs Club Swimming Pool

One of the most famous ocean pools, Bondi Icebergs Pool is located at Bondi Beach. It is open all year and gives you a great view of the ocean. This is a perfect place for swimming and taking photos.

4. The Blue Pool, Bermagui, NSW

Bermagui Blue Pool

On the Sapphire Coast, the Blue Pool in Bermagui has clear water and amazing ocean views. A staircase leads down to the pool, making it easy to access while still feeling like a hidden spot.

5. Giles Baths, NSW

Giles Baths

Located in Coogee, Giles Baths is a natural rockpool where ocean waves flow in. It is a great place to enjoy a saltwater swim with beautiful views of the sea.

6. Bronte Rock Pool – NSW 2024

Bronte Baths with ocean waves swirling against the rocks surrounding the pool, Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism AustraliaStairs leading down to the calm, clear water of  Bronte Baths as the sunsets over the ocean, Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSWA public seating area above the calm waters of Bronte Baths beneath a purple sky during sunset at Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSWAerial view over people swimming at Bronte Baths with ocean waves crashing around its edge at Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Ashlea WheelerA person swimming in the sparkling water of Bronte Baths with another person standing on the edge overlooking the ocean at Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW   Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia   Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW   Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW   Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Ashlea Wheeler

You can find Bronte Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It has a short but beautiful stretch of sand. There are also many cute cafés that serve tasty Aussie brunch.

At the beach’s southern end is Bronte Baths, an ocean pool that dates back to 1887. Take advantage of this stunning spot with a few laps or a gentle paddle, protected from the surf.

7. Injidup Natural Spa, WA

This rockpool in Yallingup, Western Australia, is famous for its "spa effect." Waves crash over the rocks, creating natural bubbles in the water. Be careful and check the tides before visiting.

8. Currumbin Rock Pools, QLD

Away from the beach, the Currumbin Rock Pools in the Gold Coast Hinterland are fresh-water pools in the rainforest. You can swim under waterfalls and enjoy the peaceful nature.

9. Champagne Pools, QLD

Champagne Pools on K'gari (Fraser Island)

On Fraser Island (K'gari), the Champagne Pools fill with seawater when waves crash over the rocks. The bubbles look like a natural jacuzzi, making it a unique swimming spot.

10. Emma Gorge, WA

For an inland swimming experience, Emma Gorge in El Questro Wilderness Park is a beautiful place. It has clear water surrounded by red cliffs and a small waterfall.

Tips for Visiting Rockpools in Australia:

✔️ Check Tide Times – Some rockpools are only safe at low tide. Always check before you go.

✔️ Wear Water Shoes – Rocks can be slippery or sharp.

✔️ Watch for Marine Life – Some pools have small fish or sea urchins. Be careful.

✔️ Follow Safety Warnings – Some rockpools are near strong waves. Always follow local advice.

✔️ Respect Nature – Keep these places clean and take your rubbish with you.

Explore Australia’s Natural Pools

Whether you want to swim in the ocean or in a quiet rainforest pool, Australia has many rockpools to explore. Bring your swim gear and enjoy these natural wonders!

 

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