9 of Sydney’s best ocean pools

9 of Sydney's best ocean pools

Best of all? They’re free.

By Jessica Wilkinson & Jac Taylor  

There are times when you just need a good pool, you know? But when the sun is shining and the thought of chlorine and indoor pools gives you the hibijibis, hit up an ocean pool - it’s the best bits of the ocean in pool form.

Bondi Icebergs Pool, Bondi

The public pool at Bondi Icebergs is defs one of Australia's most photographed spots and has the pool complex, a sauna and a gymnasium. Plus, after your swim you can have a drink at the bar. So that's fun.

Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach

This ocean-fed pool is found at the southern end of Bronte Beach, five minutes by taxi (or a 20 minute stroll) from Bondi Beach. After you've had a swim eat up at The Bogey Hole cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch daily.

Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain

This tidal-flow saltwater pool can be found deep inside Sydney’s harbour, with a little adjacent beach. You should totes go, even just so you can say you've swam in a tidal-flow pool. Balmain is in Sydney's inner west, just 10 minutes by bus or ferry from the city.  

Fairy Bower Pool, Manly

Manly Beach is on many travellers’ must-do lists, but word to the wise, if you follow the coastal path for about five minutes past the southern end of the sand you’ll find this little gem. For those who love to snorkel, the marine life in the open water alongside the pool is awesome.  

MacCallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point

The views at MacCallum Pool alone make it worth a visit. An unbeatable sunbathing spot on a heritage timber deck looks out over the harbour to Sydney city, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Chowder Bay Baths, Mosman

You won't find Chowder Bay in tourist brochures which makes it an instant win. This gorgeous pool is loved by Sydney locals. Surrounding bushland and the calm waters of Chowder Bay make this a very popular picnic and swimming spot. Cool off in the harbour pool and look out for the seahorses that live along its netted edge.

Giles Bath, Coogee

The beach suburb of Coogee is just five kilometres (three miles) south down the coast from Bondi and it has so many ocean pools that you could spend a whole day visiting them. The shallow Ivor Rowe Rockpool is a warm wading pool the Ross Jones Memorial Pool at the beach's southern end is hugely popular, but Giles Baths are something else again: a clear, natural and calm rockpool, open to the waves at one end.   

McIvers Baths, Coogee

McIvers has been a spot for women and children only since the 1920s. Its rock-platform location is hidden both by the curve of the coastline and by its distance from the road via a set of steps.