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5 of the best ocean pools in the Illawarra

Ocean pools are quintessentially Australian, scattered primarily along the east coast and often boasting azure blue water amid stunning landscapes. These pools provide the perfect place to take a dip, swim laps, and shelter from rough seas and of course those unwanted sea creatures. In this edition of our best ocean pool series, we take […]

Ocean pools are quintessentially Australian, scattered primarily along the east coast and often boasting azure blue water amid stunning landscapes.

These pools provide the perfect place to take a dip, swim laps, and shelter from rough seas and of course those unwanted sea creatures.

In this edition of our best ocean pool series, we take a look at the best ocean pools in the Illawarra region that you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Bulgo Ocean Pool

Bulgo Ocean Pool, in Bulgo, near Otford, is one of the few heritage-listed ocean pools across Australia. 

Originally built in the 1930s by the shack community for children to bathe in and to store live fish that that been caught within the community.

In the 1960s the original rockpool was blasted out to create a larger pool for local swimmers.

Once you finish your swim you can enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding ocean and bask in the sun on the rock face.

Coalcliff Rock Pool

The Coalcliff Rock Pool was built in 1921 and quickly became a popular leisure spot for the locals and tourists in the mining town.

This pool is one of the more spectacular ocean pools along the coastline, with beautiful views up towards the cliff on one side and out to sea on the other.

Looking out to sea the turquoise water of the pool becomes one with the ocean and is one you must add to your bucket list.

Blowhole Point Rock Pool

Originally built in the 1880s the Blowhole Point Rock Pool is located near Kiama’s famous blowhole. Did you know? It is the largest blowhole in the world.

This rockpool is the perfect place for the whole family to spend their summer days; with an area to swim laps and a shallow wading area for the kids to play in.

Swimming at this rockpool feels like you are swimming right in the ocean, with its natural rock floor, organic shape and surrounding rocks.

Werri (Ourie) Rock Pool

The Ourie Rock Pool is located at the southern end of Werri Beach and was originally built in the 1930s to attract campers and tourists to the area.

This rockpool is one of Gerringong’s best-kept secrets with spectacular views off the rock platform out to sea and down the length of Werri Beach.

It is the perfect rockpool to swim laps, take a relaxing dip or splash around with the kids.

Figure Eight Rock Pool

The Figure Eight Rock Pool is located on a platform in the Royal National Park, which is not technically in the Illawarra, but it definitely feels like it’s out of Sydney. 

These rock pools are a sight to be seen and a must to add to your bucket list, with beautiful views out to sea while being surrounded by multiple little rock pools with the main attraction in the shape of a figure eight.

Please note that this rock platform can be very dangerous and you should take into account the weather, tides and swells before visiting. Only visiting during low tide and on a day with minimal swell.

  • Written by Ocean Swims on 25 January 2023
  • (Updated on 3 August 2023)

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