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40 Secret Ocean Pools Around Australia to Add to Your Bucket List
Whether winter or summer, a dip in the ocean is one of the best ways to clear your mind. We're pretty blessed here in Australia, with an abundance of breathtaking beaches that attract droves of travellers year round.
But if waves aren't your thing, there are plenty of ocean pools where you can enjoy a relaxing dip and catch up on your latest read in the sun (or shade). To make organising your next roadtrip a little easier, we've compiled 40 (yes, 4-0!) secret ocean pools to add to your bucket list.
So, as you plan your next getaway, consider one of these secret ocean pools around Australia, and wherever you end up—remember to wear SPF and take your rubbish with you when you leave.
40 Best Secret Ocean Pools Around Australia
1. Figure Eight Pools, NSW
Tucked inside the Royal National Park, the Figure Eight Pools are elusive—and those who venture to find them are rewarded with extraordinary natural pools to admire that border Burning Palms Beach.
2. Injidup Natural Spa, WA
Surrounding natural rocks shelter this glorious rock pool and protect it from the crashing waves from the ocean. Take a break from the sea and stake your claim to one of the large rocks that are perfect for sunbathing.
3. Killarney Glen, QLD
This iconic heart-shaped waterhole is the best spot for a summer pic for the gram. Killarney Glen is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland and is as popular with locals as those visiting for the day.
4. Bronte Rock Pool, NSW
One of the most photogenic spots in Sydney's East, Bronte Rock Pool is carved out of a cliff face and offers a 30-metre length lap for keen swimmers.
5. Gunlom Infinity Pools, NT
A wander through World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park will reward you with the most stunning crystal-clear plunge pool complete with waterfall and shade provided by native gum trees.
6. Blue Pool, NSW
Bermagui's famous Blue Pool is located at the bottom of a cliff face and is a sight to behold from above. Once you make it down, you'll be treated to a fresh ocean pool with to-die-for views.
7. Currarong Rock Pool NSW
In between two sets of rocks along a sandy channel on the idyllic South Coast of NSW is Currarong Rock Pool—the best spot in town to rejuvenate your body with a bit of saltwater therapy.
8. Mahon Rock Pool, NSW
Just north of Maroubra Beach, this rock pool is easily accessible from the car park with an adjoining staircase. With toilets, change rooms and showers, there's no reason to rush home this summer.
9. Wylie’s Baths, NSW
Sydney's East is home to many beautiful swimming spots, and Wylie's Baths in Coogee is one of the best. Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while taking in the glorious rays from the sun.
10. The Entrance Ocean Baths, NSW
This beautiful ocean pool on the Central Coast of NSW offers up a 50-metre pool that is perfect for cooling off, relaxing or practising a few laps.
11. Coalcliff Pool, NSW
This private ocean pool becomes one with the turquoise ocean to which it belongs to, unassuming and still. A local gem, Coalcliff Pool should be on your list of summer activities.
12. Edithburgh Tidal Pool, SA
This seawater swimming pool is perfect for gathering friends and making a day of it. Surrounded on all side by concrete steps, simply lay your towel down and take advantage of the fresh ocean water that gently flows in with each wave.
13. Killen Falls, NSW
While not strictly an ocean pool, we couldn't help but include Killen Falls on this list. It's a must-see when you're in the Ballina area—a stunning natural waterfall with a swimming spot flanked by lush foliage.
14. Fairy Bower Ocean Pool, NSW
The eye-catching triangular Fairy Bower Ocean Pool is one of Manly's many natural attractions. The pool is located about halfway between iconic Manly Beach and more the secluded Shelly Beach and attracts locals and tourists looking for a spot to savour the sun in.
15. Cronulla Rock Pool, NSW
If you're in the area, Cronulla Rock Pool is worth a visit. In fact, it's worth travelling for. Treat yourself to a refreshing dip and a world-class view some would pay millions for.
16. Dee Why Rock Pool, NSW
50-metres in length and offering a toddler area that's perfect for families, Dee Why Rock Pool is one of many beautiful bathing spots along Sydney's Northern Beaches. After your swim, retreat to the grass area for a picnic and settle into the afternoon.
17. Blowhole Point Rock Pool, NSW
With ample parking and facilities on-site, Blowhole Point is a great way to spend a summer's day. It has a natural rock floor and an organic shape which makes it feel like an extension of the ocean.
18. Pearl Beach Rock Pool, NSW
The southern end of Pearl Beach blessed with a gorgeous natural rock pool that is protected by a cliff face and allows a glimpse across the water to the sandy coves beyond.
19. MacCallum Pool, NSW
This unique North Sydney pool is a real showstopper, whether you're taking in the incredible harbour views on the deck or getting in a few laps of the 33-metre long pool.
20. McIvers Ladies Baths, NSW
Not far from Coogee's Wylie's Baths, McIvers Ladies Baths is the only remaining female-only ocean pool in Australia and is open to women and children.
21. Fairlight Rock Pool, NSW
If you happen to be out and about along one of the scenic walking tracks around Manly, you're bound to find yourself at Fairlight Beach—a small, friendly summer spot with a tidal swimming pool and some of the best views of Manly cove on offer.
22. South Curl Curl Rock Pool, NSW
If swimming laps is preferrable to dodging waves, then South Curl Curl's 50-metre rock pool is the place for you. One side if for swimmers and one side is for play, so pick a line and bask in the ambience.
23. Shelly Beach Rockpool, NSW
Close to Cronulla Beach, this lovely little rock pool is accessible by a sandy bank and is big enough to cater for the summer crowd. There are no lanes here, just crystal-clear water ready to cleanse your soul.
24. Merewether Ocean Baths, NSW
Merewether Ocean Baths contains two saltwater swimming pools in its complex at the southern end of the beach. Watch the sky change hue as the day passes by, alternating between thumbing through your favourite summer read and splashing in the giant pools.
25. Kingscote Tidal Pool, SA
Seawater flows in and out of this swimming spot along the Kingscote Foreshore on idyllic Kangaroo Island. A barbecue area nearby makes it the perfect spot for a group of friends.
26. Moonta Bay Seawater Pool, SA
Just two hours from Adelaide, you'll feel like you're swimming in your very own personal beach at Moonta Bay's seawater pool, and only the chill of the evening will tempt you to return to land.
27. Streaky Bay Jetty Pool, SA
Located on the Eyre Peninsula, Streaky Bay's netted swimming area is as picturesque as it gets. Travel along the L-shaped jetty to get there and become one with the ocean.
28. Yamba Beach Rock Pool, NSW
Yamba's local beach is matched only in beauty by its very own ocean pool. Quintessentially Australian, it's just azure waters and green foliage as far as the eye can see.
29. The Bogey Hole, NSW
This heritage-listed sea bath in Newcastle is a popular spot for locals come summer. It's organic in shape and offers a more tame take on the impressive ocean.
30. Freshwater Ocean Pool, NSW
Tucked away to one side of quaint Freshwater Beach, the ocean pool is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of how stunning the surrounding coves and cliffs actually are. You'll find loyal locals cooling themselves and then drying off on the rocks below.
31. Giles Baths, NSW
Giles Baths is a fun place to explore on the northern end of Coogee Beach, accessible from a few different points. The naturally-formed rock pool gives you the best of both worlds—salty ocean water and a more timid, wave-free experience.
32. The Continental Pool, NSW
Kiama is a popular summer area for locals and tourists, and The Continental Pool is a beautiful addition to the town that should be on your to-do list.
33. Kings Beach Pool, QLD
This addition to the list has been freshly upgraded and even includes shade sails and a wading area that overlooks the ocean below and feels like a high-end resort.
34. Hammersley Pool, WA
From above, you could be forgiven for thinking Hammersley Pool was located on the south coast of Italy due to its natural curves and sandy position. With water so clear it rivals the Maldives, Hammersley Pool is one of WA's best-kept secrets.
35. Mettams Pool, WA
This sheltered, sandy swimming area in Perth's northern suburbs is protected by a surrounding reef. If you enjoy snorkelling, Mettams Pool is a great place to witness some of the underwater creatures that live in this protected marine park.
36. Jellybean Pool, NSW
For your next weekend adventure, consider a trip to the Blue Mountains where you'll see some of the best natural beauty Australia has to offer. As well as that, Jellybean Pool is a great place to lay out a picnic and wade in the natural waters.
37. Cape Paterson Rock Pool, VIC
This man-made ocean pool sits a rock platform at Cape Paterson Bay Beach and is ideal for a quick dip or an entire day where the sound of crashing waves helps to alleviate any of life's worries.
38. Avalon Rock Pool, NSW
Avalon's angular rock pool is filled with bright, glimmering water that draws you in instinctively. Take a breath and enjoy the expansive vistas of one of Australia's most beautiful coastlines.
39. Collaroy Rock Pool, NSW
Another ocean pool on the list featuring an irregular shape, Sydney's Collaroy Beach features a glorious place to swim, while the grassy areas surrounding the pool make for a great place to snack and catch up on some reading.
40. Ivo Rowe Pool, NSW
The smallest of the rock pools along the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Ivo Rowe Pool is a shallow swimming hole that is perfect for cooling off without having to compete with surfers and crashing waves.
Want more travel ideas? Here are the most beautiful day trip destinations from every Australian capital city.
