15 world famous rockpools
Are you looking for the best rockpools on the Northern Beaches? Ocean rock pools have been an important part of Sydney and New South Wales beach culture since 1819. The Northern Beaches are lucky enough to have 15 stunning beachside pools varying in shape and size. They are a perfect place to escape the ocean rips, avoid the sand, provide safe swimming/paddling for families or swim some laps. The pools on the Northern Beaches are all free and offer panoramic views out towards the Pacific Ocean. Read on to find out why these pools should be on your bucket list during your Sydney visit!
Avalon Rockpool
Avalon rockpool is located at the southern end of Avalon Beach, nestled amongst the rocks. There is also a shallow toddler pool that is great for the little ones to splash around in. Afterwards, head to one of the local cafes for a delicious healthy snack.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 25 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. Free 3-hour car park on 46-48 Avalon Parade. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus from Stand B | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Mona Vale and then a 199 bus to Avalon |
Bilgola Rockpool
Bilgola Beach is located between two large headlands making it one of the most secluded beaches in Sydney. The 50-metre rockpool has concrete walls and floors and is located at the southern end of the beach. The rockpool overlooks the ocean awarding a fantastic view of the 60-metre high North Bilgola headland. The pool has two sections, separating the serious lap swimmers from the wading area which is perfect for toddlers. In the summertime, the pool lights stay on until 10pm making it the great spot for a late night swim.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 Metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly, hop on a 199 bus from Stand B to Bilgola. Walk down to Bilgola Beach from Barrenjoey Road | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Mona Vale and then a 199 bus to Bilgola. Walk down to Bilgola Beach from Barrenjoey Road |
Collaroy Rockpool
Located at the southern end of Collaroy beach, the rockpool almost wraps itself around the headland and is made up of an eight-lane 50-metre lap pool, plus a shallow toddler pool. Collaroy rockpool is a great spot for kids and those who require disability access. You can swim laps whilst enjoying the stunning views up and down the coast of Collaroy and Narrabeen beaches.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus from Stand B to Collaroy Beach. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Collaroy Beach |
Dee Why Rockpool
Dee Why Rockpool is located at the northern end of the beach. The pool is comprised of a 50-metre lap pool and a small toddler wading pool. This pool is the perfect spot for families because of its proximity to playgrounds and cafes. At low tide, you will find a large rock platform next to the pool, which is a perfect spot to lay out your towel and enjoy the views of the beach and the sunshine.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres and toddler area | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 166 bus from Stand A to Dee Why Beach. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Dee Why and then walk 13 minutes to the beach. |
Fairlight Rockpool
The only harbourside pool on our list, Fairlight Rockpool is located along the Manly to Spit walkway. The pool consists of a 30-metre lap pool and a small wading pool for kids. It is only a 10-minute walk from Manly Wharf. This hidden gem is the perfect spot to escape tourists during the busy summer months and is next to Fairlight Beach, a calm beach with a great area for snorkelling, kayaking or paddleboarding.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 30 metres | |
| Parking | 2 hours free parking on Lauderdale Avenue | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly take the 162 bus from Stand C or it is a 15 minute walk from the wharf | From Circular Quay catch a ferry to Manly and then walk 15 minutes to Fairlight Rock Pool |
Fairy Bower Rockpool
Located along Marine Parade is the stunning Fairy Bower Rockpool built by local residents in 1929. It is triangular in shape and the sculptures which perch on the rocky ledge are known as ‘The Sea Nymphs’ or ‘The Oceanides’, created by Helen Leete. The pool’s shape makes it the perfect spot to sunbake and relax after a swim or snorkel at Shelly beach.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 20 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking available beside Manly or Shelly beach from 7am until 7pm. Three Council carparks nearby that offer 2 hours free parking. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | No public transport from Manly to Fairy Bower Pool. Your best option is to walk 15 minutes to the pool along the Manly to Shelly Beach walkway. | From Circular Quay catch a ferry to Manly and then walk 15 minutes to Fairy Bower Pool. |
Freshwater Rockpool
Freshwater Rockpool is located on the northern end of Freshwater Beach and has two access points; one from the beach and the other is down a flight of stairs from the carpark on Lumsdaine Drive. The pool is 50-metres long with eight lanes marked on the bottom of the pool. This ocean pool is perfect for people who prefer swimming in a pool yet are still able to enjoy the stunning views of the adjacent beach and across the ocean towards North Head.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach and above the pool from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 167 bus, Stand A to Freshwater Beach. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Warringah Mall and then cross the road to catch a 167 bus to Freshwater Beach |
Mona Vale Rockpool
The stunning Mona Vale Rockpool sits out in the ocean on a rock platform and is a hotspot for local photographers. Mona Vale Rockpool is situated on the tip of a sand spit near the northern end of Mona Vale Beach. There are two rock pools here: a larger pool measuring 30 metres long, and a smaller pool that is suitable for children and less confident swimmers. These pools are surrounded by water at high tide, creating the illusion of floating in the middle of the ocean.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 30 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 6am until 9pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus, Stand B to Mona Vale | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Mona Vale. |
Newport Rockpool
Newport Pool is located at the southern end of the beach. It is accessed from a walkway at the corner of Calvert Parade and The Boulevard or along the beach from the carpark. Railings enclose this rock pool and a small beach forms in front of the pool at high tide. The water is waist high and is great if you wish to swim laps.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 6am until 9pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus from Stand B to Newport. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Mona Vale and then a 199 bus to Newport. |
North Curl Curl Rockpool
North Curl Curl Rockpool is one of the most secluded ocean pools in Sydney. It can be accessed via the beachfront at low tide and via the coastal walk in high tide. This pool is not recommended for lap swimmers, as there is a rock formation in the middle. It is popular with those trying to escape the surf conditions of the neighbouring beaches and is also extremely popular with photographers for its unusual location and beauty.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 25 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly Wharf jump on a 166 bus, Stand A | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Dee Why and then a 166 bus to North Curl Curl Rockpool |
North Narrabeen Rockpool
North Narrabeen Rockpool is located at the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon. The access to the pool is from Narrabeen Park Parade, located opposite the NRMA Lakeside caravan park. The rockpool is 50 metres long and a timber walkway encloses a smaller pool within the larger lap pool. Next to the pool, there are plenty of natural rock pools perfect for spotting sea creatures. This makes North Narrabeen a great spot for families with curious young kids.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus at Stand B to Warriewood B-line bus stop and then walk 15 minutes to the Rockpool. | From Manly jump on a 199 bus, Stand G to Warriewood B-line bus stop and then walk 15 minutes to the Rockpool. |
Palm Beach Rockpool
Palm Beach Rockpool is located on the southern end of Palm Beach and is a great pool to swim laps. If you are a Home and Away fanatic, you might recognise the pool as it is a popular filming location on the show. Next to the pool, a nice stone step area is a convenient sand-free area to lay out your towel and absorb some vitamin D. You will also be rewarded with stunning views of the magnificent Barrenjoey Headland and lighthouse.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus from Stand B to Whale Beach. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Mona Vale and then a 199 bus to Palm Beach. |
Queenscliff Rockpool
Queenscliff Rockpool is located on the northern end of Queenscliff Beach and is only a short walk from Manly Beach. This 50-metre ocean pool is great for swimming laps, as there are markings along the walls to make sure you are swimming in a straight line. Just around the corner from the pool, you will find a secret tunnel called ‘the Wormhole’ that takes you through the headland to Freshwater Beach. The best time to visit is in the mornings as the adjacent headland casts a shadow in the afternoon.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking available beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly take bus 166 or 167 from Stand A to Queenscliff Beach. | From Circular Quay catch a ferry to Manly and then either a 166 or 167 bus to Queenscliff Beach. |
South Curl Curl Rockpool
South Curl Curl Rockpool is separated into two sections by an original wall that dates back to the 1920’s. This larger section creates a 50-metre ocean pool for laps and a shallower ‘splash and play’ area for kids. Next to the pool, you will find a stunning boardwalk that takes you towards Freshwater Beach and pool.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 50 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 167 bus from Stand B to South Curl Curl Beach. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Warringah Mall and then cross the road to catch a 167 bus to South Curl Curl Beach |
Whale Beach Rockpool
Whale Beach Rockpool is located on the southern end of the beach and can be accessed from The Strand. This 25-metre rockpool is not very deep with a nice sandy bottom, which makes it a great pool for families. In addition, the views are incredible. After your swim, visit Moby Dick for a post swim snack and hot drink.
| Facilities |
| |
| Pool Length | 25 metres | |
| Parking | Pay and display parking available beside the beach from 7am until 7pm. | |
| How to get there on Public Transport | From Manly jump on a 199 bus from Stand B to Whale Beach. | From Wynyard catch a B1 bus to Mona Vale and then a 199 bus to Whale Beach. |