Sydney's best ocean pools
Take a dip in an ocean pool – a beautiful, refreshing and sustainable Australian institution.
By Simon Webster
A swim in an ocean pool is a classic Australian experience. Built right on the coast and replenished by ocean waves, the pools offer clean, chemical-free swimming in stunning locations. So do as the locals do and take a dip in one of Sydney's best ocean pools.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi
Bondi Icebergs in Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud
Arguably Sydney's most famous ocean pool is Bondi Icebergs. This pool, a 25-minute drive from the city centre, offers spectacular views over the golden sands of Bondi Beach. After a refreshing saltwater swim, grab a bite to eat at Bondi Icebergs Club and watch the surf – and the surfers – roll in.
Fun fact
Ocean pools have been a Sydney institution for 200 years, with the first ocean pool built by convicts in 1819. There are now over 100 ocean pools across the state.
Bronte Baths, Bronte
Bronte Baths in Bronte, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Bronte Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, offers a short but scenic stretch of sand and a cute little row of cafés for when hunger strikes. At its southern end is Bronte Baths, an ocean pool that dates back to 1887 and offers a stunning spot for swimming a few laps or just having a paddle, protected from the surf.
Wylie's Baths, Coogee
Wylie's Baths in Coogee, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Just to the south of Bronte, residents of the beachside suburb of Coogee are spoilt for choice when it comes to ocean pools. Try Wylie’s Baths, an ocean pool with great views of Coogee Beach and a real sense of history. Relax poolside with yoga, pilates and meditation classes, or book in for a seaside massage.
Giles Baths and McIver's Ladies Baths, Coogee
Giles Baths in Coogee, Sydney, New South Wales © James Vodicka
Coogee is also home to Giles Baths, a natural rock pool that locals call the "Bogey Hole." Nearby are McIver’s Ladies Baths, a man-made pool that has been providing women and children with a private place to swim since the 1870s. A great way to explore this stretch of coast (and its beaches and pools) is on one of Sydney's best coastal walks – the Bondi to Coogee Walk.
Travel tip
Visit several coastal pools in one day with an Iconic Ocean Pools Sydney tour. Let Sydney local Alysia show you around her favourite seaside spots.
Fairy Bower Pool, Manly
Fairy Bower Ocean Pool in Manly, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Manly, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is just a half-hour ferry ride from the city centre, but feels much further away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This seaside suburb seems to bask in a holiday atmosphere all year round. As the name implies, Manly's Fairy Bower Pool is a magical spot, with bronze sculptures, protection from waves and views over the famous Fairy Bower surf break.
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Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain
Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
The suburb of Balmain, known for its relaxed cafés, artisan bakeries and fashion boutiques, is home to another sought-after swimming spot. The Dawn Fraser Baths is not technically an ocean pool, but a harbour pool, fed by water from Sydney Harbour. You could call it an inner city version of an ocean pool. Named after legendary Australian Olympic swimmer Dawn Fraser, this pool claims to the be the oldest in Australia, and home to the nation’s first swimming club. It’s also a water polo venue, and a popular spot for families on a hot day.
