If you’re looking for a place to cool off this summer, Sydney has ample rock pools to wade in without the fear of sharks creeping up on you!

Here are just 10 of Sydney’s best ocean pools that should be on your hit list this summer.

1. Bondi Icebergs

Bondi
Image: Annie Gabillet | POPSUGAR Photography

Arguably one of Sydney’s most photographed sites, Bondi Icebergs is where the cool kids hang out. Since 1929, The Icebergs have welcomed swimmers and it certainly hasn’t lost its charm.

Summer draws a crowd, but if you can’t find a place to lay your towel there’s plenty to do including relax in the sauna, hit the gym, get a massage or partake in a yoga class. For those who fancy a more chilled out afternoon, you can always enjoy a cocktail from the bar upstairs.

2. Bronte Baths

Bronte Baths Horizontal
Image: Travellettes

From serious lap swimmers to little tackers in floaties, Bronte Baths has been one of most favoured ocean pools in Sydney since it opened in 1887. There’s plenty of room in the water for splashing about and on the rocks for sunbaking. It’s also a perfect spot for a refreshing tip on those balmy nights. Oh and the best bit, it’s free!

3. Collaroy Rock Pools

Collaroy Rockpool
Image: Warringah Council

Families will find it hard to go past Collaroy Rock Pools, a 50m pool with impressive views. There’s also a shallower toddler pool on offer, as well as a large playground and picnic area for when the water babies have had enough. It’s also wheelchair friendly.

4. Dee Why Baths

Dee Why
Image: Hello Sydney Kids

Dee Why Baths is home to an adult lap pool and a toddler pool, as well as ‘mums and bubs’ exercise classes for those looking to get active. The view, like most ocean pools in Sydney, is picture perfect and you get the added bonus of watching surfers dive into the rough swell from the surrounding rocks.

5. Bilgola Rock Pool

Bilgola Beach Pool Sydney NSW
Image: Dan Tozer

Bilgola Beach features one of the more secluded rock pools of the Northen Beaches. The 50-metre ocean pool has eight lanes perfect for laps and a separate wading area at its southern end. Simply head to Bilgola Beach for a relaxing afternoon or stop to cool off after trekking the South Bilgola Headland.

6. Mahon Pool

Mahon Pool Maroubra
Image: Jimmisnaps Photography

At the northern end of Maroubra Beach carved into the rock face lies Mahon Pool. Due to its exposed position, this ocean pool is often subjected to big swells as the surf crashes over the edge. With concrete kept to a minimum, this pool has a natural, rustic charm that’s hard to beat.

7. Wylie’s Bath

Wylies
Image: ML McDermott | Flickr

Just a short stroll from Coogee Beach is Wylie’s Bath which offers 180-degree tranquil views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooks Wedding Cake Island. One of Australia’s very first mixed gender baths, Wylie’s is a popular place to take a dip, sunbake or join a pilates class. Come evening, Wylie’s also doubles as a pretty impressive wedding venue.

8. North Curl Curl

Nth Curl Curlrockpool
Image: Warringah Council

North Curl Curl is one of the most exposed ocean pools in Sydney. During high tide, the 25-metre pool can only be accessed via the headland’s coastal walk, but once there, it’s a pretty spectacular spot. Carved out of the rock face, the pool has a natural floor and plenty of rocks to laze about on, soaking up the sunshine.

9. Fairy Bower Pool

FairyBower
Image: J Vodicka

Fairy Bower Pool is one Sydney’s most idealic ocean pools. Built by local residents in 1929, the triangular pool is one of Manly’s main attractions. Adding to the charm are the “Manly Sea Nymphs”, a sculpture created by Helen Leetes, which dance at the ocean pool’s edge. Unfortunately, recent storms have left the iconic sculpture damaged. Fundraising is underway to restore the work to its original glory.

10. McIver’s Baths

McIvers
Image: Therese Spruhan

McIver’s baths is the last remaining women’s only ocean pools in Australia, continuing tradition since 1922. The 20 cent fee to enter the pool also remains the same! A small clubhouse is situated nearby along with a generous size sunbathing area on the pool’s grassy banks. Boys sorry, you’ll have to miss out on this one!

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