Ocean Pools, Baths & Rockpools on the Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches is home to some of the best surfing beaches in Australia which means it’s also home to some of the best waves in Australia. Big waves and dangerous rips can be overwhelming for small children and parents alike which is why rockpools are such a fantastic place to spend some quality time.

The ocean baths and rockpools on the Northern Beaches are generally set against natural rock walls which can provide protection against the elements, whilst allowing for an exploratory experience for the kids.

Generally, there is no sand around the rockpools which means you can lay the towel down and cream the kids up without worrying about getting sand everywhere. Dee Why, Curl Curl and Freshwater (to name a few) have some hidden treasures including a variety of fish, crabs, and even the occasional octopus. 

Rockpools are also great for a day trip out of Sydney for those of us craving adventure. When the tide is high the waves can crash over the rockpools so be aware of safety first and foremost! (The image below of Queenscliff rockpool is a great example of this).

There is truly something magical about rockpools, so grab your kids and experience one of these many amazing ocean baths and rockpools on the Northern Beaches this weekend!

 

Northern Beaches Rockpools 

Here is a complete (alphabetical) list of all the ocean pools and rockpools on the Northern Beaches.

 

Avalon Rockpool

Located at the southern end of Avalon Beach. Change rooms and toilets are available. Access is from the carpark off Barrenjoey Road. 


Photo Credit © Matt Dobson @GalleryAustralis.com

 

Bilgola Rockpool

8 lane, Olympic sized ocean pool located at the southern end of Bilgola Beach. Bilgola rockpool provides disability access and change rooms and toilets are available. Access from the car park area off The Serpentine.


Bilgola Beach Rockpool. Photo Credit © SydneyPoint.com.au

 

Collaroy Rockpool

This large ocean pool is located at the southern end of Collaroy Beach and includes a ramp for easy wheelchair access.


Collaroy Rockpool Photo Credit - Placestogo.net.au

 

Dee Why Rockpool

Olympic sized ocean pool with a small rockpool for toddlers and younger children. Located at the southern end of Dee Why Beach with access to disabled toilets and showers.


Dee Why Rockpool - Photo credit: © Daily Telegraph

 

Fairlight Rockpool

One of the more natural rockpools on the Northern Beaches, Fairlight rockpool, which includes the main ocean pool and a smaller paddling pool, is located close to Manly Cove and next to Fairlight Beach.


Fairlight Rockpool Photo Credit © Angus Benham - Gusha

 

Fairy Bower Rockpool

This quaint 20 metre rockpool is located along Marine Parade and is one of the more secluded rockpools on this list.


Fairy Bower Rockpool Photo Credit © SeanASmith.com - Pinterest

 

Freshwater Rockpool

Large Olympic sized ocean rockpool located at the northern end of Freshwater Beach. Great place to take the kids and explore.


Freshwater Beach and Rockpool. Photo Credit © DallasKilponen.com

 

Mona Vale Rockpool

Located off Surfview Road at the northern end of Mona Vale Beach, two ocean rockpools provide somewhere for adults and kids to enjoy the water without worrying about waves, rips and sandy bottoms.


Mona Vale Beach Rockpool - Photo Credit: © Lee Duguid

 

Newport Rockpool

Located at the southern end of Newport Beach, the Olympic sized rockpool is 50 metres long with a natural rock platform as the floor.  


Newport Beach Beach Rockpool. Photo Credit: © Sean Neil

 

North Curl Curl Rockpool

This 25 metre rockpool is one of the more natural ocean baths on the Northern Beaches. Located at the end of the headland at North Curl Curl Beach, it can only be accessed via the coastal walk when the tide is high.


North Curl Curl Rockpool. Photo Credit: © Peter Bliss

 

North Narrabeen Rockpool

Located at the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon with access off Narrabeen Park Parade. This Olympic sized ocean pool has a timber boardwalk separating the main lap pool from the rest of the rockpool.


North Narrabeen Ocean Baths. Photo Credit: © Holger Link

 

Palm Beach Rockpool

With easy access from Ocean Road, this Olympic sized rockpool is located on the eastern side of Palm Beach. Toilets, change rooms and parking available close by.


Sydney, Australia © Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images

 

Queenscliff Rockpool

Located at the northern end of Manly Beach, this 50 metre rockpool has a widened ramp access from the beach and newly refurbished stairs.


Queenscliff Rockpool - Photo Credit: © VisitSydneyAustralia.com.au

 

South Curl Curl Rockpool

This large 50m rockpool has a separate toddler area as well as access to toilets, showers and car parking.


South Curl Curl Rockpool. Photo Credit by HelloSydneyKids.com.au

 

Whale Beach Rockpool

Located at the southern end of Whale Beach. The rockpool is 25 metres long and access is from The Strand. Change rooms and toilets are available.


Whale Beach Rockpool. Photo Credit by Ellaslist.com.au

 

Schools, nippers, swimming lessons, annual swim club events and other small groups/events are also able to book a rockpool so it is recommended to check the council website not only for the cleaning schedule but to confirm the rockpool hasn’t been booked by a school, club or group.

Note that Council sometimes closes rockpools due to rough seas, for renovations or for scheduled cleaning. Northern Beaches Council also recommends people avoid swimming for 3 days after heavy rain for health reasons.*

*Follow this link here to learn more about why you should avoid swimming at the beach after heavy rain.