The Wanderer
Image: Continental Pool. Credit: Destination NSW.
Dotted along South Coast NSW, you’ll find spectacular saltwater pools fed by the ocean’s waves - if you know where to look. Often built into the rocks near beautiful sandy beaches, ocean pools are amazing for those days when the waves are a little too big for your liking. Or maybe, like me, you prefer a calm to a storm anyway.
So jump in your RV and follow the coastal route south between Sydney and the New South Wales/Victoria border, where after a refreshing dip in one of these stunning pools, you won’t have any problems reminding yourself that we live in the lucky country.
Start your road trip in Sydney and take a scenic journey through the Royal National Park, leading to Stanwell Park and Coalcliff Beach. At Coalcliff Beach, you’ll find an ocean pool in striking contrast to the dramatic backdrop of the escarpment.
A number of breathtaking ocean pools can be found in the Illawarra region, spanning from the southern reaches of the Royal National Park to the renowned coastal town of Kiama. Here you’ll find notable pools at Coledale, Bulli, Towradgi, Port Kembla and North Wollongong.
Nuns Pool, situated at Flagstaff Point in Wollongong, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1830s, making it one of the oldest in the state. The title of oldest ocean pool goes to the Bogey Hole in Newcastle, north of Sydney, as it was built by convicts in 1819. Tucked below the lighthouse, the Nuns Pool (formerly known as Chain Baths and used by the nuns of St Mary’s convent), resides in a small, sheltered cove, accessible through a narrow path carved into the sandstone.
Heading further south to Kiama, the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool offers a secure swimming spot near the world’s largest blowhole, located on a headland near the town centre. This irregular-shaped pool, once exclusive to men, varies in depth and has a rock bottom. A 15-minute stroll from the blowhole takes you to Black Beach Reserve, where the Olympic-size Continental Ocean Pool awaits, allowing for 50-metre laps.
Jumping back in your RV and continuing a 15-minute drive south of Kiama will bring you to the quaint coastal town of Gerringong. At the southern end of Werri Beach, Ourie Ocean Pool invites swimmers to enjoy its rectangular design carved into a flat rock shelf, complete with a smooth concrete bottom - an ideal destination for a refreshing summer swim.
CMCA Friendly Park: Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort.
CMCA MSO: Ross and Sally at Helensburgh. 0425 330 560. Phone first.
CMCA MSO: Robert and Michelle at Cordeaux Heights. 0413 066 524. (Phone first).
Overnight Rest Area: Warrawong Campsite.
Dump Points: Appin Park Dump Point, Jamberoo Dump Point.
Image: Ourie Pool, Gerringong. Credit: Destination NSW
Extend your journey an additional hour southward into the Shoalhaven region and discover the Huskisson Sea Pool in, you guessed it, Huskisson. This coastal town has a rich shipbuilding heritage, which you can explore at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum after your swim.
A 45-minute drive further south of Huskisson leads you to Mollymook. Here, on the headland south of the beach, lies the famous Mollymook Bogey Hole, a natural rock pool that graces the South Coast. Additionally, Ulladulla, just a brief five-minute drive further down the coast, offers a delightful ocean pool for your enjoyment.
CMCA Friendly Park: Ingenia Holiday Shoalhaven Heads & Tall Timbers Caravan Park
CMCA MSO: Rod & Teresa at South Nowra. 0412 283 859. (Phone first).
Overnight Rest Area: Broughton Creek Rest Area.
Dump Points: Berry Showground Dump Point. Sussex Inlet Dump Point .
Image: Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama. Credit: Destination NSW
One of the most renowned ocean pools in NSW can be found at Bermagui, a little over a five-hour drive from Sydney on the Saphire Coast. The captivating Blue Pool in Bermagui is celebrated for its picturesque setting, featuring water that transitions from azure to turquoise and green. Stretching 50 metres in length, it serves as an excellent venue for lap swimming. Adjacent to the pool, there’s also a shallow wading pool, providing an ideal spot for kids.
Venture to the southernmost reaches of the NSW coastline to find the Aslings Beach Rock Pool, a hidden treasure nestled into the pink-and-white cliffs at Aslings Beach in Eden. Approximately a six-hour drive from Sydney, this gem is conveniently located just a short walk from town - although its unassuming profile may make it challenging to spot from a distance along the beach. A brief trek over the rocks during low tide reveals this secluded pool and it’s now that you should seize the opportunity for a dip before the waves have a chance to deposit any seaweed with the incoming tide.
CMCA Friendly Park: Reflections Holiday Park Bermagui and Eden
CMCA MSO: Cathy at Kalaru. 0407 697 392. Must phone.
Overnight Rest Area: Scrubby Creek Rest Area , Dry River Rest Area.
Dump Points: Cobargo Hotel Dump Point, Bega Dump Point
Image: Blue Pool, Bermagui. Credit: Destination NSW
As you embark on your road trip to explore the enchanting ocean pools along the South Coast of NSW from the comfort of your RV, you’re bound to create some amazing memories along the way. From the many ocean pools surrounding Kiama to the azure allure of Bermagui’s Blue Pool to the hidden gem of Aslings Beach Rockpool in Eden, each aquatic adventure promises a refreshing dip (sometimes a little too refreshing) and a natural high that as many of you know, can only be found in Australia. So open up GeoWiki X, give your RV a rev and let these South Coast NSW ocean pools be the backdrop to your next journey. Safe travels, fellow wanderer.
Category: Features
Written: Mon 13 May 2024
Printed: January, 2024
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