South Sydney is spoiled for choice when it comes to rock pools. Cronulla doesn’t boast just one, but four along the beach. The South Cronulla Beach Rock Pool is 50m long and is popular for laps and used by swimming clubs and locals to train. There’s also Cronulla Children’s Pool between the north and south pools.

The convenient location of this pool makes it a hotspot for families with kids. There are two rock pools, one suitable for toddlers and a larger 30m pool that is perfect for bigger kids and adults. It sits opposite Apex Park, where you’ll find electric BBQs, picnic tables, shaded children’s play area and children’s bike path. Change rooms and toilets are available.

One of Sydney’s oldest ocean pools, Wylie’s Baths is also heritage listed. It’s a living pool, which means you’ll find marine life like octopus and fish in the pool as well as a natural rock bottom. Entry to this pool does come at a cost of $6 per person and is open from 7am to 7pm throughout the summer.

This gem is found at the southern end of Collaroy beach, near the headland, and is a local secret. The 50m pool has eight lanes and there is a shallow toddler pool attached to it. Be sure to check the website for the cleaning roster as it can change at any given time due to unusual weather and pool conditions.

Well, this pool needs no introduction, but a list of Sydney’s best ocean pools wouldn’t be complete without its presence. The pool at Bondi Icebergs is open to the public all year round and has an admission fee of $9. With good food and coffee within arms reach, plus a sauna for ultimate relaxation, you could easily spend a whole day here.

Mahon Pool is tucked away on the north side of Maroubra Beach at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve. Heads up, this isn’t the most kid-friendly of pools. You can access the pool via a steep set of stairs from a car park on Marine Parade. Conveniently there is a toilet block, showers and change rooms on the cliff overlooking the pool.

Also known as the Clovelly Ocean Pool, you’ll find this stunning pool directly adjacent to Clovelly Beach. It’s a 25m long salt water pool with four lanes, which makes it the ideal spot for lap swimmers. Come summer, it’s a hot spot for Sydneysiders, so expect crowds.

You’ll find avid swimmers here aplenty. The 50m long pool is located at the southern end of Dee Why Beach. Attached to the rock pool is a shallow toddlers pool, which makes this the perfect summer spot for families with tots in tow. Accessible toilets and showers are available.

What we love about this rockpool is that it caters to both the lap swimmers and leisurely dippers. The 50m long pool has a timber boardwalk separating the main lap pool from the rest of the pool. Access to the pool is through Narrabeen Park Parade. Change rooms and toilets are available, and a cafe is just a short walk away.

Rockpool purists will love this addition. The 25m pool sits towards the end of the headland at North Curl Curl Beach. During high tide it can only be accessed via the coastal walk across the headland. Due to its difficult positioning it’s not cleaned by the council. Don’t expect pristine conditions, but boy is it pretty to look at.

With a sandy bank that leads to the water, this ocean pool is a favourite among families with little ones. There’s also a ramp that leads straight into the water making it an accessible swim spot. There’s a handful of small swim areas to be discovered along the promenade in Cronulla, but this one is a popular choice in the summer.

A 50m pool marked with eight lanes? Yes, please! Unlike other rock pools, Freshwater has a diving platform for those working on their form. Facilities include toilets, change rooms and showers.

Located along the Marine Parade footpath, this 20m triangular rock pool was built by local residents in 1929. After a morning walk along the parade there’s truly no better place to cool off than here. Just a short stroll from Manly Beach there’s cafes and coffee shops nearby.