Bondi Icebergs 

An ultra-Instagrammable icon of Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs puts you in pole position to take in the million-dollar views. Named for its winter swimming club, the bright-white lap pool dates back to 1929, but pulls leisure-seekers year-round. If you’ve set out from Coogee on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, pay the entry fee before rinsing off and soaking up the vistas and the vibes. 

If you're hungry after your swim: For a Euro-summer feel, stroll to Bondi Trattoria for the simply beautiful Italian flavours that have been savoured by locals since 1987. Think: calamari fritti, hand-stretched pizza or the fresh fish of the day. 

If you like this, you might like: The ocean pool at North Bondi is ideal for little ones and offers a different perspective of this beloved beach.

Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach

Bronte Baths

Sunrise at Bronte Baths is a glorious sight. But no matter what time you arrive, you’ll be won over by the beauty of the setting. If you’re making a day of it, you can hop from Bondi Icebergs to Bronte Baths along the popular 1km coastal walk. The beach itself is lovely but can pose a challenge on big-swell days, which is why the ocean-fed lap pool is a go-to for locals and visitors from all over the world. Tucked into the south headland, it’s a more serene swim spot but, like most ocean pools, will close when conditions are dangerous. There’s no entry fee and there’s the bonus of a wide grassy park behind the beach with barbecues and tables – perfect for a post-swim picnic. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Hit The Bogey Hole Cafe for breakfast favourites and fresh lunch bites. It’s hard to go past a bacon-and-egg roll and coffee if you’ve been up since sunrise. 

If you like this, you might like: Right beside the baths, you’ll find the Bronte Bogey Hole – the cafe’s namesake and a naturally occurring rockpool that’s great for a dip with goggles.

Bronte Beach and Baths, Bronte

Wylie’s Baths

A spectacular tidal pool with a resident cat named Mr Boots? Wylie’s Baths in Coogee offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Established back in 1907 by champion long-distance and underwater swimmer, Henry Alexander Wylie, the baths offer 180-degree views over the Pacific Ocean, all the way to the famous Wedding Cake Island. If you want more than just a swim, you can secure a spot in one of the health and wellbeing classes (such as Pilates, yoga and strength sessions). 

If you're hungry after your swim: Coogee is blessed with a host of great cafes and pubs, but if you’re looking to take things up a notch, check out Coogee Wine Room – a sleek space with a wine list boasting over 500 bottles and a cracking menu for cheese, charcuterie and heartier options if you’re settling in. 

If you like this, you might like: Another ocean pool worth visiting in Coogee is McIver’s Ladies Baths, but it’s worth noting that it’s exclusively for women and children – the only one in Australia.

Wylie's Baths, Coogee

Mahon Pool

While your swim might coincide with elite athletes in training, Mahon Pool is a beloved destination in Maroubra for its natural beauty and secluded feel. Created in 1935 using the natural foundation of a rock pool, Mahon Pool is set among the exposed rocky outcrops, which adds to its sense of natural grandeur. Accessible by the coastal walking track at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve, the pool does involve some steep-step walking from the Marine Parade car park, but you’ll be well rewarded once you arrive. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Score a fresh pastry, coffee, sausage roll or all of the above from The Grumpy Baker in Maroubra. 

If you like this, you might like: The long stretch of Maroubra Beach is enjoyed by surfers and swimmers year-round and you’ll also find naturally occurring rockpools at the south end.

Mahon Pool, Maroubra

Murray Rose Pool

Get your timing right and you may score a solo spot on a timber pontoon floating in Murray Rose Pool at Redleaf Beach in Double Bay. If you don’t fancy a dip, you can still marvel at the harbour views: stroll around the timber perimeter of the expansive, netted swimming enclosure. This is a real gem that proves popular as it’s just a 15-minute drive from Sydney CBD or a 12-minute walk from Double Bay Wharf (if you don’t mind a steep hill). 

If you're hungry after your swim: The Redleaf Cafe looks out over the beach and is a go-to for breakfast favourites as well as burgers and salads for lunch. You can also head into Double Bay to hit up The Golden Sheaf for a pub classic. 

If you like this, you might like: Staying east-side, Parsley Bay Reserve is a dreamy swimming spot, complete with a suspension bridge for you to take it all in. Depending on traffic, it’s a 15-20 minute drive from Murray Rose Pool.

Murray Rose Pool, Redleaf Beach

North Sydney Olympic Pool

Fresh from a wow-factor renovation, the North Sydney Olympic Pool offers up-close-and-personal perspectives of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Originally opened in 1936, this venue now incorporates outdoor and indoor lap pools, kids’ splash area as well as spa facilities and a gym for members too. As far as swims with memorable views go, North Sydney Olympic Pool does not disappoint. 

If you're hungry after your swim: With grab-and-go options, Campos coffee and gelato scoops, the onsite Grandstand Kiosk will tide you over after a swim.  

If you like this, you might like: Stroll around the corner to see the big smile of Luna Park Sydney’s entryway – another of Sydney's photogenic sites. 

North Sydney Olympic Pool, Milsons Point

MacCallum Pool

For another ocean pool with a Harbour Bridge vantage point, stop by the 33-metre MacCallum Pool at Cremorne Point. This popular two-lane lap pool started life as a naturally occurring rockpool that was enlarged and fortified by local residents in the 1920s. Beautifully designed with timber decking that adds to its aesthetic appeal, the pool offers prime sun-soaking zones with the bonus of harbour and Sydney skyline views.  

If you're hungry after your swim: Head back into Neutral Bay and hit up the beloved Bourke Street Bakery’s Grosvenor Street location. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, coffee or a choccy milk, you’ll find the ideal post-swim fare. 

If you like this, you might like: A visit to MacCallum Pool puts you right near Cremorne Point Wharf, which offers a range of ferry routes to continue your day on the water. 

Maccallum Pool, Cremorne Point

Fairy Bower Rockpool

Visit Fairy Bower Rockpool on a sparkling day and you’ll feel the full effect of Sydney's magic. Just a small triangular slice of a pool, its perimeter juts out from the well-loved concrete walk between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach. Bob in its waters and look out over the crystal-clear sea through the iconic Oceanides sculpture or turn back to watch the stream of foot traffic file past. It’s a picture-perfect spot to capture one of Sydney’s best sides. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Continue on to The Boathouse Shelly Beach for takeaway fish and chips you can enjoy on the sand or dine in for brunch and beyond. 

If you like this, you might like: Jump from the pool into Cabbage Tree Bay marine reserve to explore one of Sydney’s best snorkel spots – keep your eye out for cameos from a local turtle.

Fairy Bower Rockpool, Manly

Queenscliff Rockpool

Not every ocean pool has a secret tunnel beside it, but a visit to Queenscliff Rockpool offers a stunning spot for laps as well as access to The Wormhole through to Freshwater Beach. The long stretch of Manly Beach merges with Queenscliff Beach at the south end, so you can follow a trail of stunning swim spots. For buzzy Manly atmosphere, walk the promenade all the way to Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Grab a takeaway coffee and power up to Manly for a wealth of tasty options from Noon Manly’s cracking breakfasts or Felons Brewing Co for freshly wood-fired pizza you can enjoy while watching the Manly Ferries come and go. 

If you like this, you might like: For more spectacular sights, don’t miss North Head – the place for scenic cliffside lookouts.

Queenscliff Rockpool, Manly

Freshwater Rockpool

The eight lanes of the 50-metre Freshwater Rockpool are ideal for sharpening your swimming stroke. Here you’ll find yourself at the tip of the Freshwater Beach headland before it wraps around to south Curl Curl Beach. And, if laps aren’t your priority, you can still bob in the slow lane. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Walk back into Freshwater village to indulge in exceptional baked goods from Mrs Jones the Baker. The ham-and-cheese croissants are unforgettable and it’s hard to pass up the artful sweet creations in the front window – such as salted caramel tarts and cinnamon twists. 

If you like this, you might like: The coastal walk to South Curl Curl Rockpool – it’s about 850m and especially beautiful as the sun rises. 

Freshwater Rockpool, Freshwater

North and South Curl Curl Rockpools

Curl Curl Beach is bookended by exceptionally beautiful ocean pools. The South Curl Curl Rockpool is a haven for families, thanks to the generous splash area and gentle-gradient ramps into deeper water. Stronger swimmers can enjoy laps in its deeper section, too. At the other end of the beach, you’ll find North Curl Curl Rockpool – complete with unique rock formations and sea life. During low tide, you can access this picturesque jewel from the sand, but when the tide rises, take the coastal walk for spectacular views of Curly’s sands. 

If you're hungry after your swim: The Beach Eatery has generous breakfasts, lunches and dinners and is always abuzz with people getting their coffee fix. 

If you like this, you might like: After a North Curl Curl swim, continue on the coastal walk for incredible vistas that carry you along to Dee Why Rockpool. 

South Curl Curl Rock Pool, Northern Beaches - Credit: Go Beyond Tours

North Narrabeen Rockpool

At the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon, North Narrabeen Rockpool offers two-for-one value: two ocean baths divided by a timber walkway – great if you’re just scoping things out before a swim. Pack a snorkel – you might catch glimpses of sea creatures at the bottom of the pool. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Girdlers Cafe Narrabeen serves a wholefood brunch that’s big on flavour – the crêpes menu is also well worth a look. 

If you like this, you might like: Explore Narrabeen Lagoon as it’s the Northern Beaches’ largest estuary system and a great spot for a picnic.

North Narrabeen Rockpool, Narrabeen

Collaroy Rockpool

Sitting at the southern end of Collaroy Beach on a rock shelf, the 50m Collaroy Rockpool has a slight hexagonal shape. This doesn’t hold lap swimmers back and the kids’ splash section at the far end means everyone can enjoy the water. There’s also a great playground near the carpark, if you’re bringing little ones. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Head to Mr Gelato by Matteo for beautiful scoops to beat the heat.

If you like this, you might like: Collaroy is a great surf spot for beginners: why not try a lesson with Collaroy Beach Surf School? 

Collaroy Rockpool, Northern Beaches

Mona Vale Rock Pool

There’s no doubt that Mona Vale Rock Pool is a beauty – whether seen from the sky or at ground level. Sitting near the northern end of Mona Vale Beach, it comprises a 30-metre pool as well as a smaller, shallower section ideal for kids and waders. At high tide, the pool is surrounded by waves, giving the impression that it floats atop the sea. 

If you're hungry after your swim: For corn fritters, fresh juices or a classic bacon-and-egg roll, head to Armchair Collective, where you can also browse homewares. 

If you like this, you might like: Take in the sweeping views of this beautiful coastline from North Mona Vale Headland Reserve. 

Mona Vale Rock Pool, Northern Beaches 

Palm Beach Rockpool

With views towards the Central Coast, Palm Beach Rockpool is a drawcard for numerous reasons. A popular filming location for long-running TV show Home and Away, the ocean pool and Palm Beach itself offer natural beauty in spades. This is Sydney’s northernmost ocean pool and, at 50m long, it’s great for refining your stroke. Make a day of it and fire up the electric barbecues at Governor Phillip Park or take in the views from the Barrenjoey Headland and its famous lighthouse.

If you're hungry after your swim: Soak up local history at Barrenjoey House – a seafood-focused restaurant in a 100-year-old building. 

If you like this, you might like: Avalon, Newport and Bilgola are glorious swim spots too.

Palm Beach Rockpool, Palm Beach - Credit: Northern Beaches Council

Dawn Fraser Baths

Named after the champion swimmer, the Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain is the oldest harbour pool in the Southern Hemisphere – it was built in the 1880s. Open from October to April, this is a tidal-flow harbour pool. At low tide, a small stretch of sand appears, so it’s great for kids or relaxing with a beach read. 

If you're hungry after your swim: Hot chips in hot weather is a pretty classic combo: get your fix from the onsite kiosk. 

If you like this, you might like: The pool is bordered by Elkington Park, which gives you views of the baths and the harbour.

Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain

Cronulla Rockpool

Cronulla is positively awash with ocean pools: take your pick from four stunning options. Sitting on the rocky platform between South and North Cronulla beaches, you’ll find Cronulla Rockpool. North Cronulla rockpool neighbours this one, but you’ll have to travel a little further to dive into Shelly Park Ocean Pool then Oak Park Oean Pool.

If you're hungry after your swim: After pool hopping, the fresh flavours of sleek Thai restaurant Alphabet St. will perk you right up again.

If you like this, you might like: For more amazing swim spots, catch a 42-minute ferry from Cronulla Wharf to Bundeena – Horderns and Gunyah Beach beckon. 

Cronulla Rockpool, Cronulla