Love the beach, but prefer to stay away from rough waves? These rockpools in Sydney are the solution! On a hot summer’s day, take a trip to one of these shallow, protected ocean pools around Sydney’s Northern Beaches for some fun in the water.
Use the quicklinks below to find five stunning rockpools on Sydney’s Northern Beaches:
- Queenscliff Beach and Rockpool, Manly
- Freshwater Rockpool, Freshwater Beach
- Dee Why Rockpool, Dee Why Beach
- North Narrabeen Rockpool, Narrabeen Lagoon
- Mona Vale Rockpool, Mona Vale Beach
Looking for more great spots to swim with the family? Check out our post on Harbour beaches & swimming enclosures around Sydney’s North Shore.
Rockpools around Sydney’s Northern Beaches
1. Queenscliff Beach and Rockpool, Manly
At the far northern end of Manly beach is a great rock pool and swimming area for kids. The protected pool still gives families a taste of the ocean experience and the raised position means you have sweeping views across the beach. It’s also close to the cafe strip and shops for some strolling, or take the gentle 5km pram-friendly beachside stroll to Shelly Beach for even more fun. Pack the scooters and bikes if you have older children too!
2. Freshwater Rockpool, Freshwater Beach
Wander down to the northernmost end of Freshwater Beach where you’ll find a gorgeous, 50m seawater pool set amongst the rocks with the ocean bumping up against the walls! The generous size of the pool gives kids freedom to swim in safer conditions than the open sea and it also has nearby toilets and showers as part of the set up.
3. Dee Why Rockpool, Dee Why Beach
The Dee Why Rockpool is the ultimate family stop for parents because of its proximity to a playground and coffee! This means you can make a day of it with the whole family and enjoy swimming, playing, caffeine hits and a late lunch or early breakfast at the nearby cafe. As for the pool itself, there is a laned 50m ocean pool of natural sandstone and concrete walls with a special toddler area. The childrenโs rockpool is fascinating and in gorgeous condition with incredible views.
You can read our post on Family-friendly summer fun at Dee Why Beach.
4. North Narrabeen Rockpool
Located at the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon with access off Narrabeen Park Parade, there’s a huge area of natural rockpools around North Narrabeen, which are perfect for lazing around in the warm waters and spotting interesting sea creatures.
There’s also an ocean pool on a point, which has gorgeous panoramic views.ย The pool is 50 metres with a timber boardwalk separating the main lap pool from the rest of the pool.
Change rooms showers and toilets are available. A cafe is located close by.
5. Mona Vale Rockpool, Mona Vale Beach
Mona Vale Rockpool – toddlers
There are two rockpools at Mona Vale Beach. Ons is suitable for toddlers, and a larger pool (30m) is great for bigger kids and adults.
The rockpools are located on the beach, across the road is Apex Park which offers electric BBQs, picnic tables, shaded children’s playground and children’s bike path. There are also two fab cafes located nearby on Darley Street. Change rooms and toilets are available.
Located off Surfview Road northern end of beach. Pay andย display parking available.
