Life in the Illawarra is all about the outdoors, we’re pretty spoilt for choice! With stacks of swimming options, from indoor and outdoor pools to those dreamy ocean pools that give you all the ocean vibes without the… well, sharks, there’s always somewhere to splash.
So, here’s your go-to list of pools right across the Illawarra! Perfect for clocking up laps, cooling off on a hot day, keeping the kids entertained or powering through a crisp winter swim.
POOLS IN THE WOLLONGONG LGA
Beaton Park Heated Pool, Gwynneville
Beaton Park’s 25-metre indoor heated pool is a favourite with swimmers of all ages and abilities. Visitors can drop in for a casual swim or take part in swim school classes designed for babies, kids, adults and people with a disability.
There’s also a sauna available for an additional fee. Perfect for a post-swim unwind.
Regular swimmers can check out the aquatic membership options, which offer great value for those who love getting in the water often.
Berkeley Pool, Berkeley
Just a stone’s throw from Berkeley’s town centre, this easy-going local pool offers a 50-metre swim for lap lovers and a toddlers’ pool for the littlies. A super handy spot for a quick cool-off or a relaxed splash close to home.
Corrimal Heated Pool, Corrimal
Corrimal Heated Pool is conveniently tucked near the Corrimal Library, Community Centre and local shops, making it an easy stop for a swim. The 50-metre heated pool is open year-round, perfect for laps no matter the season.
During the main swim season, from the start of the September school holidays through to Anzac Day, the 25-metre pool and toddlers’ pool join the fun, giving swimmers of all ages plenty of space to splash, play and cool off.
A welcoming local spot with something for everyone.
Dapto Heated Pool, Dapto
Dapto Heated Pool is a great spot for a dip, with both a 50-metre and a 20-metre outdoor pool to choose from. The toddlers’ pool joins the fun over summer, open from December through to February.
A relaxed, easy place to cool off or clock some laps.
Helensburgh Pool, Helensburgh
Helensburgh Pool is a handy little spot for a dip, just a short stroll from the town centre. With a 25-metre lap pool and a toddlers’ pool, it’s an easy go-to for swimmers of all ages looking to cool off close to home.
Western Suburbs Pool, Unanderra
Western Suburbs Pool is an easy spot to pull in for a refreshing dip, just off the Princes Highway. Take your pick between the 50-metre pool or the 25-metre option, both great for laps or a relaxed splash.
The pool is open 6am–7pm daily (closed Christmas Day), with toilets and change rooms on site to make your visit nice and easy.
A handy, no-fuss local favourite for a cool-down any day of the week.
Continental Pool, North Wollongong
Continental Pool sits along Wollongong’s iconic Blue Mile between the harbour and North Beach, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite. There’s a 50-metre saltwater pool for lap lovers, a 45-metre pool with ramp access for swimmers with limited mobility, and a toddlers’ pool for the littlies.
Facilities are all close at hand. There’s toilets, change rooms, showers and even public Wi-Fi! Making it a super convenient spot for a cruisy dip. Just remember, everyone needs to hop out 15 minutes before closing.
A classic coastal pool with plenty of charm.
Port Kembla Pool, Port Kembla
Port Kembla Pool is a gorgeous saltwater spot by the sea, home to an eight-lane, 50-metre pool for keen lap swimmers and a toddlers’ pool with a beach-style entry that’s perfect for little feet, or anyone who just wants to ease into the water.
One of the standout features here is the pool’s commitment to accessibility. The Changing Places adult change facility is available 24/7 with an MLAK key, or during pool hours with help from the friendly staff, making the space welcoming for everyone.
There are plenty of handy amenities too. Toilets, change rooms, showers, accessible facilities and a kiosk for post-swim snacks. Just a quick tip: swimmers need to hop out 15 minutes before closing.
A brilliant seaside spot for a salty dip, no matter how you like to enjoy the water.
Thirroul Pool, Thirroul
Thirroul Pool sits snug between the pristine beach and the escarpment, making it a dreamy spot for locals and visitors to cool off. The 50-metre saltwater lap pool is great for those keen on a proper swim, while the toddlers’ pool keeps little splashers happy.
With a beachfront kiosk and a kids’ playground just steps away, it’s an easy, effortless seaside hangout. A refreshing escape for everyone who loves a salty dip.
Austinmer Rock Pool, Austinmer
You’ll spot these twin rock pools at the southern end of Austinmer Beach, sitting just below a charming historic pavilion. The southern pool is a little narrower and longer than the northern one, but both are well-loved year-round.
For anyone not quite ready to take on the surf, these ocean-filled pools are the perfect middle ground, you still get that salty rush as the waves roll past, but with the calm and confidence of swimming laps in a pool.
Bellambi Rock Pool, Bellambi
Bellambi Rock Pool has a lovely, laid-back feel and is a go-to for families. The 50-metre pool runs parallel to the ocean, with wide sun-warmed steps that are perfect for perching between laps. There’s a toddlers’ pool at the southern end too.. just a heads-up that it’s surprisingly deep for little non-swimmers, so keep a close eye.
Access is easy with a wide ramp leading down from the footpath (no stairs!), though it can get a bit slippery at times. And if you’re visiting at high tide, expect some wave action. The ocean likes to roll right in, making the water wonderfully wild.
Bulli Rock Pool, Bulli
Bulli Rock Pool, along with its toddlers’ pool, sits beneath a gorgeous headland with some fab beachside cafés just a stroll away. It’s also an easy wander from Bulli Tourist Park, making it a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Built back in the 1930s, the pool hugs the cliff on the headland with sandy beaches on either side. When the waves hit the wall of the 50-metre seawater pool, it almost feels like you’re swimming at the edge of the world.
Once you’ve had your salty dip, take a little time to explore the beautiful seaside town of Bulli… it’s well worth it.
Coalcliff Rock Pool, Coalcliff
Coalcliff Rock Pool comes with some seriously dramatic coastal views and marks the northernmost rock pool in the region. The main pool sits alongside a toddlers’ pool for easy family swims, and there’s a raised shower area and viewing platform to soak up those ocean vistas.
A stunning spot for a dip with a side of scenery.
 Coledale Rock Pool, Coledale
Coledale Rock Pool sits on the rock platform at the southern end of Coledale Beach and is a gorgeous spot for a salty swim. The 50-metre pool is great for lap lovers, with a ramp in the north-west corner and stairs at each of the southern corners. There’s also a square children’s paddling pool nearby, perfect for keeping little ones entertained.
Because the rock platform goes underwater at high tide, it’s worth checking the tide times before heading out. When the tide’s low, the surrounding rocks make for excellent exploring.. a proper coastal adventure.
Gentlemen’s Pool, North Wollongong
Gentlemen’s Pool is one of the region’s earliest rock pools, tucked into the rock platform just north of the much-loved Continental Pool. A charming little slice of local history, it’s a beautiful spot for a quiet coastal dip.
Towradgi Rock Pool, Towradgi
Towradgi Rock Pool is a stunning spot for a dip, with a 50-metre saltwater pool and a toddlers’ pool, all framed by sweeping views of the patrolled beaches to the north and south.
Built by local volunteers back in the ’60s, it’s been a community favourite ever since. Getting in is easy too, with a slipway ramp at the shallow end and vertical steps halfway along the pool.
A classic coastal pool with plenty of charm, and a view you’ll want to linger over.
Wombarra Rock Pool, Wombarra
Wombarra Rock Pool sits beneath a line of beautiful Norfolk pines, giving it that classic coastal charm. The main pool is perfect for a relaxed saltwater swim, and there’s a handy toddlers’ pool right beside it for little splashers.
Woonona Rock Pool, Woonona
Perched on Collins Point, Woonona Rock Pool is a classic coastal beauty. The 50-metre saltwater pool comes with diving blocks and a charming historic pavilion complete with a viewing platform. Even when the tide’s up, it’s usually a brilliant spot for a swim.
The sun-warmed paved area around the pavilion is perfect for drying off, and at low tide the surrounding rock platform turns into an awesome little playground for sea-life exploring. A top pick for a cruisy coastal dip.
POOLS IN THE SHELLHARBOUR LGA
Albion Park Pool, Albion Park
Albion Park Pool is open early November to the end of 29 March, seven days a week from 6am–6pm (public holidays 10am–6pm, closed Christmas Day).
This much-loved community spot has something for every kind of swimmer, with a 50m solar-heated pool, a toddler pool, and a fantastic all-abilities splash park. Aqua aerobics classes run throughout the season too, perfect for anyone keen to mix fun with fitness.
The splash park is a total crowd-pleaser, sitting right beside the toddler pool and packed with water cannons, sprays, tipping buckets and more. It’s splash-tastic in every sense… a brilliant day out for families and fun-seekers alike.
Image: Shellharbour City Council
Berry Village Pool, Berry
Berry Village Pool is one of those classic country pools you can’t help but fall a little bit in love with. Tucked among the shady trees of the Berry Showground, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and cool off. The toddler pool has partial shade too, so little splashers can stay sun-safe while they play.
All Council-managed village pools open for the season from 4 November 2023 to 31 March 2024, there’s plenty of time to enjoy this charming country gem.
Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, Shellharbour
Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool sits at the southern end of the Shellharbour Village foreshore and is a gorgeous spot for a salty swim. The 50-metre saltwater pool is perfect for laps or a cruisy splash, and there’s a shaded kids’ pool right alongside it.
The area is set up beautifully for a day out, with BBQs, picnic tables, public toilets and handy showers for rinsing off after your swim. A fab spot for families, catch-ups and soaking up those coastal vibes.
Oak Flats Pool, Oak Flats
Oak Flats Pool is the perfect spot for a warm-weather dip, open for the season from 26 September 2025 to 1 May 2026. Weekdays run 6am–7pm, weekends 6am–6:30pm, and public holidays 10am–6pm (with Christmas Day closed).
Swimmers can take their pick of the 25m outdoor heated pool, the 50m pool, or the toddler pool, and there are plenty of ways to get involved, from aqua aerobics to Learn to Swim classes.
For extra fun, Oak Flats also hosts Inflatable Pool Parties in the heated 25m pool from October to April. A guaranteed hit with the kiddos!
Warilla Pool, Warilla
Warilla Pools is a summer favourite, open right through the warmer months, usually from 1 November to the end of March (though it’s always worth checking Council’s website for the latest dates). You can dive in seven days a week from 6am to 6pm, with public holiday hours running 10am to 6pm. The only day they close is Christmas Day.
There’s a full 50-metre pool for laps and a toddler pool for little splashers, making it an easy, breezy spot for families and swimmers alike.
Image: Shellharbour City Council
POOLS IN THE KIAMA LGA
Black Beach Old School Flat, Kiama
Kiama’s Black Beach gets its name… and its striking colour, from the black basalt sand and cobbles along the shore. It’s a favourite with snorkellers, and both ocean pools on either side offer gorgeous spots for a salty dip. The grassy reserve is perfect for a lazy afternoon, and yes, there’s even a granite ping-pong table if you’re up for a challenge.
Right between Kiama Harbour and the town centre, Black Beach also hosts some of Kiama’s best-known events, including the markets on the third and fourth Sundays of the month.
Nearby, you’ll find the historic 1878 Kiama Post Office and a memorial to the SS Bombo, a beloved dive site that left the harbour for the final time in 1949.
Gerringong Headland, Gerringong
Gerringong Headland serves up some seriously stunning ocean and coastline views, and it’s one of the best spots around for whale watching thanks to its purpose-built viewing platform.
You’ll find it on Tasman Drive, with Werri Beach Rock Pool to the north and Gerringong Cemetery and Boat Harbour to the south. The headland is set up beautifully for a cruisy day out, with undercover picnic tables, a rock pool and toilets close by.
There’s also a large off-leash area, so pups can enjoy the outing too.
Jamberoo Pool, Jamberoo
Set outdoors in a lovely leafy spot, Jamberoo Pool is a great place to cool off, with trained lifeguards on hand to keep everyone safe. The four-lane, 18-metre lap pool is ideal for a solid swim session, while the shaded toddlers’ wading pool makes it easy for families to settle in for a relaxed day.
There’s also an accessible pool designed to welcome all swimmers, making Jamberoo Pool a refreshing and inclusive spot for the whole community.
Kiama Leisure Centre, Kiama
Kiama Leisure Centre Swim School brings the fun to the pool, giving swimmers of all ages a supportive place to build skills and boost their water confidence. First splashes, growing confidence, fine-tuning technique.
Every class is tailored to help each swimmer level up and enjoy every moment in the water.
Boat Harbour (Cooke Park) Rock Pool, Gerringong
This gorgeous little ocean pool in Gerringong is one of those hidden gems you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s perfect for a snorkel or a splash, and you’ll find it via a short 50-metre walkway from Boat Harbour Reserve. The pool itself has a natural rock floor with a sandy, shallow end that’s great for kids or cruisy dips. Plus, Boat Harbour has plenty of parking and the essentials you need for a relaxed day by the water.
Blowhole Point Reserve, Kiama
Perched on Blowhole Point Headland, this spot puts you right in the heart of Kiama’s icons… The famous Blowhole, the Lighthouse, the Visitors Centre, Pilot’s Cottage and the Harbour Cabins, all overlooking the stunning Kiama Harbour.
With BBQs, a playground, an onsite café, fresh seafood and a cruisy stroll to the Blowhole Point rock pool, this reserve pretty much ticks every box for a perfect day out.