Austinmer Ocean Pool: Twin Rock Pools Under the Illawarra Escarpment

Austinmer doesn't have one ocean pool, it has two: a big rectangular lap pool and a smaller, shallow pool for kids, side by side on the rock shelf at the southern end of Austinmer Beach. Behind you the Illawarra escarpment rises steep and green, often wrapped in mist; in front there's nothing but the Pacific.

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It's one of the easiest ocean pools to reach from Sydney without a car, with the station a few minutes' walk away. We rate it among the best ocean pool days on the coast in Swim New South Wales, and it's a perfect excuse to make a slow day of it in the northern Illawarra.

Swimming at Austinmer Ocean Pool

The main pool is the one for laps, and early mornings are when it's at its best: still water, low sun and a steady line of regulars ticking off their kilometres. The smaller adjoining pool is shallow and calmer, a good place for kids and anyone who just wants to wade.

Steps and ladders lead into the water, and there are smooth rock ledges to stretch out on afterwards. Showers, toilets, change rooms and picnic spots are close by, so it's easy to stay for hours. Late afternoons bring golden light on the cliffs and a quieter vibe.

Wollongong City Council says its rock pools are best at low tide. At high tide or in big swell, waves can wash over the walls, and the council can close pools for cleaning or poor conditions, so check before you set out.

How to Get to Austinmer Ocean Pool

Austinmer is about 1 hour 20 minutes' drive south of Sydney, or around an hour and a half by train.

• By train: take a South Coast Line train from Sydney to Austinmer Station. It's about a seven-minute walk downhill to the beach. Cross Moore Street and head to the southern end of the car park for the pools.
• By car: head south on the M1 Princes Motorway and follow signs for Bulli Pass. At the bottom, follow Lawrence Hargrave Drive through Thirroul to Austinmer, turn onto Moore Street and park near the beach and surf club.

Know Before You Go

• Free to swim. There are no lifeguards at Wollongong's rock pools: swim at your own risk.
• Stay out when big seas are breaking over the walls, and watch for slippery, weedy steps and ledges.
• The main beach is patrolled in season; if you swim at the beach, stay between the red and yellow flags.
• Keep young kids within reach, even in the shallow pool.
• Water quality can drop after heavy rain.
• Take all rubbish home and share the lap lanes courteously.

Austinmer Ocean Pool FAQs

Is Austinmer pool free?

Yes. Both pools are free public rock pools.

Can you get to Austinmer pool by train?

Yes. Austinmer Station on the South Coast Line is about a seven-minute walk from the pools, which makes it one of the easiest car-free ocean swims from Sydney.

Is there a kids' pool at Austinmer?

Yes. A smaller, shallow pool sits right next to the main lap pool and suits children and waders. Supervise closely, as the pools aren't patrolled.

When is the best time to swim at Austinmer?

Early morning for calm water and laps, or low tide on a settled day. Avoid high tide in big swell.

More Swims Near Austinmer

• NSW South Coast Swims: Kiama to Eden: our round-up of the best swims down the coast.
• Patties Rock Pool, Port Kembla: a quieter rock pool beside Port Kembla's big ocean pool.
• Macquarie Pass Cascades: freshwater swimming holes in the Illawarra rainforest.
• Werri Beach Rock Pool: a rock pool further south at Gerringong.