Bermagui Blue Pool – The Sapphire of the South Coast

Bermagui Blue Pool – A Jewel on the Sapphire Coast

Tucked beneath the cliffs of Bermagui Headland, the Bermagui Blue Pool is one of the most stunning natural ocean baths in Australia. Filled with turquoise seawater and surrounded by rugged rock walls, it's a place where swimmers, photographers, and travellers all stop to take in the magic. For more South Coast swimming spots, explore Flat Rock in Meroo National Park or discover Hell Hole Falls near Nowra.

Carved into the rock in the 1930s, the pool is refreshed daily by the tides of the Pacific Ocean. On calm mornings, its surface mirrors the sky; on windy afternoons, waves crash over the walls in a dance of foam and sunlight.

You'll find the Bermagui Blue Pool featured in Swim New South Wales, our curated guide to the state's best swimming destinations — from wild rainforest waterfalls to serene ocean baths.

A Pool with History and Heritage

Built by local volunteers during the Great Depression, the Blue Pool has long been a symbol of Bermagui's community spirit. The original rock cutting was later expanded and reinforced, creating the two-level design seen today — a main swimming pool and a smaller wading pool for children.

A mosaic whale artwork greets visitors at the lookout above, where panoramic views stretch across the Sapphire Coast to Mount Dromedary (Gulaga). The setting is as much about atmosphere as swimming — wild ocean on one side, calm sanctuary on the other.

Swimming at Bermagui Blue Pool

• Water conditions: The pool is tidal, filled by waves from the ocean, so expect refreshing saltwater. On rough days, waves occasionally spill into the pool — a thrill for confident swimmers.

• Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, and parking are available at the lookout above.

• Accessibility: A short but steep set of stairs leads down from the carpark to the pool.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for calm water and soft, golden light.

📌 For more visitor information, see the Visit NSW official page.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring goggles — the visibility underwater is incredible.

• In summer, arrive early as the carpark fills quickly.

• Visit at low tide for the clearest, stillest water.

• Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Camel Rock or Horse Head Rock.

• Respect the ocean — don't swim during heavy swell or storms.

More Coastal Gems in Swim New South Wales

If you love the Bermagui Blue Pool, you'll also enjoy:

• Bogey Hole Newcastle – Australia's oldest convict-built ocean bath.

• Wylie's Baths – a timber-decked tidal pool in Coogee.

• Whale Beach Rockpool – a secluded Northern Beaches ocean pool beneath sandstone cliffs. Discover more NSW swimming spots in our complete guide.

Each captures a different side of NSW's ocean-swimming culture — from rugged coastal sanctuaries to calm, family-friendly retreats.

Final Thoughts

The Bermagui Blue Pool is more than just a swimming spot — it's a piece of coastal art shaped by nature and history. Whether you come for a sunrise dip, a photo shoot, or a quiet moment by the sea, it's one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

For more breathtaking swimming destinations like Bermagui Blue Pool — from hidden waterfalls to heritage ocean baths — grab a copy of Swim New South Wales. It's your ultimate guide to exploring the state's most refreshing natural wonders.