Flat Rock Guide: Meroo National Park's Secret Swimming Hole
If you're driving down the Princes Highway between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, it's incredibly easy to miss the turnoff to Meroo National Park. But those who take the gravel road are rewarded with Flat Rock: a quiet, tea-coloured pool spread across wide sandstone slabs, deep in the South Coast bush.
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Unlike the busy surf beaches of Mollymook, Flat Rock is a rugged, tranquil escape with no signs, no crowds and no amenities. It's one of the swims in Swim New South Wales. For more South Coast swims, try Bermagui Blue Pool or Hell Hole Falls near Nowra.
Flat Rock Quick Stats
- Access: Unsigned, from a small pullover on unsealed Meroo Point Road
- Facilities: None
- Best for: A quiet freshwater dip, lazing on warm rock slabs and escaping the beach crowds
How to Get to Flat Rock, Meroo National Park
Flat Rock is in Meroo National Park near the hamlet of Termeil.
- The turnoff: From the Princes Highway, turn onto Meroo Point Road (look for the Meroo National Park signs).
- The road: It's an unsealed road through the forest. NPWS lists the park's unsealed roads as 2WD in dry weather only, so take it slow and skip it after heavy rain.
- The spot: Access is from a small pullover on Meroo Point Road. There are no signs, so drop a pin on the map below before you lose reception.
Swimming at Flat Rock
The magic of Flat Rock is in the geology: broad, flat sandstone slabs holding a calm, tea-coloured pool. The colour comes from tannins in the water, so it's naturally dark rather than dirty.
- Check the depth: Tannin-stained water makes it hard to see the bottom, so ease in slowly and never dive or jump.
- Mind your footing: Wet sandstone is slippery, especially where it's slimy near the waterline.
- After rain: Water levels can rise quickly after heavy rain; give it a miss if the creek is running hard.
Tips for Your Visit
- Meroo Lake: Nearby Meroo Lake is a coastal lagoon that intermittently opens to the sea. It's a great spot for birdwatching or a calm paddle.
- Bring your own water: There are no facilities at Flat Rock. Pack plenty of water and snacks for the day, and take all rubbish home.
- Leave no trace: This is a quiet, unsigned spot. Treat it with respect so it stays that way.
Discover more NSW swimming spots in Swim New South Wales.
Flat Rock FAQs
Where is Flat Rock in Meroo National Park?
Near Termeil on the NSW South Coast, between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay. Access is unsigned, from a small pullover on unsealed Meroo Point Road.
Can you swim at Flat Rock?
Yes, it's a quiet, tea-coloured pool on wide sandstone slabs. The dark water hides the bottom, so enter slowly and don't dive or jump.
Are there toilets at Flat Rock?
No. There are no signs or amenities, so bring water and take your rubbish home.
Can you reach Flat Rock in a 2WD?
Generally yes in dry weather. NSW National Parks lists Meroo's unsealed roads as 2WD, dry weather only.
