Werri Beach Rock Pool, Gerringong: Ocean Pool & Tasman Drive View
At the southern end of Werri Beach in Gerringong, a rock pool sits in the flat rock shelf right on the edge of the Pacific. Kiama Council calls it the South Werri rock pool, and locals also know it as Ourie. Beside it is a small, round children's wading pool, and above both is a grassy headland with one of the best bench views on the South Coast.
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It's about two hours south of Sydney and it's an easy, all-ages stop: park, walk down, swim, then climb the hill to sit and look back over the beach to the green hills behind. It's one of the South Coast swims we keep coming back to in Swim New South Wales.
Swimming at Werri Beach Rock Pool
The main pool is an irregular shape built into the rock shelf, with a smooth, sloping concrete floor, so you get a sheltered ocean swim without the surf of the main beach. The water is refreshed by the sea, which keeps it clear on calm days. The little round pool next door is shallow and good for small kids.
Timing matters. On a big southerly swell, waves break over the pool walls and the rock shelf, so save it for a calm day and check the conditions before you go. Mornings at mid to low tide are usually the most comfortable.
Around the pool, the rock platform is full of life: small sea stars, anemones and crabs in every crevice. Tread lightly, leave shells and creatures where they are, and bin your rubbish.
The Tasman Drive Bench View
After your swim, walk up the short, steep grassy slope behind the pool to Tasman Drive. A lone bench on the headland looks straight down over the pool and the length of Werri Beach, with deep blue ocean on one side and rolling green hills on the other. It's a quiet residential street, so keep voices down and park considerately if you drive up.
How to Get to Werri Beach Rock Pool
Drive south from Sydney on the Princes Highway to Gerringong, roughly two hours. Head to the bottom of Geering Street or Pacific Avenue at the southern end of Werri Beach, where there's free street parking. A paved ramp leads down onto the rock platform and pools. The bench on Tasman Drive is a short, steep walk up the headland.
Know Before You Go
- Free: no entry fee and free street parking.
- Facilities: toilets, change rooms and cold showers near the southern car park.
- Unpatrolled pool: Werri Beach is patrolled in season, but the rock pool isn't. If you swim at the main beach, stay between the red and yellow flags.
- Swell: avoid the pool in large southerly swell when waves come over the walls.
- Slippery rock: the rock shelf is very slick when wet. Wear grippy shoes and watch kids closely.
- Respect the neighbours: Tasman Drive is residential, and Gerringong Cemetery is nearby. Keep noise down.
- Leave no trace: don't take shells or creatures, and use the bins near the amenities.
Werri Beach Rock Pool FAQs
Where is the Werri Beach rock pool?
At the southern end of Werri Beach in Gerringong, below Tasman Drive. Access is from the bottom of Geering Street or Pacific Avenue.
Is the Werri Beach rock pool good for kids?
Yes, in calm conditions. There's a small round wading pool beside the main pool. It's unpatrolled, so keep children within arm's reach.
Where is the Tasman Drive bench?
On the grassy headland just above the rock pool. Walk up the short, steep slope from the pool or drive up to Tasman Drive.
Are there toilets at Werri Beach rock pool?
Yes. Kiama Council lists toilets and change rooms, and there are cold showers near the southern car park.
