Sydney is home to many beautiful ocean pools – in fact, we’ve got more than anywhere else in the world, from the grid-worthy Bondi Icebergs to Fairy Bower Pool in Shelly Beach and Coogee’s heritage-listed McIver's Ladies Baths. They’re pretty spectacular when you think about it: ocean pools carved into natural rock and filled by the tides, offering swimmers a safe and scenic place to cool off, swim laps and play.
And while they all have their salty charm, Aslings Beach Rock Pool, found in the rugged South Coast town of Eden, may be New South Wales’s most stunning ocean pool. Featuring clear turquoise-green waters, the large rectangular rock pool is hugged by dramatic pink and white cliffs. The rocks get their soft blush tones from the pink-hued granite that’s naturally found along this stretch of the Sapphire Coast. The striking scenery and stunning natural beauty of Aslings Beach Rock Pool, as well as the views of Twofold Bay's North Head, are well worth a road trip and a dip.
How to get to Aslings Beach Rock Pool from Sydney
It’s a bit of a drive from Sydney to Eden – about six hours – so take a couple of days off work and make a road trip out of it. Enjoy the journey by stopping at picturesque places like Wollongong, Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay. Once you arrive at Aslings Beach, it’s a short walk along the soft golden sand to reach the rock pool. Note: the rock pool is not suitable for people with access needs.
What can you do in Eden?
Eden is the most southerly town in New South Wales – and one of the most enchanting – making it a popular overnight stop on relaxing, nowhere-to-be road trips. The great bushwalking trails in Beowa National Park and Twofold Bay boast excellent whale-watching opportunities. You can dive even deeper into the whale world at the Killer Whale Museum. Visit the historic Green Cape Lighthouse, and when it’s time for a dip, pack a picnic lunch and an umbrella to spend the afternoon at Aslings Beach.
Time Out tip: Aslings Beach Rock Pool is at its best at low tide, when the water is calm for swimming, so check the tides and time your visit accordingly.
Feel like a swim this weekend? Dive into one of Sydney's beautiful ocean pools – there are thirty to choose from, but these 11 are our favourites.
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