The Best Ocean Pools In The Shire
You won’t venture around the Shire without your swimsuit again
Have you swam your way around the Sutherland Shire’s most iconic and instagramable ocean pools? Whether you’re looking for a pool to practice morning laps, to teach your young ones how to swim or to simply spend hours relaxing under the sun, here is your ultimate guide to the pools of The Shire.
South Cronulla Ocean Pools
Two of The Shire’s most famed and historic ocean pools are located in the heart of South Cronulla along the esplanade. The pools have attracted Sydneysiders for decades and are close in distance, one with a graduating shallow to deep end. South Cronulla pools are open to the ocean as waves crash over the original chain boundary. With endless cafes surrounding the pools swimmers can grab themselves a coffee, wrap or snack after their dip in the sea.
10R McDonald Street, Cronulla
Image by: Alex Kess
Shelly Park Rock Pool
Further around Cronulla Esplanade lies another historic and humble ocean pool by the popular Shelly Park. This early 1900’s pool is beloved by many in The Shire thanks to the surrounding grass for sunbathing and the convenient public bathrooms and change rooms available. Shelly Park Rock Pool is popular for all ages and accessibilities, still attracting original Brass Monkeys swim club members. This is the ideal ocean pool for a family swim with park benches and barbecues surrounding the area.
70-110 Ewos Parade, Cronulla
Image by: Aquabumps
Gymea Bay Baths
A hidden gem found amongst the greenery at Gymea is the netted baths that attract swimmers of all ages. The pool is netted to keep any creatures out of the swimming area and has a surrounding boardwalk for those to dive, bomb jump or fish. The bath and the nearby public toilets can be found down a steep staircase in Gymea. Locals laze around the baths reading books in the sun or laying on the hot concrete to warm up after their refreshing dip.
38 Ellesmere Road, Gymea Bay
Image by: Em Venn
Oak Park Ocean Pool
The last ocean pool along Cronulla Esplanade comes with a small sand-based beach and stunning views across the bay toward Bundeena. Oak Park Ocean Pool is surrounded by green grass, palm trees and sparkling shores. The pool is near Oak Park Pavillion where toilets, change rooms and showers can be found. This beach is beloved by locals as it offers a tranquil swimming space and is said to be the quietest ocean pool along Cronulla Esplanade.
156-164 Ewos Parade, Cronulla
Image by: Vincent Rommelaere
Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths
Close to Cronulla Mall and the local train station is Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths, a spot all Shire residents know and love. The baths are adjacent to a large shady park that’s perfect to escape to in the heat. Being located in historic Gunnamatta Bay, there are no waves which makes this location perfect for young children, beginner swimmers and those who love their laps. Gunnamatta Pavillion is opposite the netted baths and holds showers, change rooms and toilets. The Tidal Baths in Gunnamatta are guaranteed to become your go-to spot.
39/41R Nicholson Parade, Cronulla
Image by: Paul Boulton
We hope after reading this list, you won’t ever venture around The Shire without your swimsuit again!
