As well as ocean beaches, New South Wales has around a hundred ocean baths. These pools are tidal swimming pools on the open coast and  waves often break over the side of them. Although Sydney's ocean baths are better known, some of the oldest ocean baths are in the cities of Newcastle and Wollongong. These pools were developed by their coastal coal-mining communities as a safe place to wash off the dust and grime associated with mining. They soon became significant in the development of coastal tourism, sport and recreation.

Bondi Icebergs ocean pool

Ocean baths can be as simple as a ring-of-rocks on beach sand, or a natural pool in the rock platform or rocky shore that's been enhanced by deepening it, adding concrete walls or smoothing its floor.
Many ocean baths are un-fenced and available for use at all hours, very few have admission charges and none of the current ocean baths are reserved solely for use by men, but some once were. At ocean baths, people of all ages swim, play, exercise, snorkel, sunbake, fish, socialise, get acquainted with the plant and animal life of the rocky shores and admire the views.

SOUTH OF SYDNEY HEADS

Bronte Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref M 8. There's something for everyone at Bronte Beach - great surf, an ocean pool, a small area enclosed by rocks that is perfect for families, not to mention all the creature comforts of a great picnic area. Located on Nelson Bay on the coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee.

Clovelly Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref K 12: Protected by a long, narrow bay, this beach is the perfect location for snorkelling or scuba diving for beginners. Visibility is good, access is easy and there is plenty to see on and around the ocean floor. Features a rock and concrete pool and a small sheltered sandy area with mild surf suitable for children. To the south is Gordon Bay which is less sheltered, the swell producing bigger waves.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, nearby grassed area with covered picnic tables, barbecues, wheelchair access, toilets, changerooms, shops and pub nearby
Public transport: train to Bondi Jctn., Bus No. 329 to terminus.

Ross Jones Memorial Pool

Coogee Beach: UBD Map 257 Ref H 16. One of Sydney's most popular beaches which is always buzzing with life, particularly on weekends. Similar in shape to Bondi, the surf is similar though somewhat milder thanks to a rock platform nearby that breaks the swell somewhat. The beach has a reputation of having high water pollution at times. Nearby is Giles Baths, the McIvers ladies only Baths and the ocean pool Wylie's Baths. Beyond the beach is a fabulous array of shops, hotels and eating places. Ivo Rock Pool at South Coogee is a natural rock pool. With surf breaking into the pool, it was like a cool saltwater spa.

Wylie's Baths

Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, grassed areas, toilets, changerooms, children's playground
Public transport: Bus No. 372 from Railway Sq. to terminus; or Bus No. 373, X73 from Spring St. to terminus; or Bus No. 374, X74 from Circular Quay to terminus; or train to Bondi Jctn., Bus No. 314, 315, X13 to terminus.

Maroubra Beach: UBD Map 277 Ref H 13: A popular beach for surfers which also offers plenty of space for families. The swell is milder than at this beach's northerly neighbours though it can get quite rough at the north end. Protected swimming is available at Mahon Pool in the north and a children's pool protected by rocks in the south. A stormwater outfall at the north end means pollution is often high after heavy rains at that end of the beach.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, toilets, changerooms, kiosk
Public transport: Bus No. 375, X75, 395 from Railway Sq.; or Bus No. 376, 377, 396, X77, X96 from Circular Quay, alight at beach.

Malabar Beach: UBD Map 297 Ref F 4. Dacre Street, Malabar: A small beach at the head of a narrow bay (Long Bay) which not only breaks the wind but mellows the swell. Walks in both directions offer views up and down the coast. A sewage treatment plant backs the beach and can emit unpleasant odours. Its outfall some 3 km directly offshore and a stormwater outfall at the northern end has made the bay's bacteria levels consistently the highest of any metropolitan beach, particularly after rains when stormwater pollution rises.
Facilities: changerooms, toilets, patrolled by lifesavers, park, Children's playground, cafe nearby, rock swimming pool
Public transport: Bus No. 399 from Circular Quay, alight at beach.

Little Bay: UBD Map 297 Ref F 10
Anzac Parade, Little Bay: Peaceful is the best word to describe this isolated beach located behind Prince Henry Hospital. It is surrounded by golf courses and the swell in the bay itself is little more than a gentle rise and fall. The bay's two strips of sand are recognised as the safest of all of Sydney's ocean beaches.
Limited facilities, not patrolled by lifesavers, shops and toilets nearby but not at beach
Public transport: Bus No. 393 from Railway Square; or Bus No. 394, 398, 399, L94, X94 from Circular Quay. Alight at Prince Henry Hospital. Walk through hospital grounds to beach.

South Cronulla Beach: UBD Map 335 Ref B 13. Laycock Avenue. One of Sydney's most popular and crowded beaches. Great for swimming, sunbaking, riding boogie boards. Many features make it popular for families.
Facilities: ocean swimming pools, park with picnic facilities, toilets, nearby shops, cafes, restaurants, 3-km coastal walking path. Surf club with kiosk.

Shelly Beach, Cronulla: UBD Map 33 Ref A 16. Ewos Parade, Cronulla. South of the main beach, it is a 30-metre long ocean pool, ideal for toddlers. Nearby Blackwoods Beach is protected by a reef, which makes it ideal for open swimming and snorkelling, and of course surfing beyond the reef. Facilities: two free barbecues, a shaded picnic area, picnic tables, toilets and showers.

Oak Park pool

Oak Park Beach, Cronulla: UBD Map 355 Ref B 2 . Ewos Parade, Cronulla. Not a beach in the strict sense of the term, but a rock pool beyond the rocky shore line. The swell is slight, and being surrounded by rocks, it is an ideal launch pad for snorkelling.
Facilities: large park with room to play group sports, barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, showers, shops 50m away.

NORTH OF SYDNEY HEADS

Palm Beach: Beach Road, Palm Beach. Located at the tip of the headland on the ocean side, Palm Beach was once a haven for fringe-dwellers. These days, multi-million dollar mansions of the rich and famous line the ridge over one of Sydney's most busy (on weekends) and prestigious beaches. The northern end of the beach is exposed to the elements, which makes it the quietest section. It is here that the outdoor scenes for the TV serial, Home And Away, are filmed. Apart from the rubbish brought here by visitors, the beach is clean and the surf good, with an ocean pool at the southern end that is ideal for children. Parking fees apply.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, shops and cafes at southern end of beach.
Public Transport: bus No. 190, L90 from Town Hall, Sydney.

Whale Beach: UBD Map 99 Ref C 6. The Strand, Whale Beach. One of Sydney's cleanest surf beaches, its consistently great waves draws surfers from all over Sydney like a magnet. The good surf means the beach has its fair share of rips so stay between the flags. A rock pool at the southern end caters for children. Parking fees apply.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, kiosk, grassed area, shop and cafes in neighbouring streets.

Bilgola Beach: UBD Map 99 Ref B 6. Bilgola Avenue, Bilgola. The isolated, atmospheric waterfront village built around the beach becomes a chaotic nightmare on busy weekends when (it seems) the rest of Sydney descends on the place. The beach has a permanent rip called the Newport Express so stay between the flags if you want to survive the excellent surf here. A rock pool caters for children. Parking fees apply. It is hard to believe that an early settler, Rev. JJ Therry, once mined Bilgola Head for coal.
Facilities: patrolled by surf lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, showers, kiosk.

Collaroy Beach: UBD Map 158 Ref H 12. Pittwater Road, Collaroy. The southern section of a 3 km long stretch of open beach has a sheltered rock pool, including a pool for children. Its facilities and ease of access by both car and public transport make this former camping area a popular destination for north shore beachgoers.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, kiosk, electric barbecues, picnic facilities, close to shops
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 155; or bus No. 183-85, 187-90, L90 from Town Hall; or bus No. E84-89, L84-89, L88 from Wynyard; or train to Chatswood, bus No. L60. Alight at Pittwater Rd, Collaroy

Dee Why Beach: UBD Map 178 Ref F 5. The Strand, Dee Why. Its broad expanse of clean sand and reputation as one of the safest of Sydney's northern beaches has contributed greatly to this beach's extreme popularity. Fortunately, the strip of sand is wide and backed by a variety of facilities for both surfers and families alike. A rock pool in the south is a haven for children and swimmers who don't want surf.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, grassed areas, picnic facilities, children's playground, shops, restaurants and cafes nearby.
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 136, 159; or bus No. 176, E76 from Wynyard; or train to Chatswood, bus No. 136. Alight at cnr The Strand & Howard Ave.

Curl Curl Beach: UBD Map 178 Ref G 13. Carrington Parade, Curl Curl. Rock pools at the northern and southern ends offer a safe haven for children with the former exposed to waves which flow over the pool wall. Avoid swimming in nearby Curl Curl Lagoon which can have high bacteria levels, particularly after rains.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, kiosks at surf clubs, reserve
Public transport: bus No. E65 from Wynyard, alight at Carrington Pde.

Freshwater Beach: UBD Map 198 Ref D 2. Cooloora Ave., Queenscliff. A rock pool offers sheltered swimming. A good alternative to the busier Manly beach to the south.
Facilities: patrolled by lifesavers, changerooms, toilets, grassed area, picnic and barbecue facilities, children's playground, kiosk
Public transport: ferry to Manly, bus No. 130, alight at Bridge Rd; or bus No. E65 from Wynyard, alight at Carrington Pde.

Fairy Bower: UBD Map 198 ref. E 11. A sheltered sea-water rockpool on Cabbage Tree Bay beside the walkway from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach. The swimming pool was built by local residents in 1929. It is the smallest pool in Sydney, apart from those built especially for children and remains almost unaltered from its original state. This location takes its name from a pleasure grounds which operated here in the 19th century.