Category: Inspiration

Must-Visit Ocean Pools and Rock Pools

  • Bellambi Rock Pool, Dee Kramer Photography

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Ocean Pools Along the Grand Pacific Drive: The Ultimate Guide from Wollongong to Eden

Discover these must-visit ocean pools along the Grand Pacific Drive on this ultimate South Coast road trip from Wollongong to Eden. From iconic ocean pools and rock pools to hidden coastal swimming spots, this guide takes you through some of NSW’s most stunning places to swim, relax, and explore.

Wollongong & Shellharbour

This stretch of coastline is home to some of NSW’s most iconic and accessible ocean pools, perfect for a refreshing dip, sunrise swim, or lazy summer afternoon.

Highlights include the dramatic Coalcliff Rock Pool, tucked beneath towering cliffs, and the classic coastal favourites of the northern Illawarra like Wombarra, Coledale, and Austinmer Rock Pools, each offering crystal-clear water and sweeping ocean views. Further south, the lively stretch from Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, and Towradgi Rock Pools showcases the region’s easy-access, community-loved swimming spots.

In Wollongong, the expansive North Wollongong Continental Pool is perfect for laps with a view, while Port Kembla Olympic Pool offers a more structured ocean swim experience. Just down the coast, Shellharbour’s gems include the sheltered Fishermans Beach Rock Pool, the scenic Barrack Point Ocean Pool, and the popular Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, known for its family-friendly design and ocean views.

Port Kembla Pool

Kiama & Gerringong

Continue your coastal swim trail through Kiama and Gerringong, where ocean pools are set against rolling green headlands and some of the South Coast’s most scenic shorelines. This stretch blends iconic landmarks with quieter local favourites, making it perfect for a slower, more relaxed day by the water.

In Kiama, the centrally located Blowhole Point Ocean Pool is a standout, sitting right beside the famous blowhole and offering easy access with incredible coastal views. Just around the corner, Pheasant Point Rock Pool (Continental Ocean Pool) feels a little more tucked away, while Kendalls Beach Rock Pool is a calm, family-friendly option ideal for an easy swim close to town.

Further south in Gerringong, Werri (Ourie) Beach Rock Pool is a long, scenic pool at the southern end of the beach, perfect for laps, ocean dips, and soaking up uninterrupted views of the coastline. Campbells Hole in Gerringong is a hidden, natural rock pool tucked into the headland near Werri Beach. Best at low tide, it’s perfect for a quick dip, with clear water, rugged surrounds, and a quieter, off-the-beaten-path feel.

Campbells Hole, Gerringong – Image by Mark Fitz

Eurobodalla

Explore the ocean pools of the Eurobodalla region, where laidback coastal towns meet some of the South Coast’s most scenic swim spots. This stretch offers a mix of easy-access pools and more natural rock formations, perfect for a refreshing dip between road trip stops.

Standouts include the centrally located Batemans Bay Ocean Pool, ideal for a calm, quick swim, and the picturesque Broulee Rock Pool, known for its clear water and relaxed beachside setting. Further south, Moruya Heads Rock Pool offers a more rugged, local feel, while Narooma Bar Rock Pool is a favourite for its unique position near the inlet, blending river and ocean views.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras

Sapphire Coast

Discover the ocean pools of the Sapphire Coast, where striking headlands and vivid blue water create some of the most iconic swim spots in NSW. This stretch feels a little wilder and more untouched.

Standouts include the famous Bermagui Blue Pool, perched dramatically on the edge of the ocean, and nearby Bruce Steer Pool, a quieter local favourite with equally stunning views.

Further south, Tathra Rock Pool offers an easy, family-friendly swim close to town, while Pambula Beach Rock Pool and Aslings Beach Rock Pool near Eden deliver relaxed coastal dips with wide ocean outlooks.

Bermagui Blue Pool (@davey_rogers)

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The Best Lookout Spots along the Grand Pacific Drive

  • NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras

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The best lookout spots along the Grand Pacific Drive

From cliff-hugging roads to beachy headlands and quiet southern-coast lookouts, this stretch is made for slow trave and numerous stops. Here are the absolute must-stop lookout spots from Stanwell Park to Ulladulla.

1

Bald Hill Lookout (Stanwell Tops)

Bald Hill is the perfect first stop and is one of the most iconic lookouts for the entire drive, serving up sweeping views over Stanwell Park Beach, Wollongong and beyond. With the escarpment rolling dramatically into the sea and the Sea Cliff Bridge in the not-too-far view. You’ll usually see hang gliders launching from the top, you can also grab a coffee or walk down to Stanwell Park using the new walking path. 

 Best time: Early morning or golden hour 

Bald Hill Lookout

2

Sublime Point Lookout

High above the Illawarra coast, Sublime Point delivers endless views. On a clear day, you’ll get Wollongong, the ocean, escarpment north and south. There is a walking track that takes you to the bottom of the escarpment at Austinmer, although it isn’t for the faint-hearted. 

Bonus: The Southern Gateway Centre is a close drive with post-viewing snacks available. 

Sublime Point Lookout
Sublime Point Lookout - Image by @scottruzzene

3

Flagstaff Hill Lookout (Wollongong)

Overlooking Wollongong Harbour and the iconic lighthouse, Flagstaff Hill is an easy stop to get some great photos. It’s coastal, historic, and super accessible.

Perfect for: A quick stop without leaving the car too long

4

Kiama Coast Walk Lookouts

The Kiama region is stacked with ocean viewpoints, especially along the Coast Walk. From dramatic cliffs to rocky platforms, this area gives you front-row seats to wild seas and blowhole action.

Tip: Even a short section of the walk is worth it

5

Saddleback Mountain Lookout

Perched above the coastline near Kiama, the Saddleback Mountain Lookout is one of the South Coast’s most breathtaking vantage points, offering sweeping panoramic views that stretch from rolling green farmland to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s a peaceful, elevated escape where you can take in the curves of the coastline, the Minnamurra River, and distant towns all in one frame, making it a favourite for photographers and sunset chasers.

Getting there is easy, with a scenic 10-minute drive from Kiama along Saddleback Mountain Road, which winds its way up to a car park just steps from the main lookout, plus a second viewpoint a little further along for a slightly different perspective.

Tip: Even a short section of the walk is worth it

6

Warden Head Lookout (Ulladulla)

Finish strong at Warden Head, where cliffs, crashing waves, and the Ulladulla lighthouse come together beautifully. It’s especially magical when whales migrate past the coast in May to November. 

Best time: Sunrise or whale season.

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Coastal Walks

  • Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Tops

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Must-do coastal walks along the Grand Pacific Drive

Stretching from cliff-hugging headlands to quiet beach trails, the Grand Pacific Drive is a coastal dream, that can also be explored on foot. These walks invite you to slow down, and soak up some of the most beautiful scenery New South Wales has to offer.

1

The Coast Track

Stretching about 26 km one-way through Sydney’s stunning Royal National Park, this track is an epic coastal trek best split over two days for most walkers. Beginning at Bundeena and ending at Otford, this rugged trail delivers breath-taking ocean lookouts, hidden swimming beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, rainforest pockets and seasonal wildflowers, with chances to spot migrating whales in season.

Start from the north at Bundeena to Wattamolla (around 10km) or to Garie Beach (around 16km). You may also begin from the south at Otford to Garie Beach which is around 11km and takes 3 to 5 hours.

Distance: 26km (one way)
Highlights: 

  • Scenic stops include Wedding Cake Rock, Wattamolla and Curracurrang Cove
  • Dramatic views with little crowds
Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park

2

Kiama Coast Walk

This iconic coastal trail hugs dramatic headlands and golden beaches, weaving past blowholes and rolling green hills. Stretching from Minnamurra to Gerringong, the Kiama Coast Walk serves up uninterrupted Pacific views, historic lighthouses, secret coves and plenty of picnic-perfect lookouts along the way.

Keep an eye out for migrating whales in winter and pods of dolphins year-round. Whether you wander a gentle section between cafés and ocean pools or commit to the full end-to-end adventure, it’s pure South Coast magic.

Distance: ~20 km (Kiama to Gerringong, or shorter sections) 
Highlights: 

  • Kiama Blowhole and rugged rock platforms 
  •  One of NSW’s most scenic coastal walks
Kiama Coast Walk - Destination NSW

3

White Sands Walk

Short, sweet, and impossibly stunning, the White Sands Walk threads its way through coastal bushland to reveal some of the most dazzling shorelines in Jervis Bay. Linking Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach. Think turquoise water so clear you can spot fish beneath the surface, powder-soft sand, and shady pockets perfect for a picnic. It’s the ultimate beach-hopping trail that is family-friendly, and wildly photogenic.

Distance: 2.5km (one way) 
Highlights: 

  • Powder-white sand and crystal-clear water 
  • Peaceful & uncrowded
White Sands Walk by Mikhail Zenon (Shoalhaven Tourism)

4

Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach Walking Track

This gentle coastal track winds through fragrant bushland between two beautiful beaches in Murramarang National Park, offering an easy going escape with big scenic rewards. Pebbly Beach is famous for its resident kangaroos that often graze right by the shoreline, while Pretty Beach lives up to its name with wide sands and sparkling water perfect for a refreshing dip. 

Distance: ~3 km return 
Highlights: 

  • Kangaroos spotting, often grazing near Pebbly Beach 
  • Family-friendly with shaded picnic spots 
Pebbly Beach - Destination NSW

5

Broulee Island Nature Reserve Walk

Encircling Broulee Island, this scenic loop delivers sweeping ocean panoramas and postcard views across Broulee Beach at every turn. The track meanders over low headlands, past rocky coves and wind-sculpted bushland, with the sea glittering on both sides. A rare and beautiful perspective that makes you feel completely immersed in the coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing offshore and migrating whales during the cooler months.

Distance: ~2.5 km loop 
Highlights: 

  • 360-degree coastal views
  • Short but incredibly scenic
Broulee Fishing - Broulee Beach

6

Camel Rock to Murunna Point Walk

Following the wild coastline near Bermagui, this spectacular headland walk is all about dramatic geology and big-sky ocean views. The track winds past rugged cliffs and weathered rock platforms, where waves crash and spray against ancient formations sculpted by time. Along the way, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the iconic Camel Rock, its distinctive hump rising from the sea.

Keep your camera handy and your eyes on the horizon for passing whales in season. Raw, windswept and wonderfully uncrowded, this is South Coast scenery at its most powerful and unforgettable. 

Distance: ~3 km return 
Highlights: 

  • Camel Rock’s iconic formation 
  • Sweeping coastal scenery
Bermagui Blue Pool @davey_rogers

7

Pinnacles Loop Walking Track

Tucked away in Beowa National Park, this short but striking loop winds through open heathland before revealing the otherworldly rock spires known as the Pinnacles. The track is easy, family-friendly, with two viewing points and just a short drive from Pambula.

Distance: ~2.5 km loop 
Highlights: 

  • Unique rock formations, especially great to see in the soft light of late afternoon
  • Ocean views through coastal scrub
Pinnacles - Destination NSW

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Go GRAND This Winter

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands—all part of the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive. From coastal cliffs to misty rainforests, rolling vineyards to cosy village charm, this is where winter escapes come to life.

Start exploring now and uncover the perfect opportunity to reconnect, recharge the senses, and experience the wonder of winter in every moment.

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