From Bondi Icebergs to Bronte Baths, make the most of the balmy Australian summer this month by taking a dip in one of New South Wales’ signature rock pools
1. Bondi Icebergs
With its streamlined swimming lanes contrasting against the swell of the Pacific Ocean, Bondi Icebergs is one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Endlessly photogenic, it’s also perhaps the most snapped rock pool on the planet. The pool and its clubhouse – where you can enjoy a classic cocktail or a fresh seafood platter after your swim – have been home to the Bondi Icebergs, a winter swimming club, since 1929.
2. North Curl Curl Rock Pool
This rock pool at the northern end of Curl Curl Beach in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is one of its loveliest gems. A local favourite carved out in the mid-1930s, it provides a protective spot where swimmers can watch surfers catch waves of up to 1.5m in the ocean beyond. At high tide, access is only available via coastal walkway.
3. Fairy Bower Pool
Manly’s shimmering Fairy Bower Pool is unique for both its triangular shape and the sculpture by artist Helen Leete that sits on its edge, Oceanides, also known as the “Sea Nymphs”. Built by local residents in 1929, Fairy Bower is one of New South Wales’ most historic pools. Follow your swim with a delicious bite to eat at the nearby Boathouse Shelly Beach.
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4. Bronte Baths
Bronte is one of Sydney’s favourite beach suburbs: a picturesque enclave of sand and ocean that’s a little more low-key than its glamorous neighbour, Bondi. The pool here is one of the oldest on the coast – a charmingly irregular shape that was carved into the cliff face in 1887. Today it makes for a relaxing place to swim and linger, especially at sunrise.
5. Murray Rose Pool
This beautiful harbourside tidal pool is located in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Double Bay. A favourite of locals, who still refer to it by its old moniker of Redleaf, its view of the harbour and the city makes for a unique swimming perspective. You can spend a whole day here, lazing on the pontoons in the pool, lounging on the grass and snacking at the kiosk.
Singapore Airlines flies to Sydney five times daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeairlines.com
This article was originally published in the December 2018 issue of SilverKris magazine
