Cronulla Beach Rock Pool
Where is Cronulla's Ocean Pool?
Cronulla Beach Rock Pool is a less rustic ocean pool than it’s next door neighbour, both located at the northern end of Cronulla Beach.
We parked on Gerrale Street and walked across Cronulla Park to the esplanade. Then a short walk (less than 200m) north along the esplanade and you’re there.
Image Courtesy of Terry Vella
Visiting Cronulla Beach Rock Pool the first time
This pool is more in the centre of Cronulla and so is a bit busier than it’s southern cousins Shelly Beach Rock Pool and Oak Park Rock Pool. If you’ve been following on for a while now, you can predict that this one might be less my vibe because of this. In all honesty, Cronulla is a Winter/Spring/Autumn place for me to visit as the Summer crowds would be too much for me to even contemplate finding somewhere to park.
Easier access to food and coffee places, as it’s closer to town, this pool definitely has it’s appeal. More of a lap pool, but without lane markings to make it a little more relaxing.
Cronulla Beach Rock Pool is great for the kids
Right near Cronulla Park which is a cracking spot for a picnic. This pool is located on a rock shelf and so has plenty for the kids to look at and explore in it’s surrounds. The esplanade lends itself to a bit of a bike ride or a scooter to wear those little legs out.
There is also North Cronulla Rock Pool right next door (only 50m away!), so in this part of Cronulla you get two ocean pools for the price of one!
Just south of Cronulla park there is some fantastic wall art on the side of the building for the kids to check out.
What other ocean pools are near Cronulla Beach Rock Pool?
If you want to hit all 4 of Cronulla’s ocean pools in one day, it’s very doable. North Cronulla rock pool is right alongside this one, and is a little more rustic, but quite appealing for those who don’t feel the need to swim thousands of metres at a time.
Just a bit further south is Shelly Beach Rock pool, and google tells me that it is only 4 mins in the car, but also that it is only a 6 minute bike ride along the Esplanade. If you are willing to spend another minute in the car or two minutes on a bike, you can find yourself at Oak Park Rock Pool, and just quietly, this one is my pick of the four Cronulla beauties.
What is the water temperature like?
Our fantastic companion Danny the duck told us the water temp was a balmy 16.9 degrees on our last visit. If you would like to get your own Danny to tell you the water temp of where ever you swim…you can get one here.
How much does it cost to swim at Cronulla Beach rock pool?
Free entry
When is Cronulla pool open?
Open 24 hours a day.
Are Lifeguards on duty at Cronulla Baths ocean pool?
No lifeguards on duty. Lifeguards on duty at Cronulla Beach, check out their operating hours here.
Is there Car Parking near Cronulla ocean pool?
Lots of free street parking in Gerrale St, but just know that in Summer on the weekend, parking in Cronulla is impossible everywhere!
Are there BBQ Facilities near Cronulla's saltwater pool?
Gas BBQ facilities located near Oak Park just 3kms south. Will confirm if there are BBQs in Cronulla Park on my next visit.
How big is Cronulla Rock Pool?
5om in length, perfect for doing laps. 25m wide which makes it feel quite spacious when you have it almost to your self!
Is Cronulla Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?
The Esplanade is good access to near the pool, but to get to the pool itself is down some stairs and across an uneven rocky surface.
The council have said they intend to improve access to the pool, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on this one just yet.
What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Cronulla Rock Pool?
Cold water open air shower located near the esplanade right near the pool.
Changerooms are available with cold water showers just 200m south at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, and more cold water open air showers near the beach.
Toilets and showers are accessible.
Can I take my dog to Cronulla Beach Rock Pool?
No dogs allowed at the pool, so leave your pooch at home when you head down to Cronulla Beach Ocean Pool for a swim.
Cronulla Ocean Pool Local Legend Col Hayes
Col Hayes is a Shire local who grew up in Cronulla, moving there with his family in 1953 when he was just four years old. Col went to both primary school and high school in Cronulla and attended the Methodist Church in Surf Road, which is right near the pools. He’s seen many changes to the local landscape over his time in the area.
A lifelong ocean lover, Col swims at Cronulla Beach year-round—“maybe four times a week, certainly all through Winter,” he says. What an inspiration! He also finds time to hit the road visit his favourite Illawarra spots like Wombarra and Coalcliff pools. “Always good before lunch up at the bowlo,” he adds with a grin.
While he usually swims alone, Col enjoys chatting with other regulars and keeps a camera close to capture the beach and his local ocean pool he’s called home for decades. Recently he swapped his old iPhone 5S for a 12S—proof that his passion for documenting the coast is as strong as ever.
I first stumbled upon Col’s images in the facebook group “Did you swim today”, where like-minded folk share their passion for swimming. He loves how different a sunrise can look from day to day-one of life’s simple pleasures. A massive thankyou to Col for sharing a bunch of his beautiful images with us.
