Beverley Whitfield Pool Shellharbour

Image courtesy of Linda Fury Photography

Shellharbour's Ocean Pool

The Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool Shellharbour is an 8 lane, 50m lap pool which is very popular with the lap swimming locals. It also features a small shaded kids pool and the absolute bliss of free hot showers in the change rooms! Home to the Shellharbour Dolphins Swimming Club.

Where is Beverley Whitfield Pool?

Less than 2 hours drive south of Sydney, Shellharbour ocean pool is a great place to visit. Located between Port Kembla Olympic Pool, a short 14km drive to the north and an equal distance to it’s closest southern neighbour, The Continental Pool at Kiama. You could easily visit a few in quick succession in a single day if you choose.

Visiting Shellharbour Ocean Pool

Beverley Whitfield ocean pool Shellharbour wasn’t at it’s best on the first morning I decided to swim here. Windy as heck is an understatement. But since I had bothered to turn up, I knew there was no turning back and I had to jump in.

At about 6am on a very chilly October morning, there was only one man swimming laps as I placed my trusty Daisy duck in the water to tell me the temperature. 16.6 degrees. I needed to pump up. As I entered the changeroom, a woman who was just exiting the shower told me that it was all ok because the showers have hot water. She was right, what an absolute treat.

What sort of pool is Beverley Whitfield?

The pool itself definitely has that “lap pool” feel to it, 50m in length and the old black lines on the light blue bottom of the pool help keep you on track. I’m told that the locals like one person to a lane. So if all the lanes are full, the etiquette here, is to wait for someone else to get out before you get in.

In the fast paced world we live in, I don’t mind this excuse to slow down and take in the view. Unfortunately today, there was no waiting around. I dived in and quickly regretted leaving my swimming cap at home.

How big is Shellharbour Ocean Pool?

The main pool is the perfect size at 50m by 16m with 6 lanes marked out.

The kids pool is 9m by 6m.

Is Shellharbour Ocean Pool Safe to swim in?

Alongside the main Olympic sized swimming pool there is a children’s paddling pool with a shade sail. The pool has lifeguards on duty in the summer seven days a week in the October and summer school holidays. They also keep watch on weekends in Spring and Autumn. All these days their hours are 9am-5pm.

Image courtesy of Linda Fury Photography

The carpark is adjacent to the pool and there are access ramps to the level of the pool. Access to the pool itself is via stairs at either end. Great access for mums or dads with prams to the kids pool, and there is a children’s park less than a 5 minute walk in a northerly direction along the bike path.

According to the Shellharbour Council website the pool is closed for cleaning regularly on a Tuesday at 1pm.

Thanks so much to local photographer and regular swimmer at Beverley Whitfield Pool, Linda Fury for sharing her amazing images with us.

Image courtesy of Linda Fury Photography

How much does it cost to swim at Shellharbour pool?

Free entry

When is Beverley Whitfield pool open?

Open 24 hours a day, except for cleaning, which usually takes place on a Tuesday according to Shellharbour Council website

Are Lifeguards on duty at Shellharbour ocean pool?

Council lifeguards on duty at various times, depending on the season. For Summer holidays they are on duty 9am-5pm, 7 days a week

Is there Car Parking near Shellharbour lap pool?

Free parking just 20m from the path to the pool.

Are there BBQ Facilities near Shellharbour saltwater pool?

Gas BBQ facilities located adjacent to the carpark with sheltered picnic tables and chairs

Is Beverley Whitfield Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?

The pool level is accessible via a ramp. Toilet and changeroom accessible. Separate accessible toilet. Stairs in the NW and SW corners of the pool.

Easy pram access to the children’s paddling pool.

What are the changeroom and shower facilities like?

The best thing about Beverley Whitfield Pool at Shellharbour has to be the hot showers available in the changerooms that offer plenty of space to get changed. Hooks to hang your gear while you get changed. What a luxury after a Winter swim!

Cold showers by the pool if you’re brave enough!