Black Head Rock Pool
Image courtesy of Tracey Keogh
Where is Black Head Ocean Pool?
Black Head Rock Pool is found in a secluded, sleepy village on the mid north coast of NSW, a short 25 minute drive north of Forster, and just under three and a half hours drive north of Sydney.
It’s ocean pool is located at the southern end of Black head beach, nestled beneath the headland, right next to the Surf Life Saving Club.
Black Head Ocean pool is one of my favourite pools we’ve discovered in our travels so far. We discovered it almost by accident, just exploring the coast while on a family holiday in Forster. Black Head is such a small place it actually boggles my mind that they ever built a pool here.
How big is Black Head Ocean Pool?
The main pool features 4 marked lanes and is 30m in length, (the same length as Sydney’s favourite, Bronte Baths, where you have to swim a whopping 33 laps to clock up a kilometre).
The lane markings on the bottom of the pool are painted white, instead of the usual black, and I’ve got to say I really dig the aesthetic of it. You can enter the pool via the stairs located in the south west corner, if you’re not keen on a dive (or a stickler for the rules as the sign says no diving!) or cannon ball type entry.
The view north along Black Head Beach is nothing short of spectacular. I love being able to be in the pool and feel so close to the surfers that it’s like we’re almost sitting in the lineup with them.
At the western end of the main pool is the irregular shaped kids pool. Pacman shaped maybe? It kind of hugs the end of the main pool. It provides a nice big area for the kids to splash about, while the serious lap swimmers can get about their business. Measuring about 14m by 14m at it’s widst and longest parts, there’s plenty of room.
Image courtesy of Tracey Keogh
Our latest visit to Black Head Rock Pool
Our latest visit to Black Head Rock Pool saw two of the kids join me for a swim. Black Head is a tiny village on the NSW north coast not far from Forster. It’s not the sort of place you would think would be big enough population wise to deserve an ocean pool of it’s own. Not even a thousand people live here according to the latest census data. Yet, it is the people that keep this pool “afloat”, so to speak.
It’s such a cool thing that this tiny town has a bunch of volunteers who look after the pool and it’s maintenance. The fact that they are known as “Dad’s army” is fitting on two counts. A group of older gents by their own description, and the pool sits alongside the war memorial. I’d really like to get here for an ANZAC Day dawn service some time. Thanks again to the volunteers for the work they put in. The pool would not be the same without you!
Before we dipped a toe in, we headed up to the headland to take a few photos, and we were lucky enough to share the view with one of the locals!
It was pretty cold in, despite the sunny conditions. Ben jumped in and then jumped straight back out again, while Josie and I did a couple of laps and a couple of bombs in the deep end. We also waded through the kids pool which was a bout mid-thigh deep.
What else is there to do at Black Head?
The first time we came here the surf looked promising but wasn’t really worth paddling out. We opted instead, to go for an explore around the rocky headland. What a great spot. The kids had an absolute ball. Lots of pristine looking rock pools (I believe they are known as the Crystal Pools), to swim in and an octopus as well!
The lookout at the top of the headland is a great spot for whale watching when the season is right ( May- November for humpbacks and July-October for blue whales). On our last family holiday to nearby Forster, we went on a whale watching boat tour and saw more whales than you can imagine!
What other ocean pools are near Black Head Rock Pool?
Only a 20 minute drive north from it’s closest ocean pool neighbour, Tuncurry Rock Pool, and just a few minutes further down the road to Forster Ocean Baths, you could definitely do all three in a day.
What is the water temperature like at Black Head Rock Pool?
Declan the duck told us the water was 20.1 degrees when we visited in July 2024. Not too bad for the middle of Winter!
How much does it cost to swim at Black Head pool?
Free entry, but there is a donation box to help contribute to the upkeep and cleaning of the pool. Feel free to show your appreciation by putting a couple of dollars in their bunker.
The pool is maintained by a group of local volunteers known as Dad’s army. A massive shout out to the guys for keeping to pool looking spick and span.
When is Black Head rock pool open?
Open 24 hours a day, except for cleaning, which usually takes place on a Thursday from 11am-6pm, (depending on the tides), weekly in Summer and fornightly for the rest of the year according to Midcoast Council website. Alternatively, you can check the bunker at the pool
Are Lifeguards on duty at Black Head ocean pool?
Lifeguards on duty at Black Head Beach with various hours depending on the season. For Summer holidays they are on duty 9am-5pm, 7 days a week, in the shoulder seasons from September to April, they patrol 9am-1pm.
Is there Car Parking near Black Head Rock Pool?
Free street parking on Main Street, Black Head just 250m to the pool.
2 disabled parking spots right next to the pool.
Are there BBQ Facilities near Black Head saltwater pool?
BBQ facilities located in nearby Wylie Breckenridge Park
Is Black Head Rock Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?
2 accessible car parking spaces. Accessible toilet. Ramp access to the level of the pool. Stair and ladders to exit the pool.
What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Black Head Ocean Pool?
Very cool-looking cold showers on the outside of the surf club building, depicting a family with their dog. It looks amazing!
2 modern small cubicle style changerooms, at the eastern end of the surf club. Separate to the toilets, featuring a hook to hang your stuff and a small bench. They felt quite luxurious compared to my usual changeroom of my hoodie towel.
When is Black Head Ocean Pool cleaned?
Thursdays from 11am-6pm, Winter (Easter-start of October) each fortnight, and Summer (October-Easter), weekly. For more information check the bunker at the pool or Midcoast Council website.
Are dogs allowed at Black Head Rock Pool?
Sorry Cocoa, no dogs allowed.
