Boat Harbour Rock Pool - Gerringong

Where is Gerringong Ocean Rock Pool?

The southernmost of Gerringong’s two ocean pools, Boat Harbour Rock Pool is located just out of the quaint town of Gerringong. Next to, you guessed it, the boat harbour and ramp which is accessed off Jupiter Street.

Tucked away around the corner from the car park, you can’t see it as you pull up. When you walk along the path and it comes into view, you’ll be glad you made the effort to get there.

Boat Harbour Rock Pool is a stunning ocean pool, perfect for laps, a quick dip, a snorkel or a sunbathe on the rock platforms.

What other ocean pools are near Boat Harbour Ocean Pool?

Only a short drive (less than 2km) from Gerringong’s other ocean pool Werri Beach Rock Pool, you could easily do both in a day if you wanted. And if you want to do a couple more, it’s only 15km further north to one of my faves, the absolutely stunning Blowhole Point Rock Pool at Kiama. If you get the chance to go there, I promise, you’ll love it.

How big is Boat Harbour Rock Pool?

It’s length is close to 40m, although it’s swimmable length is more like 30m. The width at the deepest, eastern end is close to 25m. This results in the locals swimming laps both along the length of the southern wall, or across the width of the eastern wall, depending on their preference.

On our visit we did some snorkelling and saw a massive flathead, starfish, lots of very active sea slugs and plenty of other fish. We actually got a bit cold before we could explore the entire bottom of the rock pool, so will definitely be back for another visit soon!

Visiting Boat Harbour Rock Pool

We first stumbled across this beautiful ocean pool by accident a few years ago when we’d been exploring the headland at Gerringong looking for whales. We were pleasantly surprised as we walked from the park around the base of the cliff face heading north and laid eyes on this sparkling water hole.

What is the water temperature at Gerringong ocean pool?

After checking out a few creatures on the edge of the pool (my kids tell me they were sea slugs), we thought about braving the water.

On our most recent trip in late September 2023, our trusty Derek the duck informed us that the water temperature was 19.6 degrees. (Up to 20.6 on our subsequent visit April 2024). There was a bit of a NE wind blowing, so that made it feel a bit chillier than it otherwise would have been.

What is access like getting into the pool?

There is access at the shallow Western end that is neither steps or a ramp. My daughter described it as ‘a ramp made of rocks’. This made getting in here a bit tricky due to the uneven footing. Don’t let the handrail fool you…

A couple of us walked around the edge anti clockwise and jumped into the deep end from the north east corner. At mid tide it was definitely deep enough for a safe dive from here. At high tide the water comes in over the eastern wall, and it might be quite entertaining with a bit of swell to spice things up a bit. There were a couple of people swimming laps up and down the southern side so we stayed out of their way and had a bit of a splash on the other side. At some points it was shallow enough for me to stand on what felt like warm plush carpet…a delightful surprise!

Don't forget to pack your snorkel or goggles

I also took the opportunity to have a cruise around while borrowing the kids snorkel and had a sneaky look around under the surface. There were several schools of little fish and some pretty seaweed across the rocky floor. We saw a massive flat head that certainly didn’t like the attention and have heard rumours of an octopus or two, but we didn’t see them unfortunately.

What makes Gerringong's Boat Harbour Rock Pool so good?

There is what looks like an old viewing platform at the western end of the pool. A small disused grandstand of sorts, the concrete structure lends itself to being a great spot to keep an eye on the kids while they’re in the pool or just for soaking up the sun to warm up after a dip. If the tide is low there are plenty of flat rocks to lay your towel and small rock pools for the kids to explore.

The pool is in the shade quite early in the afternoon due to it’s position below the cliffs or high ground on the western side. I would advise getting down there while it’s still in the bright sunlight to help keep warm while you’re there, unless you are visiting on one of those super hot days in the middle of summer.

There are a few car spots right next to the boat ramp at the end of the path to the pool, but plenty of parking a bit further up the hill.

The picnic area features three barbeques and a gazebo to sit at and relax. Pretty new toilet facilities were in good condition when we were there.

Gerringong is also a lovely little town to visit. I have had some cracking pies from the bakery in town, and on our last visit, despite still shivering from our swim we decided to try the gelato shop at the top of the hill. Wow. Just wow! If you get the chance check it out…It’s definitely worth the drive (IYKYK).

How much does it cost to swim at Boat Harbour Rock Pool?

Free entry

When is Boat Harbour Ocean Pool Open?

Open 24 hours

Are lifeguardson duty at Gerringong Ocean Pool?

No lifeguards on duty at Boat Harbour Rock Pool

Is there car parking at Gerringong Rock Pool?

Free car parking. Most spots available on a hill, with an easy 150m walk along the path to get to the rock pool.

Are there BBQ facilities at Boat Harbour Ocean Pool?

Gas BBQ facilities located just off the car park and adjacent to a gazebo with picnic table and chairs.

Is Boat Harbour Ocean Pool Gerringong Wheelchair/Pram Accessible?

Wheelchair accessible toilet. The path would allow wheelchair access to the end of the path. Access to the pool itself would be difficult due to the natural rocky bottom of the ocean pool.