Clovelly Ocean Pool - The Geoff James Pool

Where is The Geoff James Pool?

The Clovelly ocean pool named after Geoff James is located on the southern side of Clovelly Bay. The bay is a 350m channel that runs from the open ocean to the tiny, sheltered, 60m wide Clovelly Beach. There is a concrete promenade on either side of the channel, providing visitors with a truly unique swimming and snorkeling destination. The pool is nice, and the reason I went there, but I have to admit I was immediately drawn to the channel.

Why Clovelly ocean pool is a great place to swim

There is something for everyone at Clovelly. If you want to swim laps, The Geoff James pool is six metres wide and boasts 4 lanes on the council website, but in reality only 3 are marked on the bottom of the pool.

If laps aren’t your thing, the beach is very protected and therefore, safe for swimming. Ideal for those less confident swimming in the surf, or for small children. There is also a kids park directly behind the beach.

Then there’s the channel…

Packing a snorkel is essential

I am so glad I took my snorkel. The channel itself is full of so much sea life. I got chatting to a lovely man in the pool who told me the spot where the blue groper usually hangs out. As soon as I got in the water I found the groper and was mesmerised. He couldn’t have cared less that I was there watching him.

Of course I stuffed up my go pro and turned the camera off when I thought I was turning it on, and all the good footage I thought I got, I didn’t get at all. Oh well, just an excuse to go back another time. Rookie error!

There were heaps of other fish to see, of all types and sizes. I swam from the northern promenade to the beach and back, and loved every minute, even though the swell made it a bit bumpy. It’s so soothing being underwater. I can’t get enough of it.

Can you swim in the channel at Clovelly?

If you are a competent swimmer, the channel at Clovelly Bay is a great place for a snorkel and a swim.

There are sets of stairs, spaced about 50m apart along the promenade that allow access into the channel. The day that I visited, there was a bit of swell, so entering off the stairs was a little bit hairy, but I managed to get in and out without coming unstuck.

There was a bit of a current and I was glad that I was wearing my flippers. I can’t wait to come back on a calm day with the kids and explore some more.

What is the water temperature like?

On a day in late May that was quite sunny and mild, Django the Duck reported that the water temperature was 20.1 degrees. It felt pretty warm and I stayed in for a while.

How much does it cost to swim at Geoff James saltwater pool?

Free entry

When is Clovelly Sea Pool open?

Open 24 hours

Some other reasons to love Clovelly ocean pool

The surf club features some really good artwork on the walls, that is really worth checking out. There’s some surf life savers and some underwater creatures. Clovelly’s famous Bluey the groper gets a start. I love this. it’s so much better than a boring beige wall!

If the surf is too big, you can always swim in the pool.

Are there BBQ Facilities at Clovelly ocean pool?

BBQ facilities listed on both the northern and southern sides of Clovelly Bay. I didn’t actually look for them while I was there though.

Is Clovelly Beach pool wheelchair and pram accessible?

Great access. On the southern side of Clovelly Bay there is a driveway/ramp down to the promenade level.

On the northern side of Clovelly Bay there is a ramp to the promenade, but also a ramp to the beach and an access ramp from the beach directly into the water. The day that I visited, there was some sand and debris on the beach ramp, but some of the best access I have seen so far.

Accessible toilets located at the cafe on the southern side of the bay.

Are there lifeguards on duty at Clovelly ocean pool?

Lifeguards on duty at Clovelly channel, overlooking Geoff James Pool during the Summer months (they were there a couple of days before Winter as well?)

Is there car parking at Geoff James pool?

Free car parking in the big carpark at the eastern end of Clovelly Road.

What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Geoff James Pool?

Cold water outdoor showers located at either end of the southern platform. There are toilets and showers in the changerooms at the top of the hill overlooking the Geoff James pool. The showers are labelled as hot, but on the day I was there in May 2024, there was no hot water coming out of those bad boys. Reminded me of a similar experience I had at Bulli Rock Pool changerooms.