Gentlemen's Pool Wollongong

Where is the Gentlemen's Pool?

Located halfway along Wollongong’s Blue Mile. The Blue mile stretches between North Beach and Belmore Basin, and features two of Wollongong’s most popular ocean pools. The Continental Pool, and it’s less flashy little brother, The Gentlemen’s Pool.

My favourite ocean pool

The Gentlemen’s Pool in Wollongong is my favourite. There’s something that makes you feel like you’re a million miles away when you’re pretty much in the middle of our little city.

I swim here a bit through the winter months and it is rarely crowded. A very different story on a hot summer’s day, where you’ll struggle to find either somewhere to park your car, or to spread out your towel.

Access is via the Blue Mile which is a cycle path and footpath that runs between North Beach and Belmore Basin. To get to the pool you have to walk down either a set of stairs or a pretty steep ramp and then walk over some uneven and at times very slippery rocks. Difficult for those who are anything but steady on their feet.

What I love about the Gentlemen's Pool

A natural rocky bottom greets your gaze as you cruise along the surface with your goggles allowing you to appreciate the view below the surface.

Even though this is my regular pool, I often see things for the first time each time I swim here. From sea creatures, to hidden pockets in the rocks, there is always something new to discover. I think this is one of the reason’s why this pool is one of my favourites. Just long enough to swim a few cruisy laps if that is what takes your fancy, an interesting underwater landscape to explore, breath taking views, and usually feels a couple of degrees warmer than Big Brother right next door.

A great spot for the kids to swim and snorkel any time.

Spectacular views and crystal clear waters

Looking out to sea over the eastern wall as the waves splash up between you and the sunrise is spectacular.

Later in the day as the sun is high in the sky, you’ll often be surprised by the clarity of the water. Crystal clear seems like an understatement. I love circumnavigating the pool from the outside before taking the plunge as this allows me to soak up the beauty from an entirely different angle.

The northern and southern walls are made of natural rock shelf formations, and up until this week I didn’t even realise there were some steps carved into the rocky southern wall about 5m from the western edge. Perhaps they used to be covered in weed and someone has given them a clean?

How big is the Gentlemen's Pool in Wollongong?

Not exactly rectangular as the eastern edge is not straight, the pool measures about 32m at it’s longest point by about 15m wide. Plenty of room for lot’s of people on a hot Summer’s day.

Why I prefer The Gentlemens pool over The Continental

Controversial, sure. the Conty is a bit more like hard work if you ask me. A bit of fun can be had at the eastern end when the swell is up or the tide is high. There is one step along the eastern man made wall that borders the deep end. Standing on this step and trying to maintain your balance as the waves crash into you can be great fun. This end is usually deep enough for a dive or a cannon ball if that is more your style.

At the north western corner of the man made western wall is the ladder that most use for access in and out. It can sometimes become a little slippery, although I’m sure some good citizen gives it a scrub semi regularly to keep it it in check.

If you keep heading south along the Blue Mile, there’s plenty of places to grab a coffee on the way to grabbing a selfie with Wollongong’s iconic lighthouse.

What other ocean pools are nearby?

If you are in Wollongong and you would prefer doing proper laps in a 50m pool, you should check out Towradgi Rock Pool just a few kms north along the bike track if the Continental next door is closed for cleaning.

How much does it cost to swim at Wollongong rock pool?

Free entry

When is Gentlemen's pool open?

Open 24 hours a day.

Are Lifeguards on duty at Gentlemen's Baths ocean pool?

No lifeguards on duty. Lifeguards on duty at the Continental Pool during opening hours, right next door.

Is there Car Parking near Wollongong ocean pool?

Limited free street parking on Cliff Rd, with a short walk down stairs to the pool.

Are there BBQ Facilities near Wollongong's saltwater pool?

Gas BBQ facilities located in Stuart Park 2kms north of the Gentleman’s pool.

Is Gentlemen's Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?

The pool level is accessible via a steep ramp or stairs. To get to the edge of the pool you have to go across a rocky surface that is often unstable or slippery.

No wheelchair access.

Pram access to the level of the pool is down a steep ramp.

Are dogs allowed at The Gentlemen's Rock Pool in Wollongong?

No dogs allowed at The Gentlemen’s Pool. There’s signs to say no dogs, but I have seen lots of people bring their dog down to the rocks by the pool. I think there is a bit of a fine if you get caught.

Plenty of dog owners take their pups for a stroll along The Blue Mile, and who can blame them, the views are spectacular, and the walk is relatively easy. Most are fantastic and pick up after their dogs, but you do see the occasional poop left on the path. If you do go for a walk down there please make sure to pack your poop bags, because there is quite a lot of foot traffic, and there is nothing worse than a steamer left on the concrete in the middle of the thoroughfare.

Let’s make sure the Blue Mile doesn’t become the Poo Mile!