Oak Park Rock pool
Where is Oak Park Rock Pool?
Oak Park Rock Pool is the southernmost of Cronulla’s rock pools. Less than an hour’s drive from the centre of Sydney, the ocean pools of Cronulla are the perfect spot to tick off a few ocean pools in the one outing.
Oak Park is only a 3 min drive south of Shelly Beach Rock Pool and 6 minutes drive south of South Cronulla Rock Pool, pretty much right next door to North Cronulla Rock Pool. Four pools that close together is pretty special.
Why Oak Park Rock Pool is a great place to swim
I love the look of these old school pavilions. Shelly Beach Rock Pool and Oak Park could be twins with their lemony yellow facades. Oak Park Rock Pool is the older of the two by 27 years.
Oak Park is my favourite of the ocean pools at Cronulla. There’s lots to like about it. I like how secluded it feels. You head down the stairs (it’s out of sight from where you park in Jibbon Street), sheltered by the overhanging rock formation. You could be anywhere a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The view across to Bundeena is stunning. The pool itself has very chilled out vibes and a very natural feel. I love the rock formation on the western side of the pool.
Visiting this one "off peak" is essential
The chilled out vibe of this pool is it’s super power and I’m guessing if you visit on a weekend, on a hot Summer’s day, you won’t quite get what I’m talking about. Having this place to yourself, or sharing it with a small number of others is worth the water temperature being a few degrees colder, or worth setting the alarm clock in the morning to go off a little earlier.
How big is Oak Park Rock Pool?
Not as rectangular as it looks in the above photo. Its is wider at the shallow beach end, about 40m, while the far end is more like 25m across. the length of the left wall in the photo above is 35m, while the wall on the right is close to 40m.
Because you can enter from the beach, this entry reminds me a bit of Forster Ocean Baths, you can definitely wade out to deeper water more gradually. Or if it’s more your style, and the tide is higher, you can walk down and jump in the deep end.
What is the water temperature like?
I’m not sure why I forgot to take a picture of Diesel the Duck at Oak Park Rock Pool, maybe it was because I was more focused on trying to take some video, and Sneelock had to save him for me.
It should be no surprise to find that this pool, especially with waves breaking into it, as was the case when we first visited, is a very similar temperature to the ocean.
Looking forward to finding out a bit, more about this mermaid who looks like she’s been watching over the pool for a while.
What other ocean pools are near Oak Park Rock Pool?
Cronulla folks are pretty lucky, with their four ocean pools located very close together. If you head north from Oak Park Rock Pool for just 1km you will arrive at younger sister Shelly Beach Rock Pool and only 3.9kms to the two ocean pools located between Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach.
When is Oak Park Ocean Pool open?
Open 24 hours
How much does it cost to swim at Oak Park Pool?
Free entry
Are there lifeguards on duty at Oak Park Rock Pool?
No lifeguards at Oak Park Rock Pool
Is there car parking at Oak Park Pool?
Limited free car parking in Jibbon Street
Are there BBQ Facilities at Oak Park Pool?
Public BBQ facilities available in Oak Park, overlooking the Pavilion. I can’t think of a better place for a BBQ or picnic in Cronulla between ocean pool swims!
Is Oak Park Pool wheelchair and pram accessible?
Not good access to this one. There are stairs to the beach and the pool.
Which Cronulla ocean pool is the best?
I admit Oak Park Rock pool is my favourite. A bit more away from the centre of town, and the locals who call this pool home, The Oak Park Jelly Beans, look like they are just so much fun!
What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Oak Park Rock Pool?
Changerooms in the historic pavilion. Cold showers included. Also mounted on the wall here is a defibrillator.
Can I take my dog to Oak Park Rock Pool?
There’s no dogs allowed in the pool area.
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