Sneelocks Rock Pool
Where is Sneelocks Rock Pool?
Sneelocks Rock Pool is located on the rock platform to the south of the Hill 60 Lookout at the top of Military Road at Port Kembla. Is is not accessible at high tide or when there is any kind of swell. The best access is from the few car parking spots on the other side of Hill 60. Turn left at the top of Military Road and follow that road straight down the other side of Hill 60 towards the old treatment plant at the bottom. Park here and head south west across the rocks next to the old pipe.
You can also access Sneelocks Rock Pool from Port Kembla Pool, and head east then north along the rock platform. To access from this end it needs to be low tide, but then Sneelocks will also be low tide so there might not be much water to swim in.
Visiting Sneelocks Rock Pool the first time
After working in the area for a long time, and visiting the carpark that overlooks Sneelocks Rock Pool countless times, I only noticed it for the first time last year.
I locked in my trusty best friend to accompany me. For the purpose of this adventure I will refer to him as the ‘OG Sneelock’. The reason he’s such a Sneelock is because he is literally up for anything, much like the Dr Seuss character from If I Ran the Circus that he is lovingly named after.
The OG Sneelock and I went to check it out at mid tide in Winter 2024. We first tried to attack it from the Port Kembla Pool side, but we got to a point where we had to turn back because we would have got wet. Well, wet before we wanted to!
We went back to the car, up and over Hill 60 and tried from the other side. This access is much easier. Across a rock platform and beach all the way.
Sneelocks Rock Pool is a great secluded spot
I would say most days you would have Sneelocks rock pool to yourself. It’s out of the way, a bit of a walk to get there, and only suitable at mid to low tide, with low tide making it pretty shallow.
Not great for “swimming”, but a great spot to jump in and cool off. I could picture wasting some time on an inflatable here if the beach is too busy for my liking.
Vaguely reminiscent of The Nun’s Pool and The Ladies Pool in Wollongong.
What other ocean pools are near Sneelocks Rock Pool?
The closest pool is right next door, Port Kembla Olympic Pool, only 500m away. Further south it’s only 14kms to Beverley Whitfield Pool at Shellharbour. If you’re keen to go north, it’s only about 12kms to The Nun’s Pool, Wollongong’s Continental Pool and The Gentlemen’s Pool.
What is the water temperature like?
Our fantastic companion David Donald Doo the duck told us the water temp was a balmy 16.9 degrees on our last visit. If you would like to get your own David Donald Doo to tell you the water temp of where ever you swim…you can get one here.
How much does it cost to swim at Sneelocks rock pool?
Free entry
When is Sneelocks pool open?
Open 24 hours a day. Remember it’s not safe to access at high tide or when the swell is bigger than tiny.
Are Lifeguards on duty at Sneelocks ocean pool?
No lifeguards on duty. don’t swim at Sneelocks if you are not a confident swimmer.
Sneelocks Rock Pool from Hill 60 car park
Is there Car Parking near Sneelocks ocean pool?
There are a few car parking spots available at the car park on the south eastern side of Hill 60.
Are there BBQ Facilities near Sneelocks saltwater pool?
Gas BBQ facilities and under cover picnic tables located in the park near Hill 60 lookout at port kembla.
How big is Sneelocks Rock Pool?
Sneelocks Rock Pool is a baby one, roughly 26m by 7m. When we visited in Winter 2024, most of the pool was waist deep, with some sections deep enough to jump in. this will vary with how much sand is in the pool at any time, and what the tide is.
Is Sneelocks Rock Pool Wheelchair and Pram accessible?
Sneelocks Rock Pool is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams. Only suitable for people who can walk well on rocky, slippery, unstable surfaces.
What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Sneelocks Rock Pool?
No facilities at Sneelocks Rock Pool. Better pack your hoody towel!
