Tuncurry Rock Pool

Where is Tuncurry Rock Pool?

Tuncurry Rock Pool is located tucked in the southern edge of the northern breakwall where the Coolongolook River meets the sea between the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry on the mid north coast of NSW. At the end of Rockpool Road at Tuncurry, it’s easy to find and definitely worth the three and a half hour drive north of Sydney.

Why Tuncurry rock pool is a great place to swim

There is something for everyone Tuncurry Rock Pool. More a sheltered beach than a proper ocean pool, the net at the far end provides a great space to do laps. There’s good access for prams and wheelchairs. There’s sand for lazing or building sand castles.

There’s a kid’s park with BBQs. There’s a cafe right there. There’s almost a guarantee you’ll see a pod of dolphins if you go for a walk along the northern breakwall.

Packing a snorkel is essential

The pool itself is full of so much sea life. I got to see heaps of fish even though the visibility wasn’t great the day we were there.

There were heaps of sandy coloured fish in the shallows and lots of big silver ones near the net. I didn’t stay in long as it was the middle of Winter and I got cold, but with a wetsuit, or as the water warms up, you could spend ages checking out the underwater views here.

Warning-Don't swim in the rock pool when the tide is running out at Tuncurry

If you are a competent swimmer, the rock pool is a great place for a snorkel and a swim. As the tide runs out, the drag is extraordinarily strong.

The net provides a bit of safety, but if you are not a strong swimmer, I would recommend you wait til the tide is coming back in or go to one of it’s close neighbouring ocean pools, Forster Ocean Baths or Black Head Rock Pool.

What is the water temperature like?

On a day in July 2024 that was quite sunny and mild, Adam the Duck reported that the water temperature was 20.1 degrees.

If you would like to get your own Adam to tell you the water temp of where ever you swim…you can purchase one here.

How much does it cost to swim at Tuncurry saltwater rock pool?

Free entry

When is Tuncurry Sea Pool open?

Open 24 hours

Are there lifeguards on duty at Tuncurry Rock Pool?

No lifeguards on duty at Tuncurry Rock Pool or beach. A safer option if you are not a strong swimmer is the Forster Ocean baths, less than a five minute drive away.

Is there car parking at Tuncurry rock pool?

Free car parking in the big carpark adjacent to Tuncurry Rock Pool.

Are there BBQ Facilities at Tuncurry ocean pool?

BBQ facilities listed on both the kids playground side and behind the cafe. Also note that this area is zoned as an alcohol free zone.

Is Tuncurry Rock pool and beach wheelchair and pram accessible?

Great access. On the edge of the beach at Tuncurry Rock Pool there is a concrete path that runs parallel to the beach with a ramp to the sand at the Northern end. At the southern end is a ramp that goes almost to the water’s edge. accessible toilet in the same building as the cafe.

What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Tuncurry Rock Pool?

Cold water outdoor showers located at either the end of the beach access track to the north, halfway to the kids park, or another located behind the cafe.

I didn’t go into the facilities so will update after my next visit.

Can I take my dog to Tuncurry Rock Pool?

There’s no dogs allowed on the beach part or in the water at Tuncurrry Rock Pool. If your dog is good on a lead, I highly recommend you go for a walk along the northern break wall. Almost every time I have been in this spot I have seen a pod, or several pods of dolphins passing by.