The Blue Pool in Bermagui is a stunning ocean pool carved into the rocks on the NSW Sapphire Coast. It is regularly flushed with seawater, entry is free, and there’s plenty of marine life for snorkellers to enjoy.
The Blue Pool in Bermagui, New South Wales, is one of the most spectacular places to swim on the Sapphire Coast.
The name comes from the colour – the Blue Pool in Bermagui reflects the blue skies overhead. This is testament to how clean and clear the water is – seawater regularly charges in to flush the pool.
Blue Pool, Bermagui: carved from the rocks
Like several other ocean pools in New South Wales – such as the Merewether Baths in Newcastle, the Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden, Wylie’s Baths in Coogee and the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool in Kiama – the Blue Pool is carved out of the coastal rocks.
This Sapphire Coast swimming spot lies at the base of a rocky cliff face. Unlike many other ocean baths, it has a natural, curving look to it, rather than being hemmed in between straight walls.
Swimming and snorkelling at the Blue Pool, Bermagui
You can still swim a few laps at the Blue Pool, however – it’s around 50 metres long, and it has been since it was enlarged in 1939.
This isn’t really a pool designed for the lap-swimmers, however. Bermagui’s Blue Pool is far better suited to those who wish to slowly pootle about in the water. This is particularly the case if they’ve got a snorkel and mask, as there’s plenty of aquatic life to see.
Anemones, crabs, nudibranchs and sea stars live in the Blue Pool, along with several species of fish.
Blue Pool facilities and whale-watching platform
Access to the Blue Pool is via a flight of rocky steps. There’s a toilet, cold shower and changing room next to the pool, as well as a viewing platform.
From this platform, there are tremendous views of the coast and, during the spring months, you can see migrating whales.
Entrance to the Blue Pool in Bermagui is free.
Blue Pool Bermagui: key visitor information
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the Blue Pool Bermagui opening hours? | Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| How much does it cost to swim at the Blue Pool? | Entry is free. |
| Where is the Blue Pool in Bermagui? | Pacific Drive, Bermagui NSW 2546. The car park is located off Pacific Drive, a few minutes east of the Bermagui town centre. |
| Is there parking at the Blue Pool Bermagui? | Yes. A small free car park is located off Pacific Drive (approximately eight spaces). Street parking on Pacific Drive is also used when the car park is full. |
| What facilities are at the Blue Pool? | Toilets, cold shower, change rooms, picnic tables, benches, and a scenic viewing platform. An accessible toilet is located next to the car park. |
| Is the Blue Pool accessible for wheelchair users? | No. There is no wheelchair access to the pool itself. The accessible toilet is located near the car park. There is no pram access to the pool. |
| How do you get down to the Blue Pool? | A flight of approximately 70 steps leads down from the car park to the pool. Change rooms are at the top, near the car park. |
| Is the Blue Pool suitable for children? | Yes. There is a smaller, shallower wading pool adjacent to the main pool, suitable for young children. |
| Can you snorkel at the Blue Pool Bermagui? | Yes. The pool is well regarded as a snorkelling spot, with anemones, sea stars, crabs, fish and nudibranchs all present. |
| When can you see whales from the Blue Pool? | Migrating whales can be spotted from the viewing platform, primarily during spring (September to November). |
| Are dogs allowed at the Blue Pool? | No. Dogs are not permitted at the Blue Pool. |
| Who manages the Blue Pool Bermagui? | Bega Valley Shire Council. |
Things to do near the Blue Pool, Bermagui
Bermagui Coastal Walk – A spectacular walking track that takes in Murunna Point, Bermagui Point, Dickinson Point Headland, and the Blue Pool itself. The route also passes Camel Rock and Horse Head Rock, basalt formations believed to be around 450 million years old.
Bruce Steer Pool – A lesser-known but equally appealing alternative, this netted saltwater pool sits on the edge of Bermagui Harbour. At around 150 metres in length, it is ideal for lap swimming and has all-abilities access, a sandy beach, and gentle water for young children.
Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf – A short drive from the Blue Pool, the wharf is the heart of Bermagui’s fishing community. It offers fresh seafood, cafés, restaurants, and harbour views, and is a great spot to pick up the day’s catch directly from the fleet.
Mimosa Rocks National Park – A short drive south of Bermagui, this coastal national park features turquoise waters, secluded beaches and stunning rock formations visible through spotted gum forest. Middle Beach and Nelson Lagoon are both idyllic swimming spots within the park.
Wallaga Lake – Around seven kilometres north of Bermagui, Wallaga Lake is the largest coastal lake in southern NSW. It is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking in calm, sheltered water.
More New South Wales South Coast travel
Other New South Wales South Coast travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- When is whale-watching season in Jervis Bay?
- Jervis Bay beach guides: Blenheim Beach, Callala Beach, Greenfield Beach, Hyams Beach.
- First time visitors’ guide to Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.
- Why the Eden Killer Whale Museum is worth visiting.
- Kiama attractions: Guides to visiting the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool and Bombo Headland in Kiama.
