Where to swim when the surf is big

The calmer options when Bondi is pumping.

Today, Sunday 8 November

• North Bondi Children's PoolFree

  Usually open

  Rock pool for young kids at the north end of Bondi. Free. Closes Thursdays for cleaning.

• Bondi Icebergs

  Usually open

  The famous 50-metre ocean pool at the south end of Bondi, with a kids' pool and sauna. Paid entry, anyone can swim. Closes Thursdays for cleaning. Hours

• Bronte BathsFree

  Usually open

  A 30-metre pool carved into the sandstone at the south end of Bronte. Free, and one of the oldest in Sydney. Closes Wednesdays for cleaning.

• Clovelly Ocean Pool (Geoff James Pool)Free

  Usually open

  Saltwater lap pool on the concrete promenade beside Clovelly's sheltered bay. Free. No fixed cleaning day.

• Giles BathsFree

  Usually open

  Rocky, natural-feeling pool at the north end of Coogee. Free. Check the tides first. No fixed cleaning day.

• Ross Jones Memorial PoolFree

  Usually open

  Next to Coogee Surf Club at the south end of the beach. Popular with families. Waves spill over the wall at high tide. Free. No fixed cleaning day.

• McIver's Ladies Baths

  Usually open

  Women and children only, the last women-only sea pool in Australia. Small entry fee. No fixed cleaning day.

• Wylie's Baths

  Usually open

  Tidal pool at the south end of Coogee, built in 1907. Opens daily at 7am. Entry fee. No fixed cleaning day. Hours

Ocean pools first

When the waves are big, the ocean pools are the easy answer, as long as they're open. Check today's list below. In a really big swell the sea washes over the walls and the pools close too.

Clovelly

A rocky breakwater across the mouth of Clovelly Bay keeps the water calm even when the open beaches are rough.

If in doubt, stay out

Big surf brings strong rips at every beach. Check the beach-by-beach report for today, swim only between the flags, and if the beach is closed, it's closed for a reason.

Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach, and ask the lifeguards about conditions. Beach safety, with pictures

More guides

Sources: NSW DPIRD: Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve · Waverley Council: ocean pools