Bronte Baths — Local services in Sydney

Bronte Baths is an open-air, ocean pool carved into he sandstone cliff at the southern end of the Bronte Beach. It is a very Australian thing to have a pool built alongside the beach and there are about 100 along the NSW coast. As far as ocean pools go, it’s this is one of the most scenic. It is slightly elevated so it looks across the ocean and down upon the beach. The towering sandstone cliffs and rock formations are a dramatic backdrop. Built in the 1880s at a time when it was considered highly risky for men and women to mix, the baths were highly regulated. Swimming was only allow between daylight hours of 10am - 4pm. Goodness knows what might happen in the dark. Gentlemen could bathe 7 days a week but ladies were forbidden on Sundays and public holidays. Today entry is free, but when it was new, entry was fourpence (adults) and tuppence (children). The baths are perfect for smaller children or for those who are are inexperienced swimmers. It offers a safer swimming space, where you can still swim in ocean water but are protected from tricky rips, shifting currents and rough surf. Barrier at one end divides the serious swimming section where lanes are marked out for laps, from the area where you can just have a splash around. The surrounding rock platform is a good area to set up your towels and sit in the sun. NOTE: Don’t leave without walking the very short distance up the path past the Baths to the end of the headland. It has absolutely beautiful ocean views and striking...

Bronte Beach is glorious wide beach. It’s a cove, but very very long and at one end is an ocean pool. This is a very cool thing because when it’s high tide, the waves from the ocean break over the edge of the pool so you get salt spray and maybe drenched. There are various sets of steps into the pool. I got there at 9:30 and the local swim club was doing some adult races and training so a portion of the pool had lane dividers for them but there was plenty of pool available for everyone else. All along the ocean edge of the pool was a ledge, maybe 4 feet below water, so you could stand on the ledge and look out at the ocean or put your back to the ocean and look at the other swimmers and the very cool sculpted sandstone cliffs on the other side. When I got there I asked a lifeguard if it was safe to leave my stuff and she said definitely no problem; then I asked an older lady who was going into swim with her goggles and bathing cap and she said definitely it’s fine - just find a spot near the rocks, it’s very safe (which it was). Everyone is doing the same thing.

I dog paddled, breast stroked, treaded water and just hung out on the side, absorbing the ocean and everything. It was my best...

Bronte Baths is one of Sydney’s most ocean pools, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and relaxation. Nestled along the famous coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee, this pool provides an incredible swimming experience with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The water is fresh, clear, and constantly replenished by the waves, making every swim feel revitalizing. Whether you’re an early riser looking for a peaceful sunrise dip or someone who enjoys a mid-day cool-off, Bronte Baths delivers. The rock pool is well-maintained, with easy access via sturdy steps and a surrounding platform where you can sit and soak in the stunning scenery.

Unlike some of the busier ocean pools, Bronte Baths often feels more tranquil, allowing for a more enjoyable swim. It’s also a fantastic spot for photographers, as the dramatic waves crashing against the rocks create a stunning backdrop.

With its relaxed vibe, natural beauty, and perfect swimming conditions, Bronte Baths is a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Whether you're training, unwinding, or simply admiring the views, this spot never disappoints. A true coastal paradise—highly...