Finding Campbells Hole, the most stunning natural rock pool on the South Coast
There's a moment when you spot a place you've been hunting for and everything goes quiet. That's what happened at Campbells Hole. A huge crystal clear pool sitting at the base of a towering cliff, hidden from the Kiama Coastal Walk just above. Hikers were passing on the cliff tops, none of them aware of what was directly below them.
The first attempt
I tried to find it on my first afternoon in the area. Launched the drone, scanned the coastline, and after 20 minutes I finally spotted the pool. Bad news, it was sitting in full shade. The cliff that makes Campbells Hole so dramatic also blocks the afternoon light completely. Sunrise it was.
The walk in
The morning was perfect. Soft light, calm ocean, low tide. I followed the trail from Werri Beach, crossed the lagoon, and picked up the grassy track that runs along the coast. After you pass the cow paddock, you need to look for a small social trail cutting through tall grass towards the ocean. It wasn't easy to spot, and I pushed through wet grass for a few minutes and came out the other side completely soaked. Worth it.
From there you drop onto a short stretch of beach, then onto the rock shelf that runs another 350 metres or so to the pool. Mossy bits, sharp shells, the usual coastal stuff. Hiking shoes were a good call.
Finding the pool
When I finally rounded the corner and saw it, I had a proper Leonardo DiCaprio moment from The Beach. The pool was glowing in the morning light. I dropped the camera and went straight in.
The water is clear all the way to the bottom. There's a deep section big enough for actual swimming, and shallower ledges if you just want to float. Above you, the cliff goes straight up, layered and weathered. Behind you, the ocean keeps doing its thing on the rock shelf, occasionally throwing up a bit of spray. Nobody else around.
What you need to know
Getting there. Park at Werri Beach car park near Gerringong. The walk is around 950 metres each way, mostly flat. From the car park, cross the beach north, cross the river, follow the grassy track, look for the second social trail on the right after the cow paddock. The tall grass section is the tricky bit, the rest is straightforward.
Best time. Early morning. The cliff faces the wrong way for afternoon light, so the pool sits in shade after midday. Sunrise gives you the colour and the calm.
Tide and swell. Non negotiable. Go within a couple of hours of low tide, ideally on the way down so you know it's going out. Check the swell too. WillyWeather is the app I use for both. Small swell only.
Bring. Hiking shoes for the rock shelf, swimmers, a towel, water, sunscreen.
Leave it as you found it. Take your rubbish with you. Places like this stay magic because people respect them.
