After three attempts to build rock pools at Newport failed when the pools fell apart, Warringah Council stepped things up in 1925 and had the pool we see today built at the southern end of the beach. Since it was officially opened with a carnival in 1926, countless visitors have enjoyed swimming in the pool, which made headlines in 2012 when a humpback whale was found inside. It’s believed the 11-metre, 30-tonne male died days before he was swept into the pool and his unexpected arrival temporarily closed both the pool and the beach to avoid potential problems with sharks.