South Maroubra

South Maroubra Rock Pools

Visitor info

Highlight: Shallow enough to sit in at low tide. Whales pass by June to September.
Entry: Free
Open: Open at all times, but tidal.
Cleaning: Natural ring-of-rocks pools, not drained.
Where: Marine Parade, South Maroubra NSW 2035 (southern end of the beach)

History

These two ring-of-rocks pools were created by the Maroubra Surf Club in the 1920s, giving day trippers coming in on the new tram line a nice safe spot to swim on the beach. At low tide the pools are more for paddling in, and are so shallow that you can sit in the water. But when the tide comes in you can break into your favourite swimming stroke for short bursts between the rocks. Keep an eye out for whales from June to September!

Water temperature by month

Much the same right along this stretch of the Sydney coast. Approximate — the water runs about a season behind the air.

Jan 22–23°C

Feb 23–24°C

Mar 23–24°C

Apr 22°C

May 20°C

Jun 19°C

Jul 18°C

Aug 18°C

Sep 18–19°C

Oct 19°C

Nov 20–21°C

Dec 21–22°C

Approximate. Sources disagree by a degree or two. The water lags the air by about a season, so autumn stays warm after the crowds leave and spring stays cold after summer seems to have started.