Built in 1932, this little 30-metre sea pool lies just north of Maroubra Beach. Although the water is quite calm during low tide, it can get rough when the weather picks up as the southern and eastern sides are exposed to the swell.

Just south of Coogee Beach is Wylie’s Baths, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The pool was established in 1907 by champion long-distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie whose daughter Wilhelmina was among the first Australian female Olympians and won a silver medal in swimming.

At the edge of Bondi Beach, the spectacular Bondi Icebergs pool is prime Instagram fodder. The 50-metre saltwater pool has been here for more than 100 years and in order to join its membership you have to be dedicated, swimming three Sundays of every month of the year for a period of five years.

Down past the southern edge of Malabar Beach, this ocean pool is embedded in the rocks not far from Randwick Golf Club and looks over Malabar Headland National Park. It’s a decent depth when full but fine to swim in at low tide, and an access ramp into the water allows for wheelchair access.

This harbourside pool dates to the 1920s and has beautiful views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. Its heritage character was preserved in a mid-1980s restoration – the most prominent feature being the green picket fence. It’s cleaned and refilled weekly, so check the timetable with North Sydney Council if you’re keen for an early morning dip.

A rock pool in the true sense of the word, this natural pool to the north of Coogee Beach is surrounded by smooth rocks, ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. Walk through the arch and descend the stone steps into clear blue water that’s constantly refreshed by the waves. Check the water depth before you take the leap.

Just like the ocean but without the waves, the Bronte pool receives beautiful salty water from the sea and there’s a separate shallow area for kids. Bronte Baths opened in 1887 and is said to be the birthplace of the “Australian crawl”, more commonly known as freestyle. Its historical value has been recognised by the National Trust.

On the northern end of Freshwater Beach, this 50-metre ocean pool sits below the cliff-top Freshwater Lookout. It’s concrete on all sides and perfect for swimming laps as there are lane markings on all eight lanes and the water is pleasant and clear, especially when the sun is out.