Who doesn’t love a good event?
Sneaking out of work on a Friday? Even better!
That was us—a group of 20 adventurous swimmers always ready for a challenge.
It all started when someone casually said, “Wouldn’t it be fun to swim all the Sydney Ocean Pools, from Palmie to Manly, in just one day?”
The "Whatapps RockPools group" was established.
And the bings started soon after 🛎️ 🔔🛎️🛎️🔔
What day? 📆
Should we rent a bus? 🚌
What outfits? 🩱
Where should we stop for coffee? ☕️
How many pools are there?
Do we need inflatables? Outfits? Festive hats?
The itinerary was set…with a 6am start!
Palm Beach Rockpool - Located at the southern end of Palm Beach.
Whale Beach Rockpool - North end of Whale Beach.
Avalon Rockpool - At the southern end of Avalon Beach.
Bilgola Rockpool - On the northern side of Bilgola Beach.
Newport Rockpool - Southern end of Newport Beach.
Mona Vale Rockpool - A unique T-shaped pool between Mona Vale Beach and The Basin.
Basin Beach Rockpool - Adjacent to Mona Vale Rockpool.
Narrabeen Rockpool - Located at the northern end of Narrabeen Beach, one of Sydney’s largest.
Collaroy Rockpool - Found at the southern end of Collaroy Beach.
Dee Why Rockpool - Northern end of Dee Why Beach, popular for lap swimming.
Curl Curl Rockpools - Two pools, one at each end of North Curl Curl Beach.
Freshwater Rockpool - At the northern end of Freshwater Beach.
Queenscliff Rockpool - Northern end of Queenscliff Beach, part of the Manly stretch.
After a quick trip to Kmart, and a You Tube Guide - "how to inflate your pool toy with out a pump"... who knew a reverse hair dryer was so versatile.
The Mini was packed, overflowing with inflatables 🦄 🌈 and The Swim Set wetsuits.
Sydney being Sydney, the weather the day before was gloriously sunny and 30C
The forecast for the big event was overcast and 22.
A downpour started at 3am.... The team was tentative but no one pulled out.
With a coffee stop on the way we arrived to a stormy start at Palmie Rock Pool….
As the plastic inflatables emptied out of the cars, the scene turned into a fluro extravaganza.
With a Mexican wave, 20 eager swimmers, attached to floating unicorns, coloured rings and fairy wands, invaded the pool. Squeals of laughter filled the air.
With a compulsory 2 laps of every pool done we were continually racing to the car to get to the next pool. And race we did.... wetsuits came flinging off and inflatables were stuffed back into cars.
Next stop..... outfit change, "Bathing hats"
Each pool offered its own unique character and a chance to connect with locals and the ocean.
Team shot
And our motto of "you never regret a swim" with a bunch of fabulous friends could not have been more truer on the day.
We finished the day at the Manly Skiff and were the winners of the meat tray raffle. A day that kept giving and giving!!
Life doesn't get any better.
Sydney’s ocean pools are more than just swimming spots, they’re a symbol of community and resilience. Built to withstand the powerful surf, these pools provide a safe yet invigorating way to experience the sea. For the swimmers, each pool was a reminder of Sydney’s rich coastal heritage and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
This festive journey from Palm Beach to Manly was a reminder that the holiday season is about more than tradition. It’s about creating memories, embracing challenges, and finding joy in the unexpected. With the success of this adventure, who knows what’s next for these intrepid swimmers? One thing’s for sure: they’ll be ready, smiles and Santa hats in tow.
