With turquoise water and stunning views, the Bushrangers Bay rock pools are idyllic. It’s easy to see why they’ve become a social media sensation. Added to that they are easy to reach and offer an alternative place to swim if you’re not a massive fan of the open ocean. I’m usually more drawn to waterfall pools and river swims, but I have to say these rock pools are absolutely glorious.
Here’s how to find the Bushrangers Bay rock pools (at Shellharbour).
The Bushrangers Bay Rock Pools (at Bass Point Reserve)
A quick note on tides
The Bushrangers Bay rock pools are best accessed around two hours either side of low tide and not on a day where the swell is very high. The first two spots we mention in this guide submerge faster than the latter pools, so if you do want a dip in those, then head there first.
Although the latter pools (the most popular ones) are somewhat sheltered from the ocean, you could still experience a rogue wave, which is why it’s best not to go when the swell is high.
You can find out the tides time on this website.
The walk to the rock pools
The stats
Distance: 900m return
Elevation gain: 20m
Difficulty: Easy
To the first rock pools
The rocks pools are located in the Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve at Bass Point. There are numerous car parks along the reserve and you want to park at the one labelled “Bushrangers Bay Car Park” on Google Maps (it’s the furthest you can drive along the road, you can see it on the map here).
To find the trail, walk to the furthest end of the car park from where you drove in (the southern end) and head right, along the worn path.
Do not follow the main trail to the left of the car park which has stairs down to the reserve.
After 100m you will reach a junction and turn right. It’s mainly flat and then there are a couple of stairs downhill leading to a rocky area where you will see a green sign stating it’s the emergency assembly point (150m from the car park).
From the sign head right, along the rocks. The rocks are uneven, but very grippy when dry. The first rock pools are 150m from the green sign.
The first rock pools
Co-ordinates: -34.5994114, 150.8976167
There are three main rock pools in this spot, none of which are the ones you’ve most likely seen on social media, but all are very pretty. There are two small ones right next to each other and a slightly bigger one a little further back.
They are absolutely beautiful, with turquoise water and lots of little fish, though watch out as I did see a couple of urchins too!
These pools do submerge with the rising tide earlier than the main pools further along the coast, so it’s worth stopping here first if you do want a dip.
The pools are deep and have some slippery rocks around the edge (if wet) but are generally pretty easy to get into.
They are a fantastic place for a plunge, especially if there are people at the main pools and you’re after a bit of seclusion.
To the main rock pools
The main rock pools are roughly another 150m along the rocks to the right. You have to climb up and down a few rocks to get there, but all are really grippy when dry.
You won’t see the pools until you are quite close to them as they are shielded by some of the taller rocks.
When you get there you’ll find three rock pools, the two most photographed ones are the two closest to the ocean.
When we visited in the afternoon in summer there was a lot of shade behind the third pool and plenty of space to sit or leave your things out of the direct sunlight.
The main rock pools
Co-ordinates: -34.5998437, 150.8964048
The third rock pool is large and has really warm water, much warmer than any of the other pools. It’s gorgeous, though not as clear and not as vibrant blue as the other pools.
If you don’t like cold water, but still want to laze around in a pool, then this one is for you.
The other two pools are just in front of this one and they are spectacular. The water is so clear you might think they are shallow, but they’re actually very deep.
Photos and videos do not do the water colour justice here, it is two tone blue, part turquoise and part indigo. You can see all the little fish and coral inside the water, it’s like a mini aquarium!
Getting in and out of both pools is easy and there’s room to swim a bit in both, but particularly the one to the right.
The slightly smaller pool to the left offers infinity style views and it's a magical spot to watch the rolling waves.
Just remember to visit at low tide so those rolling waves don’t come in right on top of you!
Though you could continue along the coast, we personally turned around at this point. If you’ve got a snorkel mask with you, on the way back you can stop at the main reserve which is a great snorkel spot. If you’re lucky you might see one of the resident Grey nurse sharks!
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
The Bass Point Reserve opening hours and road condition
The Bass Point Reserve is open between 6.30am and 8pm and there is a gate which enforces this.
The last 1.7km to the car park for Bushrangers Bay is largely unsealed. It’s a gravel road and does have some potholes. It’s suitable for any car at time of writing, but there are a couple of bumpy bits.
Bass Point Reserve is located in Shellharbour, around 18km and a 20 minute drive from Kiama, 24km and 30 minutes from Wollongong and 125km and 1 hour 45 minutes from Sydney CBD.
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