Best Swimming Spots in Woollahra

The Woollahra council area has some of the best harbour swimming in Sydney, with sheltered beaches, tidal pools and calm coves spread along 16 kilometres of foreshore.

Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf Pool) — Double Bay

A heritage tidal harbour pool on New South Head Road, overlooking Clark Island. Free entry, open year-round. The pool has a timber boardwalk, change rooms and a grassy sun deck. Popular with lap swimmers in the morning and families in the afternoon. Named after Australian Olympic swimmer Murray Rose, who trained here as a child.

Shark Beach, Nielsen Park — Vaucluse

A sandy harbour beach enclosed by a shark net within Sydney Harbour National Park. Calm, clear water. The heritage Nielsen Park kiosk is right on the beach for post-swim coffee or lunch. Gets busy on summer weekends, quieter in autumn and winter. Car parking fees apply (national park). Free beach entry.

Parsley Bay — Vaucluse

A sheltered harbour inlet crossed by a suspension footbridge. Calm, shallow water ideal for young children and nervous swimmers. Sandy beach, grassy picnic areas, barbecues. Free entry, free parking on surrounding streets.

Camp Cove — Watsons Bay

A small, sandy harbour beach at the base of South Head. Calm water, sheltered from swell. Popular for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Adjacent to the start of the South Head Heritage Trail. Gets busy on warm weekends but has a relaxed feel. Free entry.

Double Bay Beach — Double Bay

A small harbour beach adjacent to Steyne Park and the Double Bay ferry wharf. Not the prettiest beach in the municipality but convenient for a quick swim before or after shopping in the village. Free entry.

Seven Shillings Beach — Double Bay

A secluded sandy cove between Double Bay and Darling Point, backed by Blackburn Gardens. Accessed via steps from the gardens. Calm harbour water, no facilities on the beach itself. One of the less crowded spots in the area.

Lady Martins Beach — Point Piper

A tiny harbour beach at the base of Point Piper, accessible via steep stairs from Wolseley Road. Views across to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. No facilities. One of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.

Kutti Beach — Vaucluse

A very small harbour beach in Vaucluse, accessible via a steep path from the end of a residential street. Feels almost private despite being public. Calm water, sandy beach, no facilities.