26 BERMAGUI - SAPPHIRE COAST - SUMMER 2024 Take a dip in the crystal-clear ocean water of the Blue Pool Located at the base of a craggy coastal cliff, Bermagui's Blue Pool is a mostly man-made ocean pool set within a large waterfront rock ledge, mostly protected from the sea's crashing waves by a concrete wall, which also helps to retain water in the pool at low tide. Adapted in the 1930s from a natural rock-pool known as the Blue Hole, the rectangular rock and concrete pool (officially opened in March 1938) has a shallow end (with nice wide steps into the water) and a 'deep' end (that's not really very deep). The pool is close enough to the sea to get a good replenishment of fresh seawater on every high tide – resulting in crystal clear, clean water for swimming, snorkelling, or just floating around. If you're up for a dip and you're wearing goggles, you'll likely see some fascinating marine life, from anemones and sea stars, to crabs, fish and marine snails. After following the signs on Pacific Drive, you'll reach the Blue Pool car park, which has a changing room and toilet. You'll then need to walk down about 70 steps to get to the approximately 50-metre-long pool, where you'll also find picnic tables, bench seats, a cold shower, and an adjacent wading pool for the kids. If you'd rather not get wet, you can still enjoy sparkling views over the pool and coastline, with the chance to see migrating whales out to sea during spring, as well as seals and dolphins. Note that the pool is not patrolled by lifeguards, and – due to its location at the bottom of a cliff – there is currently no wheelchair or pram access to the pool. Popular with bathers for more than 80 years, the pool is now rated six on the list of the world's eight best rock pools, it's open 24 hours a day, it has been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, and – perhaps best of all – it's free! To find out more about the Blue Pool, go to visitbermagui.com.au A striking look at the Blue Pool from directly above. Photo: Destination NSW Pictured left to right: An aerial view of the Blue Pool, on the Bermagui coast. Photo: Destination NSW There are lots of pathways and places to sit down between swims. A photo showing the handrail and steps leading into the pool. Photo: Destination NSW Bairnsdale Advertiser 65 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale Lakes Post 505 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance Snowy River Mail 122 Nicholson Street, Orbost Order your holiday photos anywhere in 3 easy steps Visit yeatesphotos.com.au Upload and select your photos. Pick up at your local office. EN24595
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