Fairlight Rockpool is a harbourside rock pool with a small paddling pool beside it, on the Manly to Spit walk about 15 minutes west of Manly Wharf. It opened in 1927, is free and closes for cleaning on Thursdays.
Key facts
- Type
- Rock pool
- Facilities and access
- Small paddling pool beside the main pool
- Managed by
- Northern Beaches Council
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No
- Public transport
- Manly ferry, then about 15 minutes' walk
- Best time to go
- Calm mornings, not Thursdays
- Water quality
- PoorFairlight Beach, 0.1 km away. Sampled 27 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Cleaning
- Closed for cleaning every Thursday
- Town
- Fairlight, NSW
What it's like
Unlike the ocean pools, Fairlight sits on Sydney Harbour, so the water is usually calm and there is no surf breaking over the wall. The main pool is about 30 m long for laps, and a small paddling pool next to it suits toddlers.
The pool was officially opened in 1927. The suburb takes its name from a village in Sussex, near Hastings.
When to go
Any calm day works. Council closes the pool every Thursday for cleaning, puts up signs 24 hours before, and puts a closed sign up while it refills. Mornings are quietest.
Getting there and facilities
Walk about 15 minutes west from Manly Wharf along the shoreline path, or reach it on the Manly Scenic Walkway from the Spit Bridge. Toilets and warm showers are nearby. There is no cafe on Fairlight Beach, so bring a coffee from Manly.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards. Questions go to Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.