Mahon Pool is a 1930s rock pool set into the rock platform at the northern end of Maroubra Beach, where waves regularly break over the wall. It is free and open all year.
Key facts
- Type
- Rock pool
- Facilities and access
- Amenities block rebuilt and reopened in 2019
- Managed by
- Randwick City Council
- Cost
- Free
- Best time to go
- Early morning, low to mid tide, small swell
- Water quality
- GoodMaroubra Beach, 0.9 km away. Sampled 21 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Cleaning
- Cleaned weekly, mostly Wednesdays
- Town
- Maroubra, NSW
What it's like
The pool sits low on the rocks below Jack Vanny Reserve, looking south across Lurline Bay. It was built on top of a natural rock pool, so the edges blend into the platform rather than standing above it. At high tide and in any decent swell the sea pours over the eastern wall, which is why locals call it the impossible pool: the surge can push you sideways mid-lap. On a calm morning it is a proper place to swim laps; on a big day it is better for a dip and a watch.
It is named after Alderman Patrick Mahon, who pushed council to build it and died in 1935, before it was finished. The National Trust listed it in 1994 for the way it sits in its setting. The Sydney Swans have used it for recovery sessions, and the Maroubra Seals winter swimming club is based here.
When to go
Early morning is the classic time, when the lap swimmers are in and the sun comes up over the sea. Low to mid tide on a small swell gives the calmest water. Council cleans the pool about once a week, usually on a Wednesday, so check before a midweek trip. It is busy on summer weekends, with sunbakers spread across the rocks.
Getting there and facilities
The pool is reached by steps down from Jack Vanny Reserve on Marine Parade, Maroubra, north of the main beach. A new amenities building opened in 2019 with accessible toilets, change rooms and showers. Local cafes and bakeries are a short walk up the hill.
Good to know
The rocks are slippery and waves can wash across the platform without warning, so watch the sea and keep small children close.