Norah Head's rock pool, known locally as The Rockpool, is a ring of rocks on the shore of Cabbage Tree Harbour, sheltered enough for families with small children. It's free, with views over the harbour and the headland, and the lighthouse a short drive away.
Key facts
- Type
- Rock pool
- Good to know
- Kids area, Parking, Cafe nearby, Lifeguards
- Facilities and access
- Steep walk down from parking at the top; cafes and a bakery nearby; beach unpatrolled
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No (unpatrolled beach)
- Best time to go
- Calm days, mid to high tide
- Water quality
- PoorCabbage Tree Bay Rockpool, 0.0 km away. Sampled 28 Oct. Data: NSW Beachwatch, CC BY 4.0.
- Town
- Norah Head, NSW
What it's like
The pool is a natural-looking ring of rocks at the water's edge, mostly protected from the waves, which keeps it calm on all but the roughest days. Kids paddle and splash while adults sit on the rocks looking out across Cabbage Tree Harbour, where fishing boats once landed supplies for the lighthouse. It's small and simple, and that's the appeal. Look for the words 'Ye Olde Swimmin' Hole' carved into the sandstone on the southern side.
When to go
Calm days at mid to high tide give the best water. The summer holidays are busiest, and weekday mornings are very quiet.
Getting there and facilities
Park at the top and take the steep path down to the beach. Norah Head village has cafes and a bakery, and the Norah Head lighthouse is a short drive away.
Good to know
The beach is unpatrolled. The path down from the car park is steep, so take it slowly with small children.