Werri Beach Pool, known to locals as Ourie Pool, sits on a flat rock shelf at the south end of Werri Beach in Gerringong, looking up a long, golden sweep of sand. It's free, with a smooth concrete floor you can walk into and a wading pool for little ones, so it suits relaxed family days on the south coast.
Key facts
- Type
- Ocean pool or baths
- Facilities and access
- Southern end of Werri Beach
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- Not at the pool
- Best time to go
- Calm summer days
- Water quality
- GoodWerri Beach, 0.3 km away. Sampled 24 Oct. Data: NSW Beachwatch, CC BY 4.0.
- Town
- Gerringong, NSW
What it's like
The pool follows the shape of the rock shelf, and its smooth, gently sloping concrete floor makes getting in easy for everyone. A separate concrete wading pool next door suits small children, and picnic tables, barbecues and a playground are close by. The beach has been spelt Ourie, Werri and Weary over the years. The pool dates from the late 1930s, after a Sydney man who camped here every summer asked for baths for the campers and council sought state funding in 1936.
When to go
Summer days with a small swell are ideal. High tides and swell refresh the water, and on big days waves wash over the outer edge. Mornings are quieter.
Getting there and facilities
Reach the pool from Pacific Avenue or Geering Street, Gerringong, with barbecues, picnic tables and a playground nearby. Gerringong is about 15 minutes' drive south of Kiama and about two hours from Sydney.
Good to know
No lifeguard watches the pool. The rock shelf is slippery when wet.