A visit to Mahon Pool Maroubra brings with it a sense of discovery, as it is hidden from sight until you are almost upon it. We visited in March 2020 after our first stop, the Malabar Rock Pool and this pool was quite different. It is in a more exposed location, and while the day we visited was calm, I’m sure that in winter, rougher water and stormy skies would be spectacular.
There is a lot to love about the Mahon Pool – the location, the views, the size and the very chilled vibe that is heightened by the sun-lovers lounging about on the beautiful, natural sandstone platforms that surround the pool – very Sydney!
Mahon Pool
Where is it?
Mahon Pool is located in Maroubra, approximately 500m north of the main Maroubra beach. The suburb is only 10km south-east of the Sydney CBD, but it feels very relaxed and not as developed as neighbouring Bondi and Coogee.
Apparently Maroubra is a First Nations word for ‘thunder’ and probably refers to the sound of the (sometimes) huge waves that come crashing in along this part of the coast. Maroubra is a popular surfing beach.
Address: 15R Marine Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
How to get there
Bus 377 runs from Circular Quay to Maroubra Beach and passes right by the Mahon Pool. The trip takes about 45 minutes. To get to the Mahon Pool, get off at the bus stop on Torrington Road at Marine Parade and walk through the beach-side reserve, down the steps to the pool (about 150 metres from the bus stop).
If you are driving, there is plenty of free unlimited car parking in the side-streets near the beach, and there is a paid car park (4-hour limit) located just above the pool, next to the Jack Vanny Reserve.
The pool
The poolMahon Pool was first carved into the flat, rocky area in 1932. The pool is approximately 30 metres long in a roughly rectangular shape and has several entry points including steps with handrails. The bottom of the pool is natural rocks, with some concrete. There are no marked lanes. At high tide, waves will often spectacularly crash over the poolside. At low tide, the pool is quite calm.
The pool is surrounded by small, natural rock pools that are teeming with sea-life. Explore these at low tide and you’re sure to see fish and other creatures.
Entry: Free
Hours: 24/7
Facilities and Accessibility
Access to the pool is from a relatively steep path from the reserve. There are rock steps leading to the pool, and large rocky platforms surrounding the pool. The platforms are wide enough to lie on and there is plenty of room, even on a busy day.
The steps into the pool were a little slippery, but there are handrails nearby.
You can access new toilets, showers and change rooms at the Jack Vanny Reserve, just near the pool. There is also a poolside shower.
The pool is not patrolled or serviced by lifeguards.
Where to eat
The Pool Cafe is located right opposite the Jack Vanny Reserve, on the corner of Marine Parade and The Corso. It is open 7am-3pm, seven days a week and is a great spot for brunch/lunch.
What we loved
A visit to Mahon Pool brings with it a sense of discovery, as it is hidden from sight until you are almost there.
The first thing we noticed (after the newly built change rooms which have one of the best views in Sydney) was the cool little ‘Pool Library’. The box containing books is located next to the path and you can take and leave books for free.
The sandstone platforms that surround the pool are perfect for finding a spot to enjoy a book after a swim. We saw people using their laptops as they soaked up the sun – surely this is one of Sydney’s best offices!
The grassy reserve above the pool is a great place to retreat to if you need shade. There are large benches and picnic tables and treed areas where you can escape the sun. Mahon Pool had a very chilled vibe, and though it was busier than the Malabar Pool, it is still a fantastic place for a swim and lounge about on those beautiful rocks.
If you’ve got any questions about the Mahon Pool, please drop me a line here.
Alternatively, please feel free to message me at my Instagram profile.
Have you visited Maroubra or Mahon Pool? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Chookapeck, Annemaree
Here for the swims, pics and travelly things?
I’d love to connect with you at my @annemaree.c Insta profile.
Chookapeck,
Annemaree
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