Swimming & Beaches

Kiama and Gerringong together have four (yes four) ocean pools. The toughest choice you’ll have to make is which one to go for. This section is designed to help you make that choice.

Blowhole Point Rock Pool

The Blowhole Point Rock Pool is, as you’ve already guessed, on the promontory where the masses congregate to see the blowhole do its thing. There are public toilets and showers on site. The pool is not a bad size but you’ll likely not come here to do laps.. It’s more for a dip and a place to soak up the sun. For lap swimming you’ll want to go to…

Kiama Ocean Pool aka Continental Ocean Pool

The Continental Ocean Pool is an excellent choice for those of us wanting to crash out a few lengths! It’s 50m in length both ways and good for laps or circuits. As always in Oz, there are tidy showers and changing rooms nearby. Dry off on the grass overlooking the ocean with a coffee from the nearby Penny Whistlers, and you’re going to have a good time. The pool itself is quite easy to miss, with no obvious signage. To find it, head for Penny Whistlers, cross the road and head towards the ocean, over the grass or along the path. You’ll pass the facilities (including toilet block and outdoor shower) on your left. The whole area gets super-busy on market day (3rd Sunday of the month), so you might want to head somewhere else on that day!

Minnamurra Lagoon

Minnamurra Lagoon (aka Rangoon Reserve) is about as perfect a swimming spot as you could hope for. It is located at the mouth of the Minnamurra River but protected from the ocean - making it perfect for kids and those of us looking for a drama-free dip. The water is tidal, and low tide is quite low i.e. too low for a good free swim. Check tides here. Beyond the stunning location and beautiful, clear water, there is a small car park and a handful of picnic tables in a small park along the river's edge. The car park fills up quickly with locals around high tide, but there’s plenty of on-street parking close by.

Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool

Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool is a quaint mid-sized pool built in 1898. Never particularly busy, but in a stunning location - you might want to just go for a look. It’s a short walk from the car park at the end of Jupiter St.

Werri Beach Ocean Pool

Werri Beach Ocean Pool is a short walk from the Gerringong Bowling Club. It’s maybe 25 meters in length and not particularly deep. Worth a look if you’re in the area but, TBH, it’s hard to beat Kiama’s Continental pool.

Beaches

I don’t need to tell you that Kiama is blessed with stunning beaches, so this section isn’t particularly thick on detail - for that, you can go here. That said, the nearest beach to Summer Villa is the Surf Beach - a 5-ish minute stroll away.. Surf Beach is patrolled by Lifeguards 7 days a week, October through to April inclusive. The other beaches are patrolled but only in the Summer Season (December to January). Full details of seasonal beach patrols can be found here. It’s worth mentioning that, while there are a couple of coffee shops locally (Silica and the Grumpy Bunny), there aren’t that many shopping opportunities close to the Surf Beach - so you may want to bring a picnic if you’re planning on making a day of it.