The best beaches & ocean pools on the Sapphire Coast

Blue Pool, Bermagui

The most famous rock pool on the Sapphire Coast, the Blue Pool is a technicolour masterpiece. Depending on the weather and the time of day, it can range from deepest cobalt to emerald green, blush pink and shimmering purple. Beneath the surface, an abundance of marine life like anemones, starfish, crabs and sea snails call the pool home.

Blue Pool, Bermagui

Bar Beach, Merimbula

Tucked in a golden bay on the calm waters of Merimbula Lake, Bar Beach is a favourite with families. There are no waves, making it perfect for little swimmers as well as snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Further offshore where the ocean meets the lake is one of Merimbula’s best surf breaks, known locally as The Bar.

Bar Beach, Merimbula

Wallagoot Gap, Turingal Head

The twin headlands of Wallagoot Gap in Bournda National Park are just far enough apart to form a dramatically cloistered beachscape of golden sands and sapphire waters. Sandwiched between the holiday towns of Merimbula and Tathra, this secluded nook sheltered by shoulders of scrub-covered cliffs is largely overlooked by beach travellers.

Turingal Head/Kangarutha Walking Track, Bournda National Park

Tathra Beach

Stretching for three glorious kilometres between Mogareeka Inlet and Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tathra Beach has it all. It’s protected from southerly wined, making it ideal for surfing and board riding. There’s excellent fishing near the inlet at the northern end and an all-abilities playground just behind the sand. You can even see wallabies and kangaroos early in the morning and whales swim close to shore in winter.

Tathra Beach, Tathra 

Pambula Beach

There are more kangaroos waiting for you on Pambula Beach and they are friendly enough to share the sand with you. The tranquil beach joins the mouth of the Pambula River and is divided by a large rocky outcrop, which creates pretty rock pools at low tide. You can walk the full length of the beach, around five kilometres, to reach adjoining Merimbula Beach.

Pambula Beach, Pambula - Credit: David Rogers

Bittangabee Bay, Green Cape

Set inside Beowa National Park, the rock-enclosed cove and calm waters of Bittangabee Bay feel completely undiscovered. A small stretch of secluded sand quietly beckons swimmers, anglers, twitchers and whale-watchers to the picturesque bay. Hit nearby trails to spot lyrebirds, bandicoots and wombats or visit the ruins of an 1800s-era storehouse. 

Bittangabee Bay, Green Cape

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermagui

As the name suggests, Horseshoe Bay Beach has a deep U shape and is just steps from the main street of Bermagui. It’s relatively protected and has small waves, making it a popular spot for local families to swim. At the northern end on the Bermagui River, there’s the Bruce Steer Pool, a netted ocean pool around 150 metres long that’s just made for morning laps.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermagui - Credit: David Rogers

Aslings Beach Rock Pool, Eden

Framed by dramatic pink and white cliffs at the southern end of Aslings Beach in Eden, this small rock pool is one of the prettiest on the Sapphire Coast. When the tide is low, kids will love splashing in the shallow waters and looking for shells and sea creatures in the rocks. You can also fish off the rock platform that surrounds it.

Aslings Beach Rock Pool, Eden

Severs Beach, Pambula

Judging by the Aboriginal shell middens, humans have been enjoying the sheltered waters of Severs Beach for many thousands of years. Sitting on the crystal-clear Pambula River, soft, white sands separate tide and bush, and provide ample places to soak in the solitude. Look out for the resident white-bellied sea eagles that nest not far downstream.

Severs Beach, Eden - Credit: John Spencer | DPE

Bithry Inlet, Tanja

Cutting into Mimosa Rocks National Park, before giving way to the entrance of Wapengo Lake, is a serene little estuary. With sandy shores fringed by verdant bush and gently lapping waters that house nurseries for breeding bream, salmon and flathead, Bithry Inlet is a little piece of wilderness. If you can’t bear to leave, sleep over at the inlet-adjacent Myer House. 

Bithry Inlet, Tanja - Credit: David Rogers Photography | NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service