Werri Beach Pool, also known as Ourie or South Werri ocean pool, is an irregular rock-shelf pool with a smooth concrete floor at the southern end of Werri Beach, Gerringong, with a children's wading pool beside it. It is free.
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. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Town
- Gerringong, NSW
What it's like
The pool is set into the flat rock shelf at the south end of Werri Beach, looking north up the long sweep of sand. Its shape follows the rock, and the floor is smooth, sloping concrete, so it is easy to walk into. A separate concrete wading pool next to it suits small children. Picnic tables, barbecues and a playground are close by, which makes it an easy family stop.
The beach has had several spellings over the years: Ourie, Werri, Weary and others. The pool dates from the late 1930s. A Sydney man who camped here every year had asked council for baths for the campers, and in 1936 council sought state funding for new baths at Ourie Park.
When to go
Summer days with a small swell are ideal. High tides and swell refresh the water; on big days waves can wash in over the outer edge. Mornings are quieter.
Getting there and facilities
Reach the pool from Pacific Avenue or Geering Street in Gerringong. There are 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
There are no lifeguards at the pool. The rock shelf is slippery when wet.