8 ocean pools you can visit in South Australia
Always wanted to swim in ocean without worrying about waves, currents, or what’s lurking below? That's the magic of an ocean pool - natural seawater, but with a little extra protection!
Adelaide once had its own ocean pool at Henley Beach, built in the 1930s and removed in the 1990s. But if you're looking for one today, you'll need to head to regional South Australia, where several remain—many with BBQ and picnic facilities, perfect for a full day out.
Here are eight of SA’s ocean pools and where to find them:
1. Edithburgh tidal pool
This tidal pool is located on the southern side of the Edithburgh jetty, a 3-hour drive from Adelaide on the Yorke Peninsula.
The pool was built in the early 1900s, but has had many facelifts since.
It was originally built for men and there was another tidal pool for women. Only the former men’s pool remains today, but of course it’s open to everyone.
BBQ facilities, a picnic area and toilets are available there too.
2. Kingscote tidal pool
Located on Kangaroo Island on the Kingscote foreshore near the wharf, this 50m tidal pool is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view. On a clear day you can even see across to the mainland.
Surrounding the pool are BBQ and picnic facilities as well as walking paths, toilets and beach showers.
3. Moonta Bay seawater pool
Moonta Bay is a popular holiday town about a 2-hour drive from Adelaide on the Yorke Peninsula.
A netted seawater pool is located just off the side of the long L-shaped jetty, perfect for swimming in the crystal clear water.
Facilities include a kiosk, picnic area and toilets as well as the free community waterpark 50m from the jetty, known as Splashtown!
4. Streaky Bay jetty pool
Looking for a real road trip? Jump in the car and head for Streaky Bay, about a 7-hour drive from Adelaide on the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula near Ceduna.
This pool, located at the end of the iconic 300m Streaky Bay jetty, is where memories are made.
Built in the 1930s, the pool is sectioned off with a shark-proof swimming enclosure. The enclosure was built following shark sightings and a 9ft (2.74m) shark caught off the jetty in 1936.
The pool is accessed by steps from the jetty or on either side of the pool from the ocean.
5. Ceduna swimming enclosure
Located on the Eyre Peninsula, about an eight-hour drive from Adelaide, this ocean pool in Ceduna opened in 2018.
The enclosure is surrounded by strong ultracore netting and can be accessed via a walkway alongside the Ceduna jetty. The walkway leads to a platform, followed by a gangway into the water.
6. Smoky Bay swimming enclosure
Smoky Bay is a relaxed seaside town 40km south of Ceduna.
There is a shark-proof swimming enclosure attached to the Smoky Bay jetty. Boats can also be launched from the concrete ramp.
7. Port Lincoln swimming enclosure
Port Lincoln on the Southern Eyre Peninsula is about an 8-hour drive from Adelaide and has a 16-metre-wide ocean pool with a floating pontoon attached to the Port Lincoln jetty.
The pool opened in 2014 and has a 2-metre-wide platform around the perimeter with strong netting. It can been accessed by ramps, steps and ladders.
8. Point Sinclair swimming enclosure
If you fancy getting off the beaten track, Point Sinclair, about a 9-hour drive from Adelaide on the Nullarbor Plain is an idyllic little cove with a jetty and netted enclosure for swimming.
It’s close to the famous surf beach, Cactus Beach, where surfers from all over Australia congregate to test their skills.
Main image: Moonta jetty and seawater pool
