The Ocean Pools of Sydney – Part 2: Icebergs, Bondi

Day 2 was never going to match day 1 in terms of swimming conditions. When we woke, it was raining and the wind was howling, but we were determined……. we had to have at least one swim. So down the hill we walked, from Tamarama to the iconic Icebergs pool at Bondi.

7. Icebergs

For pools 1-6 see:

https://thetravelbee.blog/2024/04/18/the-ocean-pools-of-sydney-part-1-tamarama-to-coogee/

Probably the most well known and photographed Sydney ocean pool, Icebergs is found on the southern edge of Bondi beach. It’s colours are out of this world. Even on a dull, wintery day the pool is a turquoise wonder.

Fully concreted, the pool is an Olympic size 50m, complete with lane ropes and black line. Like Wylie’s Baths yesterday, it has an unpredictable and exciting wash over it’s far edge. We planned to swim in lane one for the fullest winter ‘icebergs’ experience.

As my friend and I were about to hit the water, we noticed two women and a man disappearing down a set of steps on the far side (see photo below). Not one to ignore these things, my friend was straight over to investigate where they were going.

It turns out, despite the massive swell and windy conditions, they were heading into the open ocean to cross Bondi, their daily 10am ritual. It was WILD and we quickly decided they were completely mad!

Although invited to join them on their adventure, we reminded ourselves we were here to swim ocean pools, not oceans (who am I kidding? We had no intention of joining them in such conditions). So, into the pool we slipped and bashed out a quick kilometre.

After being corrected on our pool etiquette, we enjoyed our swim. At Icebergs you swim in a loop. Although an 8 lane pool, it is divided into 4. You swim up one black line and back on the next. We didn’t notice any fish today, although I believe there are a few. What we did notice was the wind, pelting rain and the odd wave crashing into the pool creating a fun wash of foam.

Despite all of that, these pools really do suit me. I grew up a pool swimmer and only in recent years became an open water swimmer. Ocean pools offer me the best of both worlds. I am buoyant like in the sea, there’s no yucky chlorine yet I can tumble turn and concentrate on my stroke mostly sheltered from the swell. I love it, these pools make me feel strong and confident.

Realising this was not the day to explore more pools, we decided on appreciating the complete Icebergs experience and that means fine dining in the restaurant overlooking the pool. It started like this….

And ended with an empty wallet, a full tummy and a few sore heads. But absolutely worth it!

Day 3 will be interesting…. the swell is looking better and we have been invited to join the Iceberg swimmers in their 10am swim across the bay. At the moment we are split. Stick to the plan and finish our tour of pools south of Coogee or enjoy a unique swim with the locals?!

As it happens we met the crazy swimmers again while getting changed. Yes, they survived the conditions and not only that, had an encounter with a turtle!! This suddenly makes it a tougher decision…..

TTB