Not too far down the coast from the serenity at Coalcliff pool lies your average Joe sort of rock pool, Wombarra.
Now, Wombarra is the kind of pool you visit for a good, lengthy swim and to enjoy venturing onto the beach for a casual stroll.
It’s seamless facade helps blend your swimming experience into the ocean, as if you were swimming among the waves.
While this adds to the pleasant rugged feeling of the rock pool, it can also cause some problems… with rough ocean conditions often causing seaweed dilemmas.
However, if the conditions remain calm the pool can offer some refuge from the choppy ocean while submerging you in all the salty goodness of the sea.
So, let’s chat qualities!
Location
Due to its proximity to the Coalcliff rock pool you get most of the benefits of venturing to the northern shores for a swim!
Buckling cottages, window-filled mansions and soaring cliff views will pass you by as you drive to the Wombarra Pool.
Although you will miss driving over the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, I recommend making the most of your proximity to many of the hidden nooks and crannies on the northern shoreline and explore further after a swim.
The suburbs are well and truly nestled between the thick forested mountainside and the luscious blue waters that grace the shoreline.
And while the drive is stunning, the end location can feel a little disappointing.
Now, don’t get me wrong! All the pools along our south coast are magical, with something on offer for everyone. But that does mean the competition is tough.
Wombarra does sit alongside a sweeping beach and gives you many rock pools to explore on its outskirts. And the view of the escarpment is even more grand than the view from Coalcliff.
However, as locations go… this pool does feel rather stock standard as many other pools boast of crystal clear waters and charming 360 degree views.
For that reason, it gets a 2/5.
Proximity to home
It is another pool worthy of a day trip from the Wollongong centre… and it is closer to most suburbs in the area than its counterpart over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
The reason why deciding where to swim can be so difficult in our region is because of how many choices the northern shores have on offer.
So, while Wombarra is closer than Coalcliff, for swimmers living outside of Wombarra it is still quite a trek for a quick dip. Especially when other pools ooze plenty of charm closer to the city centre.
For that I think you should remember it is about a 2.5/5 for proximity to most homes in the Illawarra region.
The actual pool
I have found that this pool is a great depth and length for punters who enjoy swimming plenty of laps. The depth of the pool does vary, which means people can relax at waist height or completely submerged.
It also gives you a lot of space to spread out… meaning more room for everyone!
Even if this pool gets a lot of visitors your swimming experience likely won’t be dampened as you can find refuge in the far reaches of the pool.
The pool does get quite murky and full of weeds at various times during the year due to its proximity to the water. Waves can often bring debris into the confines, which can make keeping the pool feeling clean and clear quite difficult.
As far as swimming spots go though, avid swimmers will enjoy! So, I give the pool experience a 3.5/5.
Popularity
This pool is popular with locals, particularly those who enjoy a long swim.
But it still gives everyone a chance to relax and enjoy a peaceful dip because of its sheer size. Out of all the pools along the Illawarra coastline this one offers swimmers one of the most spacious swimming locations.
Compared to pools like Austinmer or Coalcliff this one doesn’t bring as many tourists, which also means it is usually less crowded.
For Wombarra you can expect a 4/5 for spacious swims and polite pool hoppers.
Overall Atmosphere
With stunning views of the northern coastline this pool can boast charming swims and rugged landscapes.
The body of water is large enough that you feel like you are in an incredibly calm ocean and the waves often lap at the side of the concrete barriers.
However, the overall atmosphere lacks the charisma and picture perfect settings that many other Illawarra pools have.
The locals enjoy it for the space, accessibility and proximity to the sand.
And while it still is in a beautiful setting, the water just doesn’t shine like it does in many other pools and the location is too far from the city centre to make the trip completely worthwhile.
I give it a 3/5 for your overall atmosphere… And recommend tourists also check out other pools along the coast for a more charming swimming experience.
Total Score: 15/25
Next: Follow me to Austinmer as we delve into the slickest pool duo on the South Coast.
A Travelling Proust 
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