When the tide is low, Sydney’s beaches reveal secret swimming pools carved from the rock face. These tidal pools, known as sdy pools or Figure 8 Pools, fill and empty with the force of ocean waves, creating real whirlpools. They are a wonder of nature, awe-inspiring places that have inspired generations to go for a swim.

A few hundred metres south of Bondi Beach lies Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths, named after champion long distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie who built the baths in 1907. They are set among rocky outcrops with stunning views over Wedding Cake Island, and the ocean pool is lined with raised decking. Another of Sydney’s tidal pools is Coogee’s Mahon Pool, set into the inter-tidal rock platform at the base of cliffs and accessible via steep steps at Jack Vanny Reserve. It offers spectacular views and a sense of seclusion.

Further south is Maroubra’s Redleaf Beach, which also has a tidal pool, albeit a small one. The pool is set among rocky outcrops with views over the coastline and Double Bay, and the rock platforms and pools are carved out of the headland. Steep steps lead down to the pool from a car park on Marine Parade.

There are a number of ocean pools around Sydney, and many of them are accessed by walking tracks along the coastline. The most famous is probably Bondi Icebergs Pool, a large pool at the end of Bondi Beach. It is a protected heritage-listed site and has been in use since 1908. It is open all year and charges an entrance fee. The pool is a great place to see some of the city’s best surfers, and early in the morning you will often find the city’s swim teams doing their workouts.

Across Australia, there are over 100 ocean pools. Some are privately owned and maintained by clubs that charge an entry fee, and some are public. Many follow the Aboriginal tradition of bogey holes, carved into or flooded by tidal flow. Some are fenced and have marked swimming lanes. Others are part of nature, and teem with sea life.

In New South Wales, ocean pools are popular for their beauty, and many are used by people of all ages and abilities. They are also a place where people come to socialise and to learn to swim. Every year Australians visit public aquatic centres – including pools and water playgrounds – at a rate of 333m visits, which is the equivalent of one centre per 178,960 people. In Sydney, however, it can cost nearly $10 to enter a council pool. A growing swell of Green and independent councillors is calling for this to change, and to make pool entry free or significantly cheaper. Both Melbourne and Brisbane are already making this happen, with pool entry free all year round or at off-peak times for residents. It could be time for Sydney to follow suit.