Mermaids Pool at Fairy Bower

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came…” – John F. Kennedy

OOOO what a day, what a day we had!! The 4-12-2012 was greeted with a sunny 28c, as the Splosh arose early and migrated towards the sights and sounds of that growing metropolis - Manly. The mermaid pool is a little treasure tucked halfway between Manly and Shelley Beaches. There is a spectacular ocean walkway that runs between the two beaches and the mermaid pool can be accessed from either end. There are several bus and ferry services to Manly but for the car enthusiasts there is 2hr parking at Manly and Shelley beach has a ticketed car park. There is limited parking in the small streets of residential Fairy Bower running behind the pool.

The water temperature was 20c on an incoming, mid tide. This is a boutique pool which is in authentic condition, carved from the immediate natural rock shelf. It is an irregular shape pool which is 25m at its longest point but had plenty of room for the splosh to wallow. The water was crystal clear with a natural growth of light moss on the floor of the shallow end. Locals advised that this is a consequence of the tidal flow across the rock shelf and that it is cleaned away regularly. The pool has received a beautification in the form of 2 mermaid sculptures and a shower built into the rock ledge. Change amenities are available at both Manly and Shelley beach with a small convenience next to the pool. The pool itself is secluded, protected and picturesque, surrounded by 'Mediterranean' water. The views to Manly, Shelley and all the way up the coast to Curly beaches are breathtaking.

A shipping lane of surf boards, paddle boards, snorkelers and swimmers moved in a constant flow to and from Manly Beach. Cousteau wanted more exercise so she jumped into the sea and swam off to Shelley beach, while Obi-Wan was enticed into the ocean after lunch to cool down (see why below).

As the day wore on there were increasing tourists mingled with locals enjoying the walking track.
We adjourned for breakfast to The Fairy Bower Restaurant situated beside the pool. The white and blue buildings echoed long lost memories of the Greek islands and the mirage was complete when the ridiculously beautiful waiters attended to our every need. The splosh sighed collectively and definately needed to cool off!!! Excellent food, excellent service.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the pool contained an elixir of youth, as beautiful people were commonplace and celebrity spotting became a game. It has to be said that the ambiance of the environment was sooo inviting that the splosh didn't even wake from their revery, as a statuesque Jen Hawkins, immaculately attired in crisp linen suit, sat on the table beside them (by contrast the splosh looked like three very colourful comfy sofas, wrapped in their stripey towels covering their overly generous bodies). It is true she may have challenged for the waiters attention for but a second....but on this day, on this beach, in this weather, with this food and this view we could afford to be charitable and spread the love around!!!!! Ghandi, who has a way with words, eloquently voiced their pleasure when she said and I quote "aaahhhhhh lets do that again, sometime!".


Splosh Rating ****1/2