Manly Harbourside Netted Enclosure

 “The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't.”
― Christopher Paolini, Eragon

 

A fine and sunny Tuesday morning in early March saw Obi Wan on her lonesome in Manly. Parking was at a premium so she slotted Eric, her car (Forester) into a half hour spot across the road on East Esplanade.The pool was at half tide and a few people in it. Mothers and little ones on the waters edge. It had a sandy bottom - about 150 metres long but only about 30 metres across. The floor dipped away and at she  was in deep water at the net. The water was a warmish 22c and fairly clean but not pristine (due I suspect to the Manly ferries constantly coming and going nearby). There were plenty of cafes within easy walking distance and a lovely Manly ambiance. It is very touristy and a bit too busy for a lovely peaceful swim but pleasant none the less.

A good spot for tourists (safe) and the views are superb. Long term parking (say 2 hrs or more) a real problem due to lots of people and this issue would be acerbated on the weekend and holidays!!

One for the tourists - not the locals!

Splosh Rating *** 3 stars.

Northbridge Baths

"Ocean: A body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man - who has no gills"-Ambrose Bierce 

Cousteau headed off to Northbridge baths the last on the list and where she had her first swimming lesson all those years ago........It was a school learn to swim campaign in the summer hols!!
Anywho, Willoughby council has done a great job in keeping these tidal baths in pristine condition. There is no entrance fee, hot water in the clean amenities, BBQ facilities and well kept lawns.
The water temp was posted on the board at 24 degrees and it certainly was the warmest swim of the season.
The water was clear enough to see fish and there were no more that 4 swimmers in the water..... 2 people in the lanes swimming laps.
Cousteau was there at high tide and enjoyed the quite bushland settling as she swam up and down the pool also viewing some expensive real estate and some nice boats in the nearby marina.
There is no public transport nearby but car parking is free. The kiosk was not open..so I could not get that wonderful chocolate paddle pop that I remembered:( Well maybe that was a good thing as I had already had my quota of chocolate Easter eggs:)

Splosh Rating ***1/2 stars

 

Cremorne Point Pool Enclosure

"Roll on, deep and dark blue ocean, roll. Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain. Man marks the earth with ruin, but his control stops with the shore"-
Lord Byron 

 

 

 

 

After a week of rain, Cousteau could not pass up the a sunny opportunity to visit Macallum Pool at Cremorne Point. This enclosure is yet another little harbour side treasure, only a brief walk from transport (Bus and Ferry) at Cremorne wharf.  The views of the Sydney harbour and the city are stunning on the main walkway, however the pool is neatly tucked under a cliff in a secluded spot in a bushland setting. The Macallum pool was rather famously opened in 1938 by Joan Sutherland.... a long time resident of Cremorne point.

 

On this Sunday March the 3rd, the pool water was not the freshest after the heavy rain and the concrete bottom was a little slimy, but that said, the water temp was about 21c and the water refreshing. All in all a very  peaceful swim was had by a solitary member of the Splosh, in the well kept narrow 30 metre pool. There was a sign up by the council to note the pool would be closed Tuesday for cleaning, when I'm sure it will be back to its normal sparkle:)

 

Splosh Rating 3***.and a half ..for the lovely surroundings and unique setting.

 

 

 

Fairlight

“Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.”
- Robert Henri

Costeau and Obi Wan headed off to Fairlight pool on a warm sunny Sunday 17th Feb. The pool access is via a steepish path from a busy back route road from Manly to Balgowlah. 2 hour parking

is the norm and public transport non-existent. The outlook was superb with Manly Ferries passing in the distance and plenty of sailors and para sailors in attendance.

On this day the pool was a coolish (20) and crystal clear but with green weed on handrails and pool walls, Manly council needs to clean it more often. It is 25 metres square, with a sandy/pebbly bottom, perfect for lapping and the sea water is above the high water mark so it must get water pumped in now and again to keep it fresh.

 

Situated next to a lovely small beach the pair went for a long snorkel off the beach and past the pool, where they saw big bream, black fish, leather jacket, and even a pike!

The walk from Manly to Balgowlah runs past the pool and they ventured into Manly (only 15mins walk) where they had a late breakfast. Obi was delighted to pass the Manly fairy penguins' little beach/home where they have their nests, unfortunately no penguins on view that day:(

 

All in all a lovely day!

Splosh Rating 3***1/2 stars

Seaforth

“The sea hath no king but God alone.” – Dante Gabriel Rossetti

 

Apres brunch, Cousteau ploughed on to investigate two swimming enclosures under the Spit bridge at Seaforth. She has to report that one has been closed, looks like for good, with the netting removed and opened up to the middle harbour. However the second enclosure was found after a bit of a bush trek down to the waters edge through a very exclusive part of the real estate world. The houses overlooking the pool and the middle harbour had million dollar views and were spectacular.

The pool was surrounded by dingies which were utilised to ferry their owners to their awaiting yachts! The pool had a sandy bottom although a few sharp shells were in the initial shallow waters. I suspect that the pool would have been unimpressive at low tide but for Cousteau and the other couple who shared this isolated pool, the warm clear water at 22 degrees was just the thing for a dip and to wonder at the serenity and isolation of the location. Indeed a gem of a find on this particular day. Warning! only 3 car spots and a very steep trip down to the pool.

Splosh Rating 3*** 

Little Manly

 “Animal protection is education to the humanity.” – Albert Schweitzer

Rather disappointed by her Queenscliff experience, Cousteau headed off to Little manly accompanied by her husband this time, whom she had bribed with the promise of brunch at a reportedly delightful cafe overlooking the the enclosed Harbour pool!! O JOY!!! The sun came out, the water was clear and warm at 22 degrees:) For a sunny Sunday the crowds stayed to the shallow waters and Cousteau was able to move to the deep end for some serious lapping time. She noted... mainly for Obi's sake, that she was curiously watched by 3 sea gulls, however by all accounts it was a glorious swim followed by a more than glorious brunch to complete the day.

The view from the cafe down the harbour towards the city is quite unique as it is dissected by the ferries shuttling back and forth. The only drawback is the limited parking but happily there is disabled access and good clean change facilities :)

Splosh rating a mighty 4**** stars. 

Avalon

“To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim–the rocks–the motion of the waves–the ships, with men in them, What stranger miracles are there?” – Walt Whitman

Obi-Wan and Ghandi headed to Avalon on a beautiful summers morning only to find a very green briny pool. Avalon is an oddly wedged shaped pool with an uneven bottom covered in vegetation. It wasn't the most pleasant of swims although it is positioned looking north across Avalon beach. The surrounding concrete and rock protection fencing, left much to be desired and limited the relaxation area, while the attached kiddies pool was very shallow and had limited use. This is a pool that requires an upgrade because it is in a lovely situation. The amenities at the surf club are all in good working order. There is good public access with a bus stop at the beach and a surf club car park. 

There are a veritable plethora of cafes and restaurants in the Avalon village which has a distinctly bohemian feel. So come on council lets tart this one up, Avalon deserves the expenditure!!!!

Splosh rating a disappointing 2**1/2 stars.

Queenscliff

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

After the storms of last week and getting no swim in, Cousteau was pretty keen to get back in the water. She convinced her son to join her for an early morning dip at Queenscliff. The surf and waves were huge and despite a sign warning the presence of blue bottles they dived in for a refreshing dip, before heading around to the rock pool. The ocean surf was awesome!
Then disaster, quelle horreur!!!... Cousteau could only surmise that the previous weeks storms had closed the pool. The sigh tells the story and sad it was to see a muddy neglected pool. The pool was another 8 lane 50m lapping pool that was not really suitable for young children. On the positive end of the scale the pool is on the main bus route to Manly, however the metered parking is very restricted.The Splosh have no idea how long it will take to clean up this sorry sight!

Splosh rating - 2**1/2 will have to do:(

North Curl Curl Rock Pool.

 “Our knowledge is a little island in a great ocean of nonknowledge.” – Isaac Bashevis Singer

The Splosh were in their entirety as they headed out to an adventure at North Curly Pool. North Curly Pool is reached by walking along over the rocks at the Northern point of the beach, or alternatively across the top of the rocks from the car park. This day was a warm 24c that was windy and overcast. The crystal water still a fresh 20c, but boy was the water rejuvenating. I swear Ghandi lost 3lbs, Obi's hip improved and Cousteau said she felt like a 25 year old. Don't we all!!! If Nicole Kidman had been there she would have said it had fertility rites!

I digress..... This little oasis of pleasure is a medium sized wadi presenting west and south towards the ocean. This natural rock pool embraces a little rock island which is a delight to navigate. Obi and Cousteau report a plethora of sea life including medium sized shell crabs. I don't know if it was the isolation or the soothing effect of mother nature but the Splosh were very reticent to vacate the pool. This pool is a highly rated tonic for the soul:) Measuring 50m at its longest point, lapping is possible for the enthusiastic swimmer, while a good wallow is highly recommended.

There is public transport and a large ticketed parking area in front of the surf club. The surf club runs a very extensive kiosk, however for the more gastronomic at heart, there are several popular cafes in curl curl about 400m away or the Dee Why Restaurant strip is just over the hill.

Splosh Rating 4**** Stars.

Whale Beach Rock Pool

“Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refugees of a long war.” – Loren Eiseley

On an overcast but warm (25c) day, Obi-Wan and Cousteau travelled to Whale Beach. Upon arrival they were a little disturbed to find that the high tide had completely covered a now submerged rock pool. Obi familiar with the logistics of the pool steered Cousteau to the southern end, through breaking waves and located the pool. Although the conditions are quite difficult at high tide the Splosh reported a fantastic day of surfing in tidal waves. The pool is a small 25m boutique pool carved from the rock shelf and in authentic condition. It gets a good tidal wash so the water is clear with a glorious sandy bottom.

The outdoor shower and nearby amenities are all in good order. The surf beach is particularly beautiful cove, which is patrolled and is serviced by two small kiosk/cafes doing a very brisk breakfast trade. A beautiful spot for a picnic with the atypical Norfolk Pines shading the grass and beach edge. Ticketed parking is available but this beach is not serviced by public transport, which accounts for the exclusivity of the environment.

Whale beach is a beautiful area only marred by a little incident some time back, with a council truck and Obi's vehicle, which shall we say left Obi's insurance company a tad miffed!

Splosh Rating 3***1/2 stars

Freshwater Rock Pool

"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds." - Aristotle Onassis

Heatwave conditions sent Cousteau into a frenzy so she headed off with husband in tow to Freshwater Beach. It turned into the most glorious surprise as there was a celebration of surfing carnival in progress. Longboards and paddlers were out in full force, in particular the acrobatic pairs showcased their technical balance skills with extreme grace as they danced across the waves.

The large parking facilities full to the brim with multi coloured VW combi vans reminiscent of Willy Wonka's lolly shop, fuelled the visual carnivale atmosphere, while the aromatic senses were quelled with the delicious eau de bacon and egg roll  permeating from the Surf Club BBQ!

That said, the pool is accessible from a pathway running the north end of the beach or from a stairway running from the headland car park. The pool itself has just been renovated and freshly painted. It is more of a traditional concrete 8 lane lapping pool which is quite deep. On this day the water temp was 20c and clear. Because of the depth it is perhaps less suited to young toddlers and there is limited space to relax around the pool edge. The change facilities and amenities were in good order but are located at the upper car park.

A magnificent view can be enjoyed across Freshy Beach and down to Manly.

Splosh Rating 3***1/2 stars.

Palm Beach Rock Pool

"I was like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me" - Isaac Newton 

 

Splosh Christmas Tale

Like many other families before them, the splosh had settled in for Christmas surrounded by their loved ones, but something was missing. The call of the ocean was too great for them to ignore and so the splosh decided that they needed a trip to Palm Beach Rock Pool. Now, it had came to pass that the beloved respective spouses of the splosh had been enticed by their meddling offspring to take a sneaky peak at the 3bathingbelles blog, and had become intrigued by the recorded activities. Thus it was decided, collectively, to put down the xmas cake, ascend from their comfy chairs and go out into the world to witness the splosh adventures for themselves.

This action, Ghandi thought, was an umpires decision and as Chapelli would have said,  "a ridiculously unnecessary intervention, because everyone knows when your out your out and if you go to the video too many times...doubt creeps into the minds of everyone". Obviously she was being over dramatic and had spent too much time in front of the summer season of cricket!

Anywho, Ghandi approached this excursion with mixed emotions, both trepidation and excitement supported by a cut lunch for the looooong 15 min journey to Palm Beach (just in case you understand). As it turned out she was correct to have such emotions because it resulted in the most peculiar day of challenges for the splosh.

They set out early in the now renowned convoy of cars, ever mindful that they had a small window of opportunity before Ghandi turned feral from lack of breakfast. Upon arrival, it was a beautiful 24c with a water temp of 21c and apparently the Dow Jones average had gone up and down and up and down and up and down, the Aus dollar was strong, 'climate change or no climate change that is the question" ecetera, ecetera....the boys had already brought an interesting dimension to our trip.

Feeling a little distracted the Splosh hit the pool with gay abandon, while the boys lined up, backs to the wall, intently watching like the French knitters of the guillotine. The 50m pool was well maintained and had the extra excitement of two handsome life guards, who at first thought seemed totally superfluous but who, in fact, were to come in handy. The pool water was quite murky in contrast to the crystal clear water of the adjacent ocean and while the Splosh laughed off suggestions from the locals that there may have been a small Sting Ray or possibly Wobegone in the pool, Cousteau and Obi-Wan thought this an excellent opportunity to dive into the ocean for a bit of exercise.

Cousteau powered from buoy to buoy in training for her much anticipated Manly to Shelley beach ocean swim in 2013, while Obi-Wan was resplendent in her new found freedom. She rolled around from front to back, joyously waving her arms, while the ever vigilant life guards monitored their progress and a faint clicking from the knitters quickened pace ever so slightly with excitement.

Side bar -To whom she was joyously waving we will never know, that is something that will remain privy to Obi, but her husband stood proud as a peacock...if he had been one....which he is not of course:)

Anyway as Ghandi marvelled at the curious movements of her fellow sploshees and worried for their safety, she soaked in the glorious view of, what has become known in television land as "summer bay". Lost in her own thoughts, which were drowned out by the now infernal clicking from the knitters of the guillotine, she thought she heard the lifeguard say "there is a baby shark in your lane."

It was in this brief moment of derision, that she appreciated the absurdity of the statement and replied inadequately, "tell him to change lane, then!' The knitters became agitated, "there may be bloodshed yet this morning", they thought between knit one, pearl one, which was a major achievement in itself, for their species were not known for their multitasking capabilities!!

The excursion had obviously become a whole lot more exciting as the clicking needles got a whole lot louder at the promise of a scene from Gladiator. As the penny dropped Ghandi swam like never before, Lorraine Crapp comes to mind or possible Jesus walking on water, whatever, the pool was cleared in record time. 

Strangely, the lifeguards were full of praise for Cousteau and Obi-Wan's achievements that day, while there was barely a mention of the horrendous shark debacle. "Is Obi-Wan blushing?" thought Gandhi... "nah.. lets get a full big breakfast!" Everyone agreed as Cousteau and Obi asked, "And how was your swim Gandhi?"

"There was a shark in my pool," she muttered. "O... ok" they replied.


The facilities are located  pool side and much larger facilities at the surf club, which is located an easy 300m up the beach. There is ticketed car parking along the beach front, which can get busy at weekends. There is an easy walk all along the beachfront and to the pool, encased by premium " New England"real estate. The beauty is all around and the ocean swimming is glorious. There is a calm section at the pool end called "kiddies corner" which is perfect for the family beach day. There are coffee shops and popular restaurants both along the strip and in the park at the northern end of the beach. On this day we ate at Dunes restaurant for a full breakfast but they also have the option of a coffee shop style section, which serves fruit and bacon and egg rolls, very quaint. Or The boathouse is located on the Pittwater side. A bus service runs up the coast to Palm beach and a sea plane goes to the city.

Star Rating *** more for the overall ambiance of the environment than for the pool and a !/2 for the shark appearance!! ***1/2

 

Newport

“The cure for anything is salt water—-sweat, tears, or the ocean” - unknown.

Obi-Wan took a walk on the wild side for her solo report on Newport Rock Pool, but was not happy with what she discovered:( The Rock pool is situated at the southern end of Newport and is a fair hike over the sand and quite a distance from the surf club and its amenities. However on the bright side there is some rather spectacular real estate to preoccupy the mind on the journey (the sploshes second love).

The water was fairly clean but presented with a lot of seaweed, an time old enemy of the splosh!

While, the pool itself is in need of a refurbish, as it is looking tired and neglected. It is probably best reached by parking in a small residential street, Calvert parade, however there is plenty of parking at the surf club. Public transport is to Newport by bus where there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops...some distance from the pool itself. Newport is probably best visited for the surf not the pool as there are good bbq and children's play facilities back at the surf club.
There were no bird sightings!

Star Rating ** 1/2 :(

Mona Vale Rock Pool

“hark, now hear the sailors cry,
smell the sea, and feel the sky
let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic...”
― Van Morrison

Cousteau and Obi-Wan waxed lyrical about their beautiful swim in Mona vale Rock Pool on the 23/12/12. The water was crystal clear although a chilly 19c for December, the cold currents seem to have run a little longer this year! However as it was a humid 26c outside temp, all was forgiven as the pair tripped the light fantastic across the sand to their destination. Mona Vale is a sweet little 25m pool in authentic condition, carved out of the existing rock shelf and retaining the natural rock bottom.

It is a popular rock pool with locals as the water is constantly refreshed by the tides which tends to keep it clearer than most.

Over the silly season, Obi-Wan had been on a mission most fowl and can now inform us with some authority that the evil gannets, who have territory supremacy over the pelicans in Narrabeen Pool are, in fact Cormorants! That issue now faithfully cleared up, she can report that despite the Cormorant coup d'etat at Narrabeen, the Cormorants, Pelicans and Ducks, with the aid of the United Aviary forces, reached a successful peace treaty over Mona Vale Rock Pool territory and are coexisting quite peacefully! At this point Obi-Wan would like to formally retract her defamatory statement about the "evil" Gannets and has expressed her deepest sympathies to squadron leader Geoffrey about the dastardly Cormorants, instead. Phew glad that drama is resolved!'

Anyway that aside, the splosh had a fabulous day. The amenities at the surf club are in good condition and there is plenty of shade and picnic/bbq facilities under the Norfolk pines, standing along the edge of the sand. A new coffee shop has blossomed operating out of the surf club and the coffee was excellent! However, the 200m walk over the sand to the pool is a hazard to disabled and very young children. There is a very large ticketed car park and public transport is a 10-15 min walk from the bus stop.

Mona vale has been another local pool to the splosh for some years and one spiritual year they announced that the pool had healing qualities. Feel free to give it a try :) Must ask Obi-Wan if her hips better!!!

Star Rating a magnificient ****