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.