Who knew that hiding in plain sight below a much loved lookout in Batemans Bay lies one of the best rockpools in all of NSW. And I don’t say that lightly, NSW has a lot of amazing rockpools. But honestly this one is 10/10. Stunning colour? Check. Sandy bottom? Check. Easy to access? Check. Protected from the swell? Check. Secluded? Check. I could go on because this rockpool has it all…
Here’s how to find it.
The walk to the Mossy Point Mermaid Pool
The stats
Distance: 130m (long route), 70m (short steep route) each way
Elevation gain: 10m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Mossy Point Lookout
Summary: There are two possible routes to the rockpool, both take less than five minutes and join up at the rocks. The first option follows an easy maintained path and the second is a steeper, but still decent track which probably saves you about two minutes.
I like the longer route on the way as I prefer a gentle descent and then I use the steeper route on the way back when I don’t need to worry about slipping. However, even the steeper track is still pretty good and were there no easier path I would happily use it.
Safety info: tide & swell
The Mossy Point Mermaid Pool is best visited on a mid tide. Although we’ve been a few times, I’ve never seen it on a low tide and I wonder if it becomes too shallow to swim. Swell-wise, as with almost all rockpools, you are looking for it to read ‘slight’.
During a slight swell the pool is very well protected, one of the most protected I’ve swum at in NSW. Large waves break around the surrounding rocks and only very minor waves enter the pool, the ripple causing kind, nothing more.
There is always the chance larger rogue waves could enter the pool, but the risk is much less at this particular rockpool. You can check the 5 day tide and swell forecast here.
The walk
From the car park at the Mossy Point Lookout you have two choices. The first is to head around the fence beside the main lookout near the bench seat and look for the second track on the right leading downhill to the rocks.
The first path you’ll see is very steep and not recommended. The second path is somewhat steep but still ok. However, there is a little bit of loose soil and for this reason I only use this path for climbing up afterwards.
The steep path
To take the easiest route, follow the fence line to the left, leading away from the water and towards the bush. You’ll spot a set of stairs leading downhill into the bush after 30m. This maintained path takes you downhill on a nice set of steps.
There are various openings onto the rocks, but follow it round for 70m to the furthest point and then head down onto the rocks for the easiest access.
Cross the rocks directly ahead of you for 30m to reach the rockpool. You won’t see the rockpool until you are almost on top of it which is definitely part of its charm!
Swimming at the Mossy Point Mermaid Pool
Swimming at the Mossy Point Mermaid Pool is a dream. I know I have already waxed lyrical about it in the intro but it’s not often you find sensational water colour, a sandy bottom and a great deal of protection from the waves all in one glorious spot.
It has real wow factor and I couldn’t have been more surprised to get it to ourselves every time we visited (which was three times in as many days because, wow).
In terms of the swimming experience, the water is deep enough to swim and towards the the southern end it was above head height, with the northern end being shallower. Getting into the pool is easy as there’s a nice tiered entryway and you can step down into shallowish water before being able to swim off.
Large waves surrounded the pool on our visit, but never once entered it, allowing me to feel completely relaxed and really just enjoy the majesty of swimming there without having to keep too close an eye on the ocean.
It’s not a huge pool, but big enough to swim and the colour and clarity is second to none.
The only small critique I can come up with is there isn’t much flat space around the pool for changing, so I’d do that before you arrive.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Please remember to wear reef safe sunscreen to protect the marine life inside the pool.
Parking for the Mossy Point Mermaid Pool
The car park is located at Mossy Point Lookout in Mossy Point, you can see the exact spot here on Google maps. There are no facilities, so please plan accordingly. It’s just a 5 minute drive from Broulee, 20 minutes from Batemans Bay and one hour from Ulladulla.
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