Fairy Bower 10 Jan 2013

The end of our excellent adventure : a four day walk from Palm Beach to Manly, and the final pool, the ever cute Fairy Bower between Manly and Shelley Beach.

Features Oceanid sculpture by Helen Leete.

Queenscliff Ocean Pool 10 January 2013

The last major pool on the journey between Palm Beach and Manly on our trek. The one before, Freshwater, was much more pleasant. Queenscliff, at the northern end of the bay that is Manly, could do with a bit of work. Seemed very much a "swimmer's pool" - ie some serious lapping going on...and why not when there is the vast expanse of beach to play on!

Freshwater Ocean Pool - 10 January 2013

In the months just before our visit, Freshie pool had undergone a renovation. It was a beauitiful pool to swim in.

Not that you would notice!

Ann and Piero wait patiently while I indulge myself

South Curl Curl Ocean Pool - 10 Jan 2013

South Curl Curl has a lovely pool, with the added advantage of the kiosk cafe just steps away.

South Curl Curl Ocean Pool - king tide, high seas 28 Jan 2013

The grandfather and grand daughters seen at North Curly eventually took the challenge at South Curly. It actually looks much worse than it was. The secret at South is there is a trough off the far end of the pool, and the waves usually break there. Not that the chain-hangers didn't have a lot of fun being swept off backwards into the pool.

A "Pool Closed" sign isn't going to stop this mob

North Curl Curl 28 Jan 2013 - king tide, high seas

This man debated for a long time whether to go in

The man had brought his granddaughters down. In the end, they wisely chose not to go in

North Curl Curl Ocean Pool (9 Jan 2013)

North Curly is an "in-the-know" pool, mainly patronised by locals. It's tucked away on the rock platform. There are warning signs around the rock ledge; several people, mainly rock fishermen have been swept away. On 9 Jan, 2013, North Curl Curl was fairly benign. It was a different story on 28 January, when seas were high. Pictures from that day follow this post.

Taking the plunge; it was a bit cool!



Ann heads down towards the pool



Looking back from pool towards the cliffs and beach at North Curl Curl

The underwater world at North Curl Curl is wonderful