Have you heard about Grannies Pool? It’s a shallow, tidal swimming lagoon near Blacksmiths Beach in Lake Macquarie, facing the Swansea Channel. Perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to splash around with a parent or grandparent close by, which is exactly where the name comes from. You’ll also see it spelled Grannys or Granny’s Pool.
Good to Know
- Address: Off Gommera Street, Blacksmiths NSW 2281
- Cost: Free entry
- Patrolled: No
- Toilets & Showers: No toilets, the nearest are at the Surf Life Saving Club, but there is a shower at Grannies Pool in the car park
- Shade: Bring your own sun shelter. On hot days, the sand fills with them
- Parking: Free car park, follow signs to Grannies Pool from Blacksmiths SLSC. Extra parking near Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club, less than 400m away
- Picnic Area: None on-site. Closest is at Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club
- Kiosk: The takeaway shop opposite the beach car park is temporarily closed. Head into Blacksmiths shops for takeaway instead
- Accessibility: Yes, a 50 metre accessible path and ramp lead down to the pool
- Nearest Playground: About 500 metres away on Gommera Street
Check the Tide Before You GoBecause it’s tidal, Grannies Pool fills up as the tide comes in, so you’ll find plenty of water at high tide and much less at low tide, sometimes little more than a mudflat. Check the NSW tide tables before you head out and plan your visit around high tide for the best swimming conditions.
A Historic Tidal Pool
It’s a historic pool which occurred when a gap in the breakwall let in water from the Swansea channel. The result was a shallow pool in sand. The name of the pool comes from it’s history with parents and grandparents teaching their kids to swim there.
The area around Grannies Pool was upgraded in late 2017 with a 350-metre shared pathway from the car park and a concrete viewing area.
As you follow the pathway and approach the viewing platform, you’ll see your first glimpse of Grannies Pool surrounded by lots of sand.
It’s a beautiful spot to hang out and splash in the shallow water. Bring sun shelter and beach toys to play in the water and dig in the sand as you might be here a while.
It also has a 50 metre accessibility path which makes it easier to take prams, wheelchairs and beach wagons down to the pool.
As it’s a tidal pool, the water depth varies. We’ve been there on some days at low tide when it’s a mudflat while other times, Grannies Pool has lots of water.
Getting There and Parking
Follow the signs to Grannies Pool from Blacksmiths Surf Life Saving Club. The car park can fill up fast on busy days, but there’s additional parking near Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club at Blacksmiths Beach, less than 400 metres away.
Nearby for Families
Once you’ve had a splash, follow the path around to Blacksmiths Breakwall for great views over Swansea Channel and beyond.
Grannies Pool is also an easy walk from Blacksmiths Beach if the older kids want a proper swim in the surf.
See more family-friendly spots in our guide to Newcastle’s Best Beaches & Ocean Baths for Kids.
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FAQs
No, there are no lifeguards on duty, so keep a close eye on little ones at all times.
High tide, when the pool fills with water. At low tide it can be little more than a mudflat, so check the tide tables before you go.
Yes, a 50 metre accessible path and ramp lead down to the pool, making it easier to bring prams, wheelchairs and beach wagons.
Yes, a free car park is signposted from Blacksmiths SLSC, with extra parking available near Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club nearby.
No, head to Blacksmiths for takeaway food.