Nestled at the southern end of Jones Beach in Kiama, Cathedral Rocks Rock Pools offer a dramatic snorkeling and dipping experience among towering sea stacks and turquoise tidal pools. Accessible only around low tide, the main pool is a deep, crystal-clear basin cut off from the ocean, framed by rugged rock platforms. A second, shallower pool lies nearby with a sandy bottom and serene surroundings. The stunning backdrop of Cathedral Rock formations, a small sea cave, and a hidden beach make this a uniquely atmospheric spot on the NSW South Coast.
Cathedral Rocks Rock Pools
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 9.3 sWind Speed 1.8 knPrecipitation 24 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Rogue Waves
Even during slight swell, large waves can unexpectedly enter the enclosed pool. Observe conditions for several minutes before entering.
Moderate risk: Strong Currents
The channel near the hidden beach can have strong currents depending on conditions; the semi-open pool is exposed to wave surges.
Moderate risk: Tide-Dependent Access
Rock pools are only safely accessible 1.5 hours either side of low tide with slight swell. At high tide the pools are submerged.
Low risk: Slippery Rock Platform
Walking on the rock platforms can be slippery, especially when wet. Grippy footwear recommended.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Park at the Jones Beach car park off North Kiama Drive. Walk south along Jones Beach for ~450m, then head onto the rock platform for another ~200m to reach the first rockpool. A second rockpool can be accessed via Cliff Drive — park at the roadside pull-off and walk ~2 minutes downhill on a grassy track.
Parking & facilities
Jones Beach car park (North Kiama Drive) for main pool; Cliff Drive roadside parking for the second pool.
parking
Free
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports