Tucked between Burgess Beach and McBrides Beach in Booti Booti National Park, the Fairy Pool is a secluded, cave-like rockpool carved into the rugged Cape Hawke headland. Crystal-clear turquoise water fills this natural sandstone basin just metres from the open ocean, creating a semi-private oasis that feels worlds away. Reached via a 30–40 minute bush trail, stair climb, and rock scramble from the end of Burgess Road, this hidden gem offers spectacular coastal views and a truly wild swimming experience.
Fairy Pool (Forster)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 5.3 sWind Speed 15 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Fairy Pool (Forster) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Sweeping Waves / Swell danger
Exposed to ocean swell; waves can sweep into the pool unexpectedly. Only safe when seas are calm and swell is minimal.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Sweeping Waves / Swell
Exposed to ocean swell; waves can sweep into the pool unexpectedly. Only safe when seas are calm and swell is minimal.
Moderate risk: Rising Tide
The pool is only safely accessible and snorkelable at low tide. Tide rises quickly and can cut off access or make exit dangerous.
Low risk: Sharp Rocks
The surrounding rocks are sharp and jagged, making entry and exit from the pool treacherous, especially in swim fins.
Low risk: Slippery Rock Platform
The rock platform and creek bed approach get very slippery when wet, increasing the risk of falls on the scramble down.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Park at the end of Burgess Road, Forster. Follow the track down towards the water's edge, then climb back up through scrub. Continue along the coastal track, cross a creek bed, and scramble down rocks to reach the pool. The walk takes 30–40 minutes each way. A NSW Parks sign marks the trailhead.
Parking & facilities
Limited free parking at the end of Burgess Road (dirt area). Alternatively, park at Burgess Beach carpark and walk an extra 500m.
None — free entry in Booti Booti National Park.
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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