Grannies Pool Blacksmiths
A protected, shallow tidal pool with sandy shores, perfect for families and accessible swimming, located at the mouth of Swansea Channel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Grannies Pool Blacksmiths
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected, shallow tidal pool with sandy shores, perfect for families and accessible swimming, located at the mouth of Swansea Channel.
"The perfect place for those of us that find 4 inches of bathwater too deep."
🎯 Perfect for Little Kids
Ideal for babies to adults, this spot is delightful for young children to splash and swim. :baby_bottle:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
On hot days, finding a parking spot can be challenging due to the beach's popularity. Arrive early! :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shallow Sandy Beach
Grannies Pool
Perfect for little ones, this sandy area offers calm, shallow waters for safe splashing and swimming.
Breakwater Snorkeling
Exterior rock walls of the breakwater
Explore the underwater world by snorkeling along the breakwater's rock walls, where the water gets deeper.
Calm Water Swimming
Grannies Pool
A guaranteed calm swim, shielded from ocean swells, making it ideal when the main beach is rough.
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Planning Your Visit
Family-Friendly Oasis
Accessibility & Convenience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Perfect for Little Kids
Ideal for babies to adults, this spot is delightful for young children to splash and swim. :baby_bottle:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
On hot days, finding a parking spot can be challenging due to the beach's popularity. Arrive early! :car:
🌊 Watch Currents Near Opening
While shallow, currents can be fast near the opening. Keep a close eye on children. :warning:
🛶 Kayak Launch Point
Great spot to launch a kayak for offshore fishing due to its proximity to Swansea Channel mouth. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Perfect for Little Kids
Ideal for babies to adults, this spot is delightful for young children to splash and swim. :baby_bottle:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
On hot days, finding a parking spot can be challenging due to the beach's popularity. Arrive early! :car:
🌊 Watch Currents Near Opening
While shallow, currents can be fast near the opening. Keep a close eye on children. :warning:
🛶 Kayak Launch Point
Great spot to launch a kayak for offshore fishing due to its proximity to Swansea Channel mouth. :kayak:
🚶♀️ Stroll the Breakwall
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the breakwall, especially beautiful at low tide. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grannies Pool is widely praised as a safe, shallow, and accessible swimming spot, particularly ideal for families with young children. Visitors appreciate the calm waters, sandy beach, and convenient facilities like parking and showers. Some note that parking can be challenging on busy days, and caution is advised regarding currents near the breakwater opening.
"On Swansea Channel, where Lake Macquarie joins the sea at the southern end of Blacksmiths Beach, you’ll find a protected, shallow pool and sandy beach area called Grannies Pool. It’s perfect for families and anyone with mobility issues, as it has Accessible parking and full ramp access to the beach. Nice work Lake Macquarie City Council.
Although mostly shallow it gets quite deep at the breakwater entrance, and many were heading through there to snorkel along the exterior rock walls. It’s cute and a guaranteed calm swim no matter what’s happening at the exposed beaches around the corner. Ample free parking and outdoor showers complete the offering for us, so we’ll remember this one for when the wider ocean says no."
Jackie McMillan
"What a great find! On hols to visit my son and I investigate this place!
Although too cold for a swim for me I will certainly come here next time...the perfect place for those of us that find 4 inches of bathwater too deep.🤣
Absolutely a go to place for mums with young kids.
Sandy shallow water...just delightful.
I would imagine it would be hard to find a park on a hot day."
Meg Emerton
"Very nice place for young ones from babies to Adults... to splash & swim around..."
Grant Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grannies Pool is located on Swansea Channel, at the southern end of Blacksmiths Beach in Newcastle, NSW. Accessible parking and ramp access make it easy to reach.
Yes, there is ample free parking available. However, it can get busy, especially on hot days, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Grannies Pool features accessible parking and full ramp access to the beach, making it very convenient for families with strollers and individuals with mobility issues.
Look for the Swansea Channel where it joins the sea at the southern end of Blacksmiths Beach. It's a well-known local spot.
Yes, Grannies Pool is an excellent option for a day trip from Newcastle, offering a relaxed and safe beach experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Grannies Pool is a public beach and there is no entry fee. It's a free-to-access community spot.
Grannies Pool is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor public beach. However, facilities like showers may have specific operating hours.
Grannies Pool is generally very safe due to its shallow, protected waters. However, be mindful of currents near the breakwater opening.
While generally open, it's always good practice to check local council notices for any temporary restrictions, especially during peak seasons or events.
As a public beach, you cannot book specific spots. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is advised for the best experience.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can swim, splash, snorkel along the breakwater, walk the breakwall, and launch kayaks. It's a versatile spot for relaxation and gentle water activities. +1
Yes, many visitors snorkel along the exterior rock walls of the breakwater where the water is deeper and marine life can be found.
The pool offers ample free parking, outdoor showers, and ramp access, making it a convenient and comfortable place to spend your day.
It can get busy, especially on hot days and weekends, as it's a popular spot for families. Weekdays and mornings are generally less crowded.
The water is typically shallow and calm within the pool area, making it ideal for young children. It's clean due to constant movement from the channel.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no direct dining facilities at Grannies Pool itself. However, Blacksmiths and nearby Swansea offer various cafes and eateries.
Yes, Grannies Pool is a great spot for a picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy it on the sandy shores or nearby grassy areas.
Information on specific BBQ facilities is limited, but it's advisable to check with Lake Macquarie City Council or bring your own portable setup if permitted.
You'll find several cafes and casual dining spots in the nearby suburb of Blacksmiths and the town of Swansea, just a short drive away.
Yes, there are takeaway options available in Blacksmiths and Swansea, perfect for bringing back to enjoy at the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture families enjoying the shallow waters, the breakwater with its rock walls, and the scenic views of Swansea Channel. Low tide offers unique perspectives.
The location facing the channel can offer beautiful light during sunrise and sunset, especially with the breakwater as a foreground element.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and channel. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water shots.
The breakwater itself provides excellent vantage points. The accessible ramp also offers a good perspective of the entire pool area.
Drone usage is subject to CASA regulations and local council bylaws. Always check current rules before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Accessibility is a major plus for families, with dedicated parking and ramp access making it easy to navigate with strollers or if you have children with mobility needs. Outdoor showers are also a convenient feature for rinsing off sandy little bodies. While the pool itself is calm, always supervise children closely, especially near the breakwater opening where currents can be stronger.
🚶♀️ Mobility-Impaired Visitors
The calm, shallow waters of the pool itself provide a safe and comfortable environment for swimming or simply enjoying the water without the exertion of dealing with waves or deep depths. The presence of outdoor showers adds to the convenience, allowing for a refreshing rinse before or after your visit. It's a destination where everyone can comfortably enjoy the coastal environment.
🎣 Anglers & Kayakers
While the pool itself is for calm swimming, the surrounding breakwater and channel offer opportunities for fishing. Anglers can utilize the area for launching their kayaks or fishing from the breakwall. Remember to check local fishing regulations and licensing requirements before heading out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Grannies Pool
The pool is bordered by a breakwater, which not only shields it from larger waves but also creates an interesting environment for snorkeling. Visitors often explore the exterior rock walls of the breakwater, where the water depth increases, revealing marine life. This dual nature—a safe haven for swimming and an accessible spot for underwater exploration—makes Grannies Pool a versatile destination.
Beyond its aquatic offerings, Grannies Pool is praised for its excellent accessibility. With dedicated parking and a full ramp leading directly to the beach, it caters well to those with mobility challenges. The presence of outdoor showers further enhances the convenience, allowing visitors to rinse off after a swim. This thoughtful infrastructure, provided by the Lake Macquarie City Council, ensures a pleasant and inclusive experience for everyone.
Navigating Grannies Pool: Tips from Visitors
Parking is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. While ample free parking is available, it's noted that on hot days, the lot can fill up quickly. The recommendation is to arrive early to secure a spot, particularly during peak season or on weekends.
Finally, many visitors enjoy simply strolling along the breakwall, appreciating the views and the connection between the calm pool and the open sea. The clean water, a result of constant movement from the channel, is also a frequently praised aspect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit