Ocean Pools, a Helicopter View
Exploring Sydney's Unique Rockpools from the Air
Why are ocean and harbour pools so special to me? When I was a boy I was part of a swimming squad called the Penguins. We swam in a freezing cold ocean pool all year round. It was brutal, but it gave me a love for these spaces. Fast forward to another continent, another decade and I was very, very ill approaching end stage heart failure. Even though I was very weak I'd get driven down to Bilgola Beach and pre dawn I'd step into the ocean pool there and walk in the shallow part holding on to a chain to guide me, while the sun came up. It was a grounding experience that gave me a small, but important sense of freedom. And so today, where I'm able to hang out of an open door helicopter and take photos, I wanted to share with you my homage to ocean pools. Enjoy!
The state of New South Wales is rather unique in Australia for its abundance of rockpools. There are about 59 ocean pools across the state still in use, not to mention a good smattering of harbour pools in Sydney too. They serve as a focal point within coastal communities. Most were constructed as public works during the depression era, with Wylie's Baths being one of the few that was privately constructed. Mostly they are opportunistic interventions that have made use of the natural topography of rock platforms, many represent a bare bones style with no flashy additions, yet they still shine like azure jewels from the air.
These Aerial Photographs are Epic!!