The weather is warming up – I think. Well, we've seen a little bit of sun over the past few weekends. My family and I can't get enough. It's time to bring out those swimmers and head down to the ocean with your little ones.

I'm not sure about your kids, but mine are much more comfortable and confident in ocean pools. And luckily for us, we have so many lining the beautiful Illawarra coast. These are our favourites:

1. Coalcliff Rock Pool

Our number one favourite. For starters, it has a park at the entrance, which the kids LOVE, it's also surrounded by rock pools to explore and faces the gorgeous Royal National Park coastline – beautiful! 

2. Thirroul Pool

Reopening on Saturday, 24 September, this ocean pool is next to the beach. It has a great paddling pool for the kids with shade. This one is our go-to when it's really hot and later in the day. The only thing is that it's often a lot colder than the beach.

3. Bulli Rock Pool

Here you have access to a kid-friendly reef on the north side of the pool, which is perfect for paddling around with the kids. Plus, you have Bulli Beach Cafe on the headland for refreshing drinks and yummy seafood.