Bogey Hole

Bogey Hole is a seawater pool carved directly into the sandstone at the base of Shepherds Hill. The basin, roughly 1.5 meters deep, fills with ocean water through natural wave action and creates a sheltered bathing spot on the rocky coast.

The pool was carved out in 1819 by convict laborers under the command of Major James Morisset, who led the Newcastle settlement at that time. This construction reflects the early stages of European settlement and coastal development in Australia.

The name comes from the Dharawal Aboriginal language and means 'to bathe', showing how important water has always been to the people of this region.

Visitors must descend stairs from York Drive to reach the pool, with parking available at the top of Shepherds Hill. The entry is free and the site remains accessible throughout the year.

This is the oldest known surviving European-built ocean pool in Australia, hand-carved directly into the rock platform. The craftsmanship of 19th-century convict laborers remains visible in the fine details of how the stone was shaped.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -32.93520,151.78200

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56