Lynlee, by squiggly, I meant wiggly shoreline with lots of coves and beaches.
In this case there's a geological reason for the uneven coastline, as the sea receded, the rivers running to the ocean each carved into the sandstone ocean floor, and when the sea dropped fully, the cliffs between the rivers and riverlets were left. It makes for very hilly walking here but amazing views.
The walk back was still 35 minutes because it began with a straight uphill walk. It was worth it, though, because at the top we could see the skyline of downtown Sydney as well as the coastline and ocean. It was lovely.
We took a quieter route back (could have walked the bus route and had less elevation) and that took us back next to the rock bath. We determined it is free so plan to go back for a swim later.
As a child, my favourite series of books were by Enid Blyton's Malory Towers and St. Clares. These are stories about a girls' boarding school in England and the main characters grow up over their 6 terms at school.
Malory Towers had a swimming pool:
"One of the things that Darrel liked best of all was the big swimming pool down by the sea. This had been hollowed out of a stretch of rocks, so that it had a nice rocky uneven bottom. Seaweed grew at the sides, and sometimes the rocky bed of the pool felt slimy. But the sea swept into the big natural pool each day, filled it, and made lovely waves all across it. It was a sheer delight to bathe there.
I've always wanted to swim in such a pool. Today I will get my chance!