21 of the Best Hidden Wild Swimming Holes in NSW

NSW is overflowing with stunning natural swim spots. With its myriad of waterfalls, lagoons, lakes, creeks, and rivers, the options are endless. Explorer Rachel has put together a selection of her favourite hidden swimming holes scattered throughout the state, from the bush to the coast and the mountains in between.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Why do we go wild swimming?

Having a swimming hole as the final destination of an adventure can open up a new area for exploration, add an extra element of excitement to your weekend bushwalk, and allow you to literally immerse yourself in your surroundings.

By making swimming the focus of our adventures, we’ve opened up nooks and crannies of the landscape that otherwise might have passed under our radar.

Sticking closer to Sydney? 10 Wild Swimming Spots Near Sydney

Like dipping into another dimension, immersion transports us out of the ordinary and gives us a new perspective. And it opens something up inside us too, a sense of being fully alive (especially when the water is cold!) and fully present to the wonders of the Aussie landscape.

Maybe you already hike with swimmers and a towel in your backpack, just in case, or maybe this is the first time you’ve ever considered swimming outdoors. Either way, we hope we’ll inspire you to take the plunge and make your next adventure a wild swimming one.

When we find swimmable water, our mantra is, ‘Get in there!’. And we haven’t regretted it yet.

Here are a few lesser-known hidden swimming holes in NSW which we hope will lead you off the beaten track and inspire you to make water a regular feature of your adventures.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Wild Swimming Safety

Swimming, especially out in nature, has inherent risks and dangers. This shouldn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves and getting out there, but it does mean we have to take a few things into consideration when we head out looking for swimming holes near us.

We’ve outlined everything you need to know about swimming hole safety, but the key things to know are;

• You MUST know how to swim before you swim in nature
• NEVER swim alone or after drinking
• Check the water depth, speed, quality, and if anything is submerged beneath the surface
• Wade in gently first before jumping in
• Check park alerts before you head out for relevant warnings (sometimes waterways get contaminated and aren’t safe for swimming!)

Swimming Holes NSW

1. Nellies Glen Swimming Hole

Location: Budderoo National Park, Robertson, Southern Highlands

Nellies Glen is a beautiful bushland swimming hole with a picture-perfect waterfall in Budderoo National Park. It’s enclosed by vegetation with a rocky surround and lies just upstream from the incredibly impressive Carrington Falls.

You can get behind the waterfall at the far side and there’s a handy rock seat where you can take a seated waterfall shower. The river flows on down over the Carrington Falls and into Kangaroo Valley, which is home to many more idyllic swimming spots.

How To Get to Nellies Glen Swimming Hole

Nellies Glen can be found in Budderoo National Park, 10 minutes south of Robertson. Head east out of Robertson on the Illawarra Highway, and when you reach the Famous Robertson Pie Shop, turn right onto Jamberoo Mountain Road. Follow the road for 5km then turn right onto Cloonty Road. Follow the road to the car park at the end. The swimming hole is a 500m walk from the car park.

2. Mulligans Hut Swimming Spot

Location: Gibraltar Range National Park

Mulligans Hut is a tranquil pool overhung with greenery and fed by a babbling brook right in the centre of a vast area of national parks and state forests. There are countless amazing walking trails, including the three day Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk, and probably a million other swimming spots to discover.

This is an area tantalisingly pregnant with potential for secret swims, as much of it’s only accessible on foot and there are plenty of rivers and creeks running through it. A genuine NSW wild swimming paradise.

How To Get To Mulligan Hut Swimming Spot

Mulligans Hut is an hours’ drive from Glen Innes along Gwydir Highway. Turn right onto Mulligans Dr, and follow it for 9km to Mulligans Campground. From the campground, take the short walk to Mulligans Hut (the actual building) and follow the Dandahra Falls Walk walking track 200m to the swimming hole.

3. Emerald Pools

Written by Brooke Nolan 

Location: Popran National Park, Central Coast

The walk to the Emerald Pool is called Hominy Creek Track and is a quintessential Aussie bush track. It’s mainly fire trail and during spring – when we were there – it was surrounded by brightly coloured banksia.

Don’t expect anything too adventurous or tricky – it’s simply a nice little leg stretch.

But when we rounded the corner, we wondered how on earth Emerald Pools had not been on our radar before.

@giveintoadventure

How to Get to Emerald Pools

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4. Scouts Falls Swimming Hole

Location: Sherwood Nature Reserve, Coffs Coast

Scouts Falls is a little known natural swimming hole just north-west of Coffs Harbour. Getting to this spot involves a fun scramble up the riverbed, which means that when you arrive at the deep pool under the waterfall, company is likely to be limited.

To continue the adventure, it’s possible to climb with care up the left-hand side of the falls where there are several shallow pools and then scramble up the riverbed, leading to who knows where…

Read more: Best Waterfalls in NSW

How To Get To Scouts Falls Swimming Hole

Scouts Falls is a 45 minute drive from Coffs Harbour. Take Coramba Rd out of the city and onto Orara Way. At Glenreagh, turn right onto Sherwood Creek Rd and park on the side of the road just before a high timber bridge. To the right of the bridge is a small trail that leads down to the river. Follow the trail for about 20 minutes to pass the small plunge pool and then the larger pool at the base of the falls.

5. Karloo Pools

Written by Damon Tually

Location: Royal National Park, Sydney

Karloo Pools is a wild swimming hole found in Dharawal Country, in the Royal National Park. The 10m wide, 20m long natural rock pool is surprisingly deep!

The trailhead starts at Heathcote Train Station so there’s no need for a car, and if you’ve driven in Sydney before you’ll be cheering about that!

The track runs behind a couple of houses before sliding onto a nice ridgeline. The track can get pretty muddy after some rain so I recommend some sturdy sandals or boots. Roughly 2km along, the track steeply declines to the bottom of the valley where you’ll reach Karloo Pools.

@damontually

How to Get to Karloo Pools

Karloo Pools is located just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. It’s roughly 45 minutes by train from Central Station. If you’re going by train, head to Heathcote Train Station. Once you’re there go to Wilson Parade (or south-east) and then look for the NSW Rural Fire Service. Just on the right is the Karloo track trailhead.

If you’re going by car then I suggest parking at Heathcote Train Station too and following the same directions.

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6. Tyagarah Tea Tree Lake

Location: Byron Bay, North Coast

Tyagarah Lake is a must-do during a visit to the Byron Bay area. This tea-tree-stained lake offers plenty of space for a longer swim. The tea tree oil that drops into the lake from the surrounding forest gives the water a dark colour and is rumoured to be great for your skin.

There’s a path that lets you cruise the circumference of the lake. Once you’ve chosen your spot, settle down on the bank with a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of lazy dips.

Visiting Byron Bay? Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Byron Bay

How To Get to Tyagarah Lake

Tyagarah Lake is located in Tyagarah Nature Reserve a 20 minute drive north of Byron Bay. Take Black Rock Rd through the nature reserve and keep an eye out for a walking trail leading off to the left. Follow the trail a few hundred metres to reach the lake.

7. Pool of Siloam, Lyrebird Dell, and Weeping Rock Swimming Spots

Location: Leura, Blue Mountains

Although Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell are both easily accessible from the centre of Leura (and the train station), the area is a bit of an overlooked gem in a tucked-away corner of the Blue Mountains.

If you access them from the quiet track off of Carleton Road, the first part of the walk along the Leura Cliffs provides classic blue haze views and a great angle on the Three Sisters with hardly a soul in sight.

There’s an easy 1.5km circular route joining the two swimming spots together with the Gordon Falls Picnic Area but the track opens up a world of possibilities for more adventurous hikes as it connects with several other routes covering a large area of the Blue Mountains National Park.

The Pool of Siloam itself is only just deep enough for a dip and startlingly refreshing with a soft sandy bottom making it perfect for lying back and taking in the gorgeous little falls.

At Lyrebird Dell there’s a cave by the falls which has been a shelter for local Aboriginal people for centuries and continues to provide great protection from the elements today.

Still haven’t scratched your waterfall itch? Check out the nearby Leura Cascades trail and see if you can spot Weeping Rock falls. On a hot summer’s day, it’s a beautiful place to cool off your feet in the shallow rock pools

How to Get There

Drive to Leura in the Blue Mountains. From here, there are multiple trailheads to choose from with tracks that intertwine – it all depends how far you want to walk! The quickest access point to the swimming holes is from the Lyrebird Dell Walking Track trailhead that starts off Lone Pine Ave near the Lyrebird Dell Picnic Area.

8. Wallagoot Gap

Written by Steph Lentz

Location: Far South Coast

The ‘gap’ from which this beach gets its name, is formed by two headlands that protect a quiet, sandy nook surrounded by an amphitheatre of sandstone and coastal scrub. 

Depending on the tide, the shore either comes up into the broad sandy inlet or stays out between the high cliffs on either side of the gap. Wading in the shallows is a spectacular way to cool off, but strong currents and submerged rocks mean caution is encouraged. 

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

@stephsomebody

9. Lake Yarrunga Swimming Spot

Location: Morton National Park, South Coast

Lake Yarrunga is a pristine swimming spot about three hours south of Sydney in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley, above Tallowa Dam. Combine your swim with an overnight canoe adventure from Bendeela Campground, making use of one of the multiple campgrounds along the shore of the lake and ending at the dam wall the next day.

The view is an interesting one as you paddle amongst a flooded forest; a remnant of a time before the dam was created. As no powered boats are allowed on the dam, this is the perfect place to settle into the rhythmical peace of a long swim or paddle.

Canoes suitable for carrying you and your camping gear can be hired locally and can be dropped off and picked up at your start and end points. There’s also interesting hiking in the national park with ruined buildings and roads from bygone years to discover, all of which can, of course, be punctuated by swims in the lake.

Campgrounds accessible on foot are at Acacia Flat and Beehive Point, both of which are very simple with just a drop toilet, lots of beautiful bush, and easy access to the water to make going for a dip an integral part of your stay.

How to Get to Lake Yarrunga

Lake Yarrunga is a 20 minute drive from Kangaroo Valley. Take Moss Vale Rd north out of town and turn left onto Bendeela Rd and follow it as it becomes Jacks Corner Rd. Turn left to stay on Jacks Corner Rd, after 1.5km turn right, after 300m, turn left, and 550m later you’ll arrive at Lake Yarrunga.

10. Adelong Falls

Written by Brooke Nolan

Location: Tumut, Snowy Mountains

There are a few ways to reach Adelong Falls. An easy 2km walk from the town along the river, or you can drive and park at the top and then do a quick hike (short but steep) to the falls.

I took the easy option (obviously) and drove, giving me max time to relax and admire the epic views.

Arriving pre-9am meant I had the place to myself to start with, but even when it got busy, I could hop to a new pool for a bit more ‘me’ time.

I spent my time lounging around like a sun-baked goanna, but plenty of people were rock-hopping downstream – it seemed like you could go on for ages. 

@giveintoadventure

How to Get to Adelong Falls

Adelong is based 20km from Tumut and you can either hike the 2km short trail from the town to the falls or drive to the car park on Adelong Falls Road. 

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11. Dangar Falls

Location: Dorrigo

Dangar Falls is just one of the many waterfalls you’ll find along Waterfall Way, the picturesque drive between Armidale and Coffs Harbour. However it’s one of the few waterfalls in the area you can actually swim at!

Read more: Underrated Gorges, Epic Hikes, & Wild Swims Along the Waterfall Way

The falls itself is 30 metres high and you’ll find a large natural swimming pool at the base that runs into a creek. The Dangar Falls is surrounded by luscious rainforest and the pool is easily accessible, with a pebbly entry just near the walking track.

Dangar Falls can be found just a short distance from the main road, making it a pretty popular spot! You can check out the view from above at the lookout and picnic area just by the road, then make your way along the boardwalk, through the rainforest to the base of the falls. The walk to the base of Dangar Falls takes around 5-10 minutes.

After heavy rain the waterfall is pumping, which can make the current strong and the boardwalk is slippery, so be cautious!

Hot tip! Don’t get Dangar Falls confused for Dangars Falls – although located close by, this is a much higher waterfall that does not offer an inviting pool at the bottom.

How to Get to Dangar Falls

Dangar Falls is just a five minute drive out of the town of Dorrigo. Head north out of town on Coramba Rd and after five minutes, you’ll find a grassy picnic area and car park on your right. Park here and take the short boardwalk through the rainforest to the base of the falls.

12. The Drip & Corner Gorge

Written by Steph Lentz

Location: Mudgee, Central West

Goulburn River National Park is home to The Drip and Corner Gorge, an easy half-hour drive from the heart of Mudgee. With ample parking, a spacious picnic area, and public toilets, this adventure is suitable for explorers young and old.

A short, well-established path extends 1.4km from the car park to ‘The Drip’, the name given to a mess of little swimming holes, fallen hunks of sandstone, and gentle rapids nestled under the arc of a huge cliff-face.

The cliff is studded with river pebbles and fern fronds and, regardless of whether it’s recently rained or not, metres and metres of dripping water.

Intrepid walkers should definitely consider clambering over the huge boulders at The Drip to continue downstream to Corner Gorge, a walled section where the river takes a sharp turn. You’ll need to wade for most of the section between The Drip and Corner Gorge, but the current’s slow and the water’s mostly knee-deep or shallower.

Choose one of the dozens of sunny spots by the water for a sit, a picnic or a read. Whatever your style, it’s scenic, serene and well worth a visit.

@stephsomebody

How to Get to The Drip

The car park at The Drip picnic area is off Ulan Road, a 35-minute drive northeast of Mudgee.

13. Blue Waterholes

Location: Kosciuszko National Park

The Blue Waterholes of Kosciuszko National Park are a bit of a hidden gem in the park. Found in the less-explored High Plains region, these iridescent blue pools are a delight in summer, and a good way to wake up in winter.

The natural swimming hole is surrounded by limestone cliffs that jut up high into the sky and both Clarke and Nichols Gorges can be found close by. The water here is especially blue, thanks to a chemical reaction between minerals in the water and surrounding limestone. Thank you nature and chemistry!

The swimming hole is just a short walk from Blue Waterholes Campground, which is an ideal spot to spend the weekend!

Photo by Craig Pearce

How to Get to Blue Waterholes

The Blue Waterholes are an hour and 20 minute drive from Adaminaby. Take the Snowy Mountains Highway north out of town and after 56km, turn right onto Long Plain Rd. Drive 17km then turn right onto the Blue Waterholes Trail and follow it to Blue Waterholes Campground. The swimming hole is a short walk from the campground.

14. Glenbrook Gorge Swimming Hole

Location: Glenbrook, Blue Mountains National Park

Glenbrook Gorge is a tranquil swimming spot, not far from the outskirts of Sydney that’s a quieter alternative to Jellybean Pool. In fact, you could have all to yourself – if you’re willing to put in the effort to get there.

The swimming hole itself is encompassed by tall gorge walls, and features boulders scattered around the water and a sandy, beach bank to relax on!

To reach Glenbrook Gorge, you’ll have to take the somewhat steep 3km return hike along the Glenbrook Gorge Track. It doesn’t take long to get down to the river, but with a bit of bush-bashing and rock hopping involved, the pace can be a bit slow going once you’re by the river.

Bring a book and a friend and while away the day on this tranquil bush beach!

Please note! After heavy rain the current can be quite strong here with some rapids, so take care. The trail has also seen damage due to rains, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes on the hike.

@pearce_m

How to Get to Glenbrook Gorge Swimming Hole

Glenbrook Gorge can be accessed via the Glenbrook Gorge Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. The trailhead for the track starts at the car park at the Glenbrook entrance to the national park.

15. Nethercote Falls

Location: Pambula, Far South Coast

Sick of feeling all crusty after dipping in and out of saltwater all day long during your summer holiday on the NSW South Coast? Take an inland detour to the freshwater natural swimming hole of Nethercote Falls on the Yowaka River instead.

Nethercote Falls features a nice long and deep pool – perfect for swimming laps! The natural swimming hole is tucked in between two towering gorge walls, with a small waterfall at the far end and some submerged boulders scattered throughout.

This is one of the popular swimming spots around the area, especially for locals, but it’s well worth a visit!

There are two car parks, but only 4WDs can reach the lower car park. The walk down to the lower car park is quite steep (which means a steep climb on the way back up!). From there, the walk to Nethercote Falls is only a few hundred metres but involves a shallow river crossing.

Photo by Shot by @eutherian via Flickr | License

How to Get to Nethercote Falls

Nethercote Falls is located a 15 minute drive from the South Coast town of Pambula. Take the Princes Highway south out of town and turn right onto Mount Darragh Rd. Drive 5km along Mount Darragh Rd, then another 5km along Back Creek Rd to reach Pipeclay Rd. Drive a few hundred metres to find Yowaka River Trail and follow this to the car park.

16. Victoria Falls

Written by Matt Pearce

Location: Blue Mountains

The Victoria Falls Track is straightforward and although steep in sections, it’s short. It’s well signposted from the Victoria Falls lookout car park, so you shouldn’t go wrong.

@pearce_m

17. Ladies Well

Written by Georgia Englund

Location: Barrington Tops

Ladies Well is a beautiful swimming hole located on the Upper Allyn River at the entrance to the Chichester State Forest, a perfect weekend getaway that’s become an annual trip amongst old school friends.

With easy access from Sydney and Newcastle, camping close by and a flat stroll to the swimming hole, Ladies Well is the perfect little jaunt for those new to adventuring.

In summer, you can slide down the stunning granite boulders and bask in the lush surrounding forest. An easy walk from the car, Ladies Well is the perfect spot to pack a picnic and take a dip in the crisp river waters.

18. Boonoo Boonoo Falls

Written by Sian Brain

I’ve visited Boonoo Boonoo Falls a few different times over the years and it continues to be one of my favourite swimming holes in NSW.

On a warm summer’s day you’ll find groups lounging by the edge of the water, laying on the smooth warm granite, exploring the many levels of the falls and finding the best jump rocks.

My experience swimming at Boonoo Boonoo Falls in summer has always been magical and somewhat reminiscent of what I imagine Japanese hot springs to be like (except the water definitely isn’t warm, it’s freezing even in the middle of summer).

How to Get to Boonoo Boonoo Falls

To reach Boonoo Boonoo National Park by car from Tenterfield, take Mount Lindesay Road south. National Park signs clearly mark the turn off to Boonoo Boonoo National Park which is around 20km and 20 minutes along Mount Lindesay Road.

Follow Boonoo Boonoo Falls Road to the very end where you’ll find lots of parking at the picnic area. You won’t need a 4WD for this location, though the road is partly unsealed.

Driving to Boonoo Boonoo from Brisbane or Byron Bay will take approximately three hours.

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19. Haycock Point

Written by Steph Lentz

Location: Pambula, Far South Coast

The deep red rock formations of Haycock Point jut into the sea along the jagged coast south of  Pambula on Yuin Country. A ten-minute walk from the car park through lush coastal greenery ends at a steep, sloping rock face down to the natural ocean pools at Haycock Point.  

Dark red boulders separate the sand-bottomed pools whose depth and accessibility changes with the tides. We spent two or three blissful hours here in December — and didn’t see another soul! 

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

@stephsomebody

How to Get to Haycock Point

Turn off the Princes Highway south of Pambula onto Haycock Road, an unsealed route through this part of the National Park. Various signposted turn-offs indicate the car parks for attractions including Barmouth Beach and Haycock Point (ample parking is available at both).

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20. Paddys River Falls

Written by Tiffany Hulm

Location: Snowy Mountains

This hidden treasure is about a five-minute drive off the main road (Tooma Road) and down a windy track. Another five-minute walk brings you to the foot of the magical beast with many beautiful viewpoints along the way.

Strip off into your swimmers and follow the moss covered rocks to where you can stand showering behind the massive body of water, then splash into a ridiculously cold but refreshing pool.

How to Get to Paddys River Falls

It’s about 3 hours outside of Canberra and 5 hours from Sydney. You’ll find the turn off on Tooma Road between Paddys River and Tumbarumba.

21. Woy Woy Waterfall

Written by Jess Barlow

Location: Central Coast

Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall might not be so secret anymore but with a 4km walk to take a dip, this odd little trough pool has that exclusive feel when you get there.

The Woy Woy Waterfall pool water level is notoriously quite low. The water is contained by a man-made wall – hence the description of the pool below as a trough. In hotter months the shallow creek isn’t flowing enough to feed the waterfall shower, so not much water actually flows into the pool itself, let alone the rocky ponds further down.

There’s a lot of wildlife about if you’re patient and can walk quietly. Keep an eye out and you’re likely to spot lyrebirds, kookaburras, and possibly wallabies. As you head along the creek you might also see small reptiles and goannas. Leeches will be about after rain too.

@d.r.adventures

How to Reach Woy Woy Waterfall Trailhead

By Car

Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall is in Brisbane Water National Park, about 80km north of Sydney, around a 90 minute drive. Search ‘Tommos Fire Trail’ in Google Maps and follow it to the trailhead.

By Train

As a bonus, you can also reach Woy Woy by train from Sydney on the Central Coast and Newcastle lines. From Woy Woy Train Station walk or take a short taxi ride to the trailhead.

Swimming Holes NSW FAQs

Can you swim in Wollombi Brook?

Whether or not you can swim in Wollombi Brook will depend on rainfall. The deeper pools only fill up enough to swim in after significant and sustained rainfall.

Can you swim at the Watagans?

Mostly due to the low rainfall of the area the creeks remain dry most of the year. You can however swim at the Basin and gap creek falls in times of good rain!

Can you swim in Budderoo National Park?

You sure can! Nellie’s Glen is the best place to go swimming in Budderoo National Park.

Can you swim at Woronora?

You sure can! It’s also great for kayaking and fishing!

Where’s the bluest water in Australia?

The bluest water in Australia is believed to be in the Whitsundays!

Where are the best natural swimming holes in NSW?

This is tough – there’s so many to choose from. We rate the pool in Fortress Canyon. The South West Arm, Figure Eight Pools and Karloo Pools in Sydney’s Royal National Park are also really great swimming spots near Sydney.

How do I find the best swimming spot near me?

At We Are Explorers we have our fingers on the pulse when it comes to the best places to wild swim, take a quick dip on a hike, or get gnarly with a surfboard. We have articles on the best swimming spots all over Australia. From Cairns, to Brisbane, and even Warburton in Victoria, and the best swimming holes in the Outback and Red Centre, we’ve got you covered.

Where is Leura Infinity Pool?

The Leura Infinity Pool is located at the top of a waterfall at Leura Cascades. To access it requires hiking off track, scaling down sheer rock walls, and effectively putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. Despite plenty of bloggers advising how to access this one, it falls firmly into the category of unnecessary risk. Don’t risk it being the last swimming hole you visit.

Keen to keep exploring NSW?

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• Best Wild Western Mountains in NSW
• Best Road Trips in NSW
• Three Action-Packed NSW Road Trips for Day Seizers
• Best Photography Spots in NSW

Photos by @andylewis_photography