Victoria’s freshwater swimming holes often fly under the radar, but they’re perfect for days when chlorine and salt aren’t hitting the spot. Explorer Ally has scouted some of the best swimming hole spots Victoria has got to dive in, cool off, and soak up the sunshine.

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.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed swim surrounded by rock pools (check out Ladies Bath Falls in Mount Buffalo National Park) or prefer a picnic day with the fam followed by a splash in shallow water (head to Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area along the Lerderderg River), there’s a swimming hole to suit.

Many of the swimming spots on this list have other great facilities too, so all you need to bring is your cossies, good company, and a snack stash. Some are a little more wild and off the beaten path, so you’ll need to make sure you’re properly prepared (and a capable swimmer) if you want to venture to those ones. 

With this handy list, there’s no excuse not to get out, cool off, and enjoy Victoria’s best swimming holes during what’s predicted to be a very steamy summer.

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Best Swimming Holes Victoria

1. Blue Pool, Briagolong State Forest

Time from Melbourne: 3 hours
Facilities: Toilet facilities, BBQ, picnic tables

 

 

Blue Pool is the epitome of swimming hole heaven, nestled in a gorge along Freestone Creek. The water is deep, cold, and crystal clear. There’s also a campground nearby, plus picnic areas with BBQs, tables, and walking trails to explore the forest.

Just a word of warning, the water can be freezing, even in summer. It’s great if you like your swims crisp, but a heads-up for those who don’t.

As this spot is so beautiful, it gets busy when the weather heats up (especially on weekends), so head over bright and early if you want to avoid the crowds.

 

 

How to Get to Blue Pool

The pool is about 10km from the town of Briagolong, with easy access via Freestone Creek Road. Then, it’s a quick walk down to the pool.

2. Ladies Bath Falls, Mount Buffalo

Time from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
Facilities: None

 

Road Tripping Through Victoria From Sea to Summit, Brody Webb, Jucy, Mount Buffalo, Ladies Bath Falls, women, waterfall, kid, rocks

Photo by Brody Webb

 

Ladies Bath Falls offers a sweet escape into the alpine wilderness. It’s just 400m from Mount Buffalo Road, and while the car park is close to the trailhead, the walk down does involve some light scrambling over rocks.

The baths are on the smaller side, and the water flows from Crystal Brook, so expect it to be cold. That being said, it’s a great place for a splash or to dip your feet in while taking in the surrounding views.

There are no toilets or picnic tables right at the falls, so plan accordingly if you’re staying a while. Also, since it’s close to Bright and popular with day-trippers, it can get a bit crowded during peak season.

How to Get to Ladies Bath Falls

The falls are located near Bright along Mount Buffalo Road.

3. Venus Baths, Grampians National Park

Time from Melbourne: 3 hours
Facilities: Not much in terms of amenities (no toilets, no picnic tables), so plan accordingly.

 

 

Located in the Grampians, Venus Baths is absolutely stunning with beautiful sandstone shelves, cascading waterfalls, and scattered rock pools. It’s mostly shallow water here, so more ideal for wading and splashing about than actual swimming.

Venus Baths is a 1km flat walk from Halls Gap, and about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, making it great for a quick weekend away or even a day trip if you’re feeling adventurous.

The pools are surrounded by sandstone rocks that heat up in the sun which is great for lounging after a splash. The baths are best visited in spring or early summer when the creek is flowing – if you go mid-summer when there hasn’t been much rain, the pools can dry up.

How to Get to Venus Baths

It’s about a 1km easy walk from Halls Gap.

4. Pound Bend, Warrandyte

Time from Melbourne: 40 minutes
Facilities: The park has toilets, some picnic spots, and shaded areas

 

Photo by Phillip Mallis on Flickr | Licence

 

Looking for a refreshing dip but don’t want to travel too far from the city? Pound Bend, tucked away in Warrandyte State Park, is the perfect escape for you. With its shallow rock pools and the gentle current of the Yarra River, it’s a lovely spot to cool off on a hot day.

The standout feature? A tunnel carved by gold miners back in the 1870s – now a natural ‘jacuzzi’ as water flows through it. Just keep in mind as it’s part of the Yarra River, the water quality varies, so check the latest conditions before taking a plunge.

While you’re there, I suggest walking the Pound Bend River track – it’s an easy one-hour return walk that’ll take you upstream along the Yarra River.

How to Get to Pound Bend

From Warrandyte Road, turn off at Pound Road and follow it to the park entrance.

Nearby Accommodation

5. Gooram Falls, High Country

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours and 15 mins
Facilities: There’s a picnic spot with BBQs, parking, and toilets

 

Photo by Phillip Mallis on Flickr | Licence

 

Gooram Falls is the go-to spot for swimmers seeking peace and quiet in Victoria’s High Country. Surrounded by smooth granite boulders and bushland, the falls tumble into natural pools that flow into Seven Creeks.

It’s an absolute cracker of a spot for a dip in the warmer months (but be mindful that the water will still be cold!)

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit for solid water flow, though the falls might trickle in dry months. So, pack a picnic and a good book, and let the Victoria High Country do the rest.

How to Get to Gooram Falls

Gooram Falls is accessible via the Hume Highway through Euroa, or you can take the scenic Melba Highway to Yea and continue towards the falls along Merton-Euroa Road.

6. Turpins Falls

Please note! Due to flooding, access to Turpin Falls has been compromised and Parks Victoria has closed the entire Turpin Falls Scenic Reserve. Please check the Parks Victoria page for updates before heading out.

Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours
Facilities: There are no toilets, picnic tables, or bins (so pack out what you pack in!)

Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, this stunning swimming hole sits beneath towering basalt cliffs, where an 18m waterfall tumbles into the Campaspe River. Getting to the base of Turpins Falls requires a short but steep trek from the car park – nothing too tricky, but definitely a bit of a workout.

The reward? A beautiful, natural pool surrounded by rocky outcrops and tree roots that make it feel like your own secret swimming hole heaven.

 

 

The waterhole is gorgeous, but keep in mind the rocks can get slippery, and strong currents often follow heavy rains. Be mindful of hidden obstacles beneath the water and always enter cautiously (diving and cliff jumping are off-limits for good reason).

How to Get to Turpins Falls

Access to Turpins Falls is via Shillidays Road, which is unsealed but manageable with a 2WD.

7. Blue Rock Lake, West Gippsland

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, car park

Whether you’re keen to swim, paddle in a kayak or SUP, or enjoy a long picnic, Blue Rock Lake in West Gippsland is great for all Explorers.

The two designated swimming areas make it easy to dip in and out of the water, with a spacious 50m zone for a safe splash. Blue Lake has everything you need for a chilled-out day – plenty of space to lay out a picnic, BBQ facilities, and shady spots for when you need a break from the sun.

Plus, the area is packed with some of West Gippsland’s best farm gates and wineries – perfect for stocking up on local goodies on your way.

How to Get to Blue Rock Lake

Drive about 160km east of Melbourne to Spillway Road, Willow Grove, where you’ll find the main boat ramp and access point.

8. Lake Bellfield, Grampians National Park

Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, and nearby camping

 

Photo by Visit Vic

 

If you’re looking for a fun day out in the Grampians, Lake Bellfield ticks all the boxes. Just a few minutes from Halls Gap, this scenic lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking with a killer mountain backdrop.

There’s a designated swimming area for a safe dip, and if you’ve got a kayak or canoe, it’s a great way to explore the waters. Just watch out for potential submerged tree trunks hiding below the surface.

After your swim, there are plenty of tables and grills to cook up a feast. If fishing’s your thing, you might catch redfin or trout (but don’t forget to bring a fishing licence).

How to Get to Lake Bellfield

Lake Bellfield is located 5km from the main shops in Halls Gap.

Best Swimming Holes Victoria Honourable Mentions

There are a lot of great places with beautiful clear water rivers and lakes to enjoy across Victoria. So, here are some additional honourable mentions!

  • Vaughan Springs (Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park)
  • Blackwood Pool (Werribee Gorge)
  • St Georges Lake (Creswick)
  • Laughing Waters (Eltham)
  • Needles Beach (Werribee Gorge State Park)
  • Jebbs Pools (Lorne)
  • Lerderderg Gorge at Grahams Dam (Lerderderg State Park)
  • Yarra River (Warburton)
  • Lake Catani (Mount Buffalo National Park)

A Note on Water Safety

We love getting out and exploring Victoria’s wild places, but safety should always come first. So, abide by these rules below and you should have a fun (but safe) adventure. 

  • Know how to swim (kinda obvious but some people need reminding)
  • Never swim alone in rivers or lakes, or after drinking
  • Check the water flow, depth, quality, and if anything is submerged beneath the surface
  • Check Parks Victoria alerts before you head out for relevant warnings
  • Observe designated swimming areas and signs
  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife! Leave no trace

Read more: Waterfall and Swimming Hole Safety

Best Swimming Holes Victoria FAQs

Where is the warmest place to swim in Victoria?

If you’re chasing warm waters, head to Blue Rock Lake. This spot gets plenty of sun, and because it’s shallow water, it stays warmer than your average river plunge. If you want something coastal, Port Phillip Bay areas like Elwood Beach or St Kilda are your best bets for a comfortable dip during summer.

Can you swim in waterfalls in Victoria?

Some of them you can! Ladies Bath Falls at Mount Buffalo and Gooram Falls along Seven Creeks are both gorgeous waterfalls you can swim in. However, some waterfalls, like MacKenzie Falls, are off-limits for swimming due to strong currents. Always double-check the signs.

Keen to keep exploring Victoria?

 

Feature photo and Table of Contents photo thanks to Visit Vic