15 of the Best Swimming Holes Near Sydney

Please note! Conditions can change at anytime during summer, so please check with the relevant authority that the area you’re heading to is open and safe before you leave. Please check fire conditions and the open status of the relevant swim spots.

 

Finding a new place to swim near you for a lazy afternoon dip might be one of the greatest pleasures mankind can experience. This list of the best wild swimming spots near Sydney just made that mission a hell of a lot easier!

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

Is wild swimming legal?

It’s actually a common question that has a simple answer… YES! Wild swimming is legal.

Just make sure you know what you’re doing (being able to swim is kinda mandatory) and don’t go meandering on any private property without permission. Other than that, wild swimming near Sydney has to be one of the best things you can do for a sneaky adventure.

Find a rock by the water, sun bake like a lizard and swim with no concern for the time. Trust us when we say you’ll feel better for it.

Check NSW Parks website and fire updates for relevant alerts before you head out to any of these spots to make sure it’s safe and open!

And don’t forget some of these places can get pretty busy when the mercury soars. It’s important to look after and respect these special places so that many more can enjoy them in the future.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

10 Wild Swimming Spots Near Sydney

1. Ladies Well

Location: Barrington Tops

Ditch the stress of the city and drive north to Ladies Well, a gorgeous swimming hole without a big walk-in. There’s a campsite nearby to optimise your driving-to-chillaxin’ ratio but if you don’t mind chucking on a few podcasts, this is a worthwhile day trip.

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2. Jerusalem Bay

Location: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

The Hawkesbury lies one hour from Sydney but once you’re there, it feels like ten. It’s surrounded by bushland and dotted along its course and inlets are remote beaches for you to stick your metaphorical flag into for the day.

Accessible along the Great North Walk near Cowan Station but best reached via boat or kayak, this is certainly a place to put on your adventure bucket list.

For the rock-climbers among us, there’s a great spot at the end of the bay that allows for a lovely plop into the serene waters if you miss your grip!

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@thetantrap

3. Emerald Pools

Walked and written by Brooke Nolan

Location: Popran National Park

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.

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

The colour of sparkling emeralds (duh), we could see nothing but the reflection of the trees, rocks, and ourselves glinting back. It was seriously stunning and we were the only ones around to enjoy it.

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4. The Cascades 

Walked and written by Steph Lentz

Location: Garigal National Park

Right in the heart of Sydney’s Garigal National Park, on the traditional lands of the Guringai people, you’ll find The Cascades.

A gentle but steady flow of freshwater over an expansive rock platform here, where several little creeks converge and feed into Middle Harbour. Sandstone formations have created natural terraces and little caves for sunbathing after a swim, or reading after a picnic lunch.

Access to the Cascades is possible on foot only. It’s best to drive to one of the trailheads, where on-street parking is free and abundant. You can drive right to the start of the wide Cascades Trail, before strolling for ten minutes to the water. It’s an easy downhill walk along management trails. 

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@stephsomebody

5. Karloo Pools

Location: Royal National Park

Hiding in the Royal National Park are several cheeky wild swimming holes that grace the weekend explorers near Sydney. My fave is Karloo Pools; a little pocket of paradise that lies along the Karloo walking track starting at Heathcote train station.

That’s right, who says you need a car for weekend escapism?! Enjoy the views on the trek down and don’t forget your camera – this one’s an absolute beauty.

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@thetantrap

6. Junction Pools

Location: Barrington Tops National Park

Accessed by 4WD only, this remote slice of heaven is an adventurer’s paradise found on the Barrington Tops Plateau region approximately five hours drive north of Sydney, through Gloucester and onto the Barrington Trail.

The river is a seriously inviting wild swim, winding through the valley into an impressive sight know as Black Swamp. In addition to your swimwear, don’t forget to pack your fishing rod – you may just be cooking up a BBQ fish dinner if you get lucky!

7. Mermaid Pools

Walked and written by Leonie Waldron

Location: Tahmoor

Please note! Multiple have died at this location. The formation of the cliffs make it particularly difficult to get back out once you’re in the water, so before you go down, make sure you have a way to get back up! Alternatively, swim in the creek above the pool.

This dark and mysterious pool looks impossibly deep – you’ve got to have a big pair to want to jump in (something which both the Council and Fire & Rescue strongly advise against). 

Instead, kick around on the wide flat rocks that surround the pool, or float leaves down the rushing stream and watch them sail into the pool below.

If you’ve arrived in the middle of the day there won’t be much shade, so cool off your feet in the creek and grab a snack before you head back up the creek, disturbing lots of giant dragonflies as you go.

Read more: How To Stay Safe Around Water: Swimming Hole Safety

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@rainecloud

8. Victoria Falls

Location: Blue Mountains National Park

Dips that follow profuse sweating are the best kind of dips. Fact. Once you catch your breath and look up to absorb your surroundings, it’s even better when you realise you’re paddling in Eden.

Welcome to Victoria Falls. Drive west via the Great Western Highway to the back of the Blue Mountains, and head right onto Victoria Falls Road. Once at the secluded car park, it’s a short and steep walk down to the cascading falls and inviting rock pool.

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@thetantrap

9. Nymphs Dell

Location: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains

This quiet pool and series of waterfalls is only a short drive into the Blue Mountains, but you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. Bring a book and spend the day down here.

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Shot by Brandon Chant

10. Catherine Hill Bay Jetty

Location: Catherine Hill Bay

Back in 2013, a fire burnt out this massive jetty that’s reminiscent of surf movies on the Californian coast (any Point Break fans out there?). It’s abandoned now but you can still snorkel or spearfish the underwater ruin.

@dominicmmay

11. Kingfisher Pool

Walked and written by Amy Fairall

Location: Heathcote National Park

A 45 minute walk to Kingfisher Pool means it’s much less overrun than its Royal National Park counterpart across the highway. 

I visited this pool on an easy breezy overnight hike through Heathcote National Park, but with a shady rock overhang, plenty of trees around, a small waterfall and a nice big pool, Kingfisher Pool makes for a speccy day trip as well. 

The walk in involves some big steps and uneven trail, so it may not be for the whole family. But there’s certainly space in the pool for everyone!

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12. Kariong Brook Falls

Walked and written by Kat an Mat Pearce

Location: Brisbane Waters National Park

Kariong Brook Falls is a lovely walk to do if you want something a little more challenging than a stroll but not so hectic you’ll need a day off work to recover. The trail takes you through several different landscapes including thick green vegetation and some boulder-hopping fun towards the end.

Don’t forget the highlight of this trip – a swim in the tranquil waters of the falls. It’s definitely worth it so don’t be tempted to turn back early!

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@tim_ashelford

13. Woy Woy Waterfall

Written by Jess Barlow

Location: Brisbane Water National Park

Woy Woy Waterfall is located in Brisbane Water National Park on the NSW Central Coast. It’s less an infinity pool and more a water trough, but after heavy rainfall, there’s just enough water for a delightful hidden swim. 

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. 

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@d.r.adventures

14. Upper Gledhill Falls

Walked and written by Jeremy Lam

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Upper Gledhill Falls is the perfect secluded spot to relax and swim on a hot summer’s day and puts you in perfect position to explore neighbouring Ku-ring-gai hot spots.

@jeremylamx

15. Jingga Falls

Walked and written by Jono Tan

Location: Dharawal National Park

In the language of the Dharawal, in relation to water, jingga means ‘nice and sweet’ and this little known paradise delivers exactly that.

Following the trail from the park’s northwestern entry through Campbelltown, a fire trail leading off to the right marks the beginning of your walk to Jingga Falls. Begin your walk here down a steep track, though it may look a little intimidating it’s worth the walk!

As you reach the last bend in the track you’ll be greeted with your reward, a beautiful freshwater watering hole beckoning you on the horizon.

Take a dip under the falls and swim downstream to explore the O’Hares Creek in all its glory. Find a spot by the creek to sunbathe or have a picnic and be sure to keep your eyes peeled some of the local fauna stopping by for a swim!

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@thetantrap

FAQs Wild Swimming Spots Near Sydney

Can you swim at Wentworth Falls?

Yes! Wentworth Falls is safe for swimming. Make sure to check NSW Park Alerts before you head out, just in case there’s a current warning. This goes for all swimming spots.

Is it safe to swim in the Blue Mountains?

The water is almost always safe for swimming the Blue Mountains. On the odd occasion water quality can be compromised or conditions unsafe (after heavy rain when water levels can be unpredictable for example) so you should always check NSW Park Alerts before you set out.

Where else can I swim in Sydney?

From the best skinny dipping locations in Sydney to the best swimming spots for beginners in the Blue Mountains, we’ve got plenty of advice about where to swim in NSW. We even know the hidden spots around NSW.

Feature photo by @damontually

Table of contents photo by @pearce_m

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