The Best Wild Swimming Spots near Sydney
This page is packed with incredible wild swimming spots that are no more than 3 hours away from Sydney, making them the perfect (long) day trip or weekend away. Whether it’s an infinity pool, rockpool or waterfall you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Our Top Picks
Find your next wild swimming spot near Sydney:
Sydney Harbour & Coast
Everything you need to know about visiting Giles Baths rockpool in Coogee, including which tide and swell is best for a safe swim.
How to find the gorgeous Rob Walker Rockpool, a natural rockpool just a few minutes walk from the nearest residential street in Maroubra.
Everything you need to know about the walk to the Kentlyn Basin swimming hole, including difficulty and track conditions.
How to reach Store Beach, one of the most beautiful in Manly, on foot, including details on difficulty and the required tide.
Set in a gorgeous piece of bushland, Minerva Pool is a stunning spot for a wild swim. We’re sharing details on the walking track and what it’s like to swim at the pool, as well as other swimming spots nearby.
Everything you need to know about the Jingga Track to Jingga Pool and how to find two hidden swimming spots nearby.
The Needles is a fantastic wild swimming spot in Sydney, with deep green water and a pretty bush setting. We’re sharing both the long and short route to get there and what to expect from the swimming hole.
Engadine Lagoon is an incredible wild swimming spot in Sydney, with clear water and a pretty bush setting. We’re sharing how to reach the lagoon and how to form an offtrack circuit which also visits The Needles.
Mirang Pool is a pretty yet little visited swimming hole in Heathcote National Park. We’re sharing how to get there via the quickest route and what to expect from the trail.
Kingfisher Pool is a beautiful swimming hole in Heathcote National Park. Nestled in a gorgeous patch of gum trees with a small waterfall and craggy rocks, it’s a little bush oasis. We’re sharing how to get there via the quickest route.
Goburra Pool is a gorgeous wild swimming hole in Sydney. Big enough to swim lengths and surrounded by bushland, it’s the perfect place to while away a sunny day. We’re sharing all the details on the pool, as well as another swimming spot just a short walk away.
The Blue Mountains
A little effort goes a long way when it comes to Victoria Falls. The steep but well maintained track will take you to both the base of Victoria Falls and some very pretty cascades, both of which are fantastic wild swimming spots. Here’s everything you need to know, including difficulty and what the pools are like.
How to find the Pool of Diana, a picture perfect swimming hole in the Blue Mountains. We’re sharing directions for the un-signposted trail, as well as what to expect from the track conditions.
This is wet and wild Kanangra style. With an incredible waterfall you can swim under as well as lots of plunge pools surrounded by giant boulders, the landscape at Morong Falls is guaranteed to wow you. It’s an easy walk but the area is remote. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting.
Shaws Creek Pool is hidden away down an un-signposted trail in the Blue Mountains. Venture down this unmarked path and you’ll discover a wild swimming paradise. We’re sharing how to get to the pool, including difficulty and trail conditions.
Paradise Pool got its name for a reason. This stunning swimming hole is easily one of the best in the Blue Mountains, if not all of NSW. With a large, deep pool big enough for a proper swim, a stunning secluded setting and even its own waterfall, it really is hard to beat. We’re sharing everything you need to know about getting there and what to expect when you arrive.
How to enter the slot canyon inside the Grand Canyon without abseiling, and what to expect from the hike.
The thin wires of the Bowtells Swing Bridge will either give you a rush of excitement, or sweaty palms depending on your head for heights and appetite for seriously wobbly river crossings. Either way, it’s a Blue Mountains adventure not to be missed. We’re sharing all the ways of accessing the bridge, including two easy options.
The Happy Valley Track takes you down through dense and spectacular rainforest to a canyon and waterfall grotto. It’s an atmospheric spot to take a dip or simply sit and soak in the wild and mysterious vibe. We’re sharing everything you need to know, including difficulty and trail conditions.
Some of the most glorious swimming holes in all of NSW can be found in the Blue Mountains. Whatever you’re looking for there will be something for you on this list, from swimming at the bottom of waterfalls, to in-between towering gorge walls, or in secluded pools surrounded by fern covered cliffs. We’re sharing the best spots including some amazing hidden gems.
Glenbrook gorge is incredible. It feels wonderfully wild, yet is less than one hour from Sydney city centre! Swimming in the deep green water between the towering gorge walls is something that you won’t forget. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk to get there and what the swimming spots are like.
How to find the gorgeous swimming hole on the River Lett at Hyde Park Reserve in the Blue Mountains.
Jellybean Pool is one of the best swimming holes in the lower Blue Mountains, just an hour away from Sydney. The picturesque pool is surrounded by gorgeous bushland and is a great size for a proper swim. However, there’s a caveat, it is not the place to come on a hot summer weekend. We’re sharing why and everything else you need to know about the pool and nearby alternatives.
How to find the Fortress Creek Infinity Pool and what to expect from the trail, including difficulty and details on all the scrambles.
Everything you need to know about visiting Clarence Dam, including details on the road conditions and walking track.
The Horse Track is a historic packhorse route offering relatively easy access to the Grose Valley. We’re sharing what to expect from the trail and some options for exploring the valley.
Everything you need to know about the trail to Faulconbridge Point Lookout and the side trail to the secluded swimming hole on the Grose River.
The Vale of Avoca Track leads you down to a pristine part of the Grose River, with sublime crystal clear water and lots of tiny beaches. We’re sharing what to expect from the trail and the swimming holes.
Turtle Falls is a gorgeous yet little visited waterfall and plunge pool in the lower Blue Mountains. We’re sharing what to expect and how to find it.
The Duck Hole is a gorgeous part of Glenbrook Creek, with swimming holes galore. We’re sharing how to find the best spots, which are not signposted.
Glenbrook Beach offers a pretty spot to while away a day dipping in and out of the water. However, venture just a few hundred metres beyond the beach and you’ll come to one of the best wild swimming spots in the Blue Mountains. We’re sharing how to find it and what to expect from the trail.
Hidden inside Billabong Canyon is a gorgeous little waterfall plunge pool with crystal clear water and a wild vibe. We’re sharing how to find it and what to expect from the trail.
Nayook Falls is a stunning canyon waterfall that flows in a deep green swimming hole. We’re sharing how to find the falls and what to expect from the fixed rope section.
Pierces Pass leads down to one of the most spectacular stretches of river we’ve seen anywhere in the Blue Mountains. We’re sharing how to find the best swimming holes and what to expect from the walk.
Tucked away off a little frequented trail in Valley Heights lies a picturesque waterfall and swimming hole. We’re sharing how to find the falls and what to expect from the walk and swimming hole.
The Bob Turners Track offers relatively easy access down to a pristine stretch of the Colo River. The large sandy beach is backed by tall eucalypt covered mountains which give it a remote Robinson Crusoe vibe. We’re sharing what to expect from the trail and what it’s like to swim in the river.
How to find Myers Fall, an off track hidden waterfall in Katoomba, including exactly what to expect from the trail conditions.
How to find Box Creek Falls, including the incredible infinity pool and waterfall swimming holes. We’re sharing directions and details on track conditions and difficulty.
How to find and what to expect from one of the most spectacular wild swimming spot in the Blue Mountains - Crayfish Pool at Grey Hat Falls.
Central Coast
The Snapper Pot is a tiny but breathtaking blue rockpool hiding in plain sight under a well known lookout on the Central Coast. We’re sharing how to find it as well as the tide and swell needed to access it.
Everything you need to know about the Central Coast’s Rocky Ponds Track, including how to find the waterfall swim spot and hidden viewpoint.
Everything you need to know about visiting the gorgeous Hales Bluff Rock Channels, including details on the tide and swell requirements.
Everything you need to know about the Bouddi Coastal Walk, from difficultly and trail conditions, to which is the best beach for swimming and which is the less scenic section you might want to skip.
Everything you need to know about visiting Somersby Falls, including how to find the hidden cave falls and secret waterfall swimming hole.
Everything you need to know about swimming at Girrakool Falls on the Central Coast, including how to find the path to the bottom of the falls.
Pearly Ponds is a secluded swimming spot located in a gorgeous patch of bushland close to Peal Beach. The pool is quite shallow so it’s the perfect spot for kids, or if you simply want to laze around in the water. We’re sharing directions as well as what to expect from the trail conditions.
This is the definitive guide to finding the hidden trough waterfall in Woy Woy, Central Coast - the one that’s gone viral on social media. We’ll tell you the exact spot, step by step instructions to get there, what to expect and how to get this spot to yourself.
Emerald Pool is a gorgeous secluded swimming hole in Popran National Park on the Central Coast. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and take in a dip in the stunning emerald water. We’re sharing everything you need to know including which is the prettiest route to get there.
Illawarra
Everything you need to know to visit Cathedral Rocks, including details on the sea cave, beach and rockpools. We’re sharing details on the easiest access point and which tide and swell you need for a safe visit.
How to find the most beautiful rockpool on the South Coast, including details on the right tide and swell conditions you need for a safe visit.
Exactly how to find the viral Bushrangers Bay rock pools at Shellharbour, as well as tips for the tides and track conditions.
The secrets of Mannings Lookout, from the hidden waterfalls to lost viewpoints and a magical little night time surprise.
Cascade Falls is a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by pristine forest and huge knotted tree roots, which make it incredibly atmospheric. There’s even a little plunge pool at the base. However, it’s a night when you will its experience true magic…
Jervis Bay
How to find the stunning turquoise rockpools at Bendalong, a short drive from Jervis Bay. We’re sharing all the details from what the walk is like to the required tide and swell and what it’s like to swim there.
Everything you need to know about swimming at Flat Rock Waterhole in Kangaroo Valley, as well as how to find the hidden swimming spots beyond.
Everything you need to know about the Booderee Circuit Track, taking in some of Jervis Bay’s most spectacular and secluded beaches, including the incredible Kittys and Whiting Beaches.
The Mermaid Pool is gorgeous, a huge natural rockpool located at a stunning and quiet beach close to Jervis Bay. We're sharing how to get there and which tide is best to visit on.
We're sharing how to find Berrara's hidden freshwater swimming holes, just a 35 minute from Jervis Bay, but perfectly secluded!
Everything you need to know about the Mount Bushwalker Track, including how to find the hidden waterfall and rock pools.
Hell Hole Falls is one of the most spectacular wild swimming spots on the South Coast. We’re sharing how to find the falls and what to expect from the trail.
North Sydney & beyond
Upper Gledhill Falls is a glorious waterfall you can swim under in Ku-ring-gai. The deep emerald pool is just a short walk from the car park, although it does involve a brief scramble. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the falls, including how to beat the crowds.
What to expect from the walk to Flint and Steel Beach, as well as an even more secluded beach nearby.
How to find the secret swimming hole at Lower Gledhill Falls, one of Ku-ring-gai’s best hidden gems.
Christies Pool is tucked away in a little visited corner of Ku-ring-gai National Park. It’s a beautiful freshwater pool, with clear green water surrounded by an abundance of ferns and gum trees. It’s not signposted and the last part of the walk is off track, but we’re sharing how to find it and what the trail is like.
Refuge Bay has the wow factor, with a spectacular beach complete with huge waterfall and even a cliff top infinity pool. We’re sharing exactly how to find the hidden trail from the beach to the infinity pool and what to expect when you get there.
Lovetts Pools is a gorgeous wild swimming spot in Ku-ring-gai National Park. The walk to get there is easy but not signposted. We’re sharing directions as well as what to expect from the trail and swimming hole.
Royal National Park
The swimming holes of the Lower Kangaroo Creek are jaw-dropping. With crystal clear emerald water and high cliffs walls it feels like you could be somewhere in the wilds of the NT! They aren’t signposted but we’re sharing everything you need to know about how to get there in this post.
Curracurrang Falls is a hidden gem in Royal National Park: a picturesque waterfall with a gorgeous pool to swim in. It’s also blissfully quiet - primarily because it’s not signposted so no one would know its there. We’ll give you step by step instructions to get there, as well as a more scenic version of the walk to this beautiful oasis.
We can’t get enough of wild swimming spots and Winifred Falls and South West Arm Pool are two of Sydney’s best. At just 500m apart they make for the perfect day out in Royal National Park. We’ll tell you what to expect from the trail and tips for your visit.
Everything you need to know about visiting Southwest Arm Pool, one of the most magical swimming spots in Royal National Park. From what you need to know about the tides, to what the off track portion of the walk is like.
Olympic Pool is one of the most spectacular swimming holes in Royal National Park. We’re sharing the quickest route to get there, as well as the longer circuit route taking in several more pools.
The swimming holes of Kangaroo Creek are sublime, but some are even more beautiful than others. Kangaroo Pool is jaw-dropping yet it remains one of the lesser visited waterholes in the park. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting.
The 12 things you need to know about the Figure 8 Pools to ensure you get there safely and enjoy it without the crowds. We’ll tell you all about how to plan your visit, what to expect and a step-by-step guide to the walking trail to one of Sydney’s most incredible spots.
Crystal Pool is a glorious and little known swimming hole in Royal National Park. We’re sharing how to get there as it’s not signposted, as well as what to expect when you do.
Deer Pool is a gorgeous wild swimming spot in Royal National Park. It’s easy to access, yet still feels lovely and secluded. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting, including details on the walking track and swimming at the pool.
Karloo Pools is one of the most incredible wild swimming spots near Sydney. With deep emerald water and a stunning bushland setting, it’s one of Royal National Park’s must dos. It can get busy, but if that’s the case on your visit we’re letting you in on the secret alternative swimming spots which are reached from Karloo Pools itself.
South of Sydney
Miara Pool is a stunning little bush pool with clear water and sandy access. It’s surrounded by gum trees, kangaroo tails and pretty rock walls creating a serene and secluded water hole. We're sharing how to find it and what to expect when you do.
Sydney is blessed with an abundance of incredible wild swimming spots just waiting to be discovered! Whether you are looking for waterholes big enough to swim laps in, or small secluded pools beneath waterfalls, we’ve got a spot you’ll love on this list. Here are the best wild swimming spots close to Sydney.
Southern Highlands
Lorna Doone Pool looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The emerald green water hole is surrounded by mossy canyon walls and the small waterfall completes the scene. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting.
Carved from marble Mares Creek Canyon is part cave part canyon, with incredible formations along its ethereal white walls. Swimming through the shimmering pools is an experience that will stick with you for many years to come. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the hike, including difficulty, trail conditions and safety info.
Mermaid Pool is spectacular but it’s not safe to swim there. In this guide we share what the walk to Mermaid Pool is like plus many other incredible and safe wild swimming spots along the same trail. We also detail the full Tahmoor Gorge Circuit Track including how difficult it is and what the route finding is like.
How to find Wombeyan Waterfall now that it is no longer signposted, including difficulty and track conditions.
This circuit walk takes you via Forty Foot Falls deep into Nattai Gorge with its beautiful blue river. The track ends with a steep climb up the incline and onto the Box Vale Track.
How to find the secret Pools of Tranquility - some of the best wild swimming spots in the Southern Highlands, including what the trail is like and what to expect from the pools.
How to find the incredible swimming spots and secret canyon waterfall on Bundanoon Creek.
Reaching the swimming hole at the end of the Couridjah Corridor Track requires effort, but your reward is a truly special swim spot that you’re almost guaranteed to get to yourself. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including difficulty and track conditions.
Dobsons Cave is not so much a cave as a gorgeous ferny overhang with a waterfall and small swimming hole. It’s not signposted so we’re sharing how to find it and what to expect when you do.
How to find Little River Cascades and Aqua Pool, as well as some hidden swimming spots beyond.
Getting to the bottom of Gerringong Falls is a real adventure. It’s a rough track with no official signposting and more than a few places you could go wrong! We’re sharing everything you need to know to decide if this track is right for you, as well as track notes to help you get down.
Miara Pool is a stunning little bush pool with clear water and sandy access. It’s surrounded by gum trees, kangaroo tails and pretty rock walls creating a serene and secluded water hole. We're sharing how to find it and what to expect when you do.