20 Secluded Swimming Holes Around Australia to Add to Your Bucket List
Australia has its fair share of picturesque swimming spots to seek refuge at in the warmer months, but unfortunately these cool retreats also come with flocks of people. As much as many of us love to head down to Bondi Beach, the crowds certainly can detract from your relaxation time.
There’s nothing better than a secluded, secret swimming spot, and we’ve found some of the best all around the country. Pack your cossies, pack a towel, and pack some reading material for an afternoon in the sun now that the weather is getting warmer.
20 Secluded Swimming Holes Around Australia to add to your Bucket List
New South Wales
1. Never Never Creek
There’s a reason this Northern New South Wales spot is known as the Promised Lands. Peaceful and picturesque, it contains the Never Never Creek, one of the state’s best wild swimming destinations. Pack a picnic and spend all day there.
2. The Needles
South of Sydney in Engadine is The Needles, a lovely swimming location on the Woronora River. Kid friendly and also, crucially, dog friendly, this is the place for going for a dip with your dog after a long walk.
3. Lake Eckersley
Inside Heathcote National Park is Lake Eckersley, one of the most fun places to go wild swimming just outside of Sydney. There are ropes to help you swing into the water and spots to camp overnight if you choose.
Victoria
4. Laughing Waters
The name says it all, doesn’t it? This spot in Eltham, Victoria, will improve your mood the second you dive in. There are picnic areas, shady spots and also sunny stretches for relaxing with a book.
5. Croanjingolong National Park
River on one side, ocean the other. You’ll be spoiled for choice in the Croanjingolong National Park in East Gippsland, Victoria. We recommend taking a few days and camping overnight in the national park. The sunrise over the water can’t be beaten.
6. Turpins Falls
About an hour and a half outside of Melbourne in Kyneton, near Daylesford, Turpins Falls is a beloved swimming spot for a reason. The water is still and inviting and the scenery is rocky and perfect for Instagram.
Queensland
7. Milla Milla Falls
OK, this one is very popular. And you probably have heard of it. But if you haven’t, Milla Milla Falls is a gorgeous swimming hole featuring a soaring waterfall that is part of Queensland’s famous ‘Waterfall Circuit’. Dive in.
8. Babinda Boulders
At the top of Queensland, near Cairns, are the Babinda Boulders, a tropical wild swimming location full of lush greenery and cool, rippling water. Go for a dip here and you’ll never forget it.
9. Bouloumba Creek, Queensland
It’s a hike to get to Bouloumba Creek, in the Conondale National Park, but it’s well worth the trip. The water is a rich, blue-green colour and fringed by tropical greenery that makes it all seem out of this world.
Western Australia
10. Fern Pool
Inside the Karijini National Park is Fern Pool, a refreshing and ultra deep water hole that is a rejuvenating place to swim. Surrounded by greenery and gorges, you can swim all year round underneath a tumbling waterfall.
11. Ellendale Pool
There are a few stories about Ellendale Pool. One is that it’s so deep it’s bottomless. The other is that a serpent once emerged from its depths. Make your way to this stunning spot outside of Geraldton, Western Australia, to discover it for yourself.
12. Honeymoon Pools
Feel the love at Honeymoon Pools, a pristine swimming and camp location outside of Collie in Western Australia. There’s also the nearby Long Pool, a super secret destination that is also worth a visit.
South Australia
13. The Blue Pool
Small, but perfectly formed, this tiny rock pool is a sight to behold. You’ll find it at the end of Shell Beach in the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park in South Australia. It’s long enough to do a few laps, but we recommend simply closing your eyes and floating.
14. Little Blue Lake
Just look at this place! What a spot for a swim. This blue pool etched out of the limestone rock face is just 15 minutes outside of Mount Gambier. It gets busy in summer, and no wonder, given how great of a swimming hole it is.
15. Blinman Pools
You’ll find the Blinman Pools in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. This spot is rocky and sun-drenched, no matter the season, which makes it a lovely place to soak up the rays.
Northern Territory
16. Mataranka Springs
Both the Bitter Springs and the Mataranka Thermal Pools, in Mataranka just south of Katherine in the NT, are worth a visit. Where else will you be able to splash around in a sandy thermal pool, with crystal clear aquamarine water and leafy trees? Heaven on earth.
17. Maguk Barramundi Falls
Inside the Kakadu National Park is this serene swimming destination, surrounded by rocky cliff faces and with clear water that runs from a tumbling waterfall.
18. Ormiston Gorge
It doesn’t get better than Ormiston Gorge in the Northern Territory, a water hole near Alice Springs inside the West MacDonnell National Park. Here, you’ll swim in the shade of red rock gorges and eucalyptus trees for hours.
Tasmania
19. Douglas Apsley Water Hole
Head to the east coast of Tasmania and you’ll find the Douglas Apsley National Park, which contains a water hole made for wild swimming. The water is so calm and clear, and the bush-fringed perimeter so relaxing, you’ll lose a whole day here.
20. Lake St Clair
Yes, you can swim at Lake St Clair, which is nestled in the Cradle Mountain National Park. But yes, it will be cold. Prepare yourself accordingly, especially if going in the cooler months. But you’ll never have a dip in a more refreshing surrounding than this.
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