The 22 Best Natural Swimming Spots Around Australia

Float away the long, summer days in some of the best natural swimming spots around the country.

Australia is extraordinarily lucky with its thousands of kilometres of beaches. They’re easy to find and practically begging us to dive in. But if you are after some freshwater pools or even off-the-beaten-path swim locations, things can get a little trickier. Luckily, we’re here to help.

From pristine waterfalls to remote watering holes, we’ve lined up some of the best wild swimming locations that Australia has to offer.

1. Dangar Falls, Dorrigo National Park, NSW

Drive inland from Coffs Harbour onto the Waterfall Way for this dramatic swimming spot on the Northern Tablelands in NSW. Underneath the cascading waterfall that stretches 30 metres up, you can take the narrow track down from the picnic area to take a dip in the pool at the bottom. Located in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

a man standing at Dangar Falls, Dorrigo National Park, NSW — Plunge into the cold waters of Dangar Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Yarrangobilly, NSW

While it’s reachable by a short, easy walk, the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is perfect for relaxing those sore muscles. Fed by a natural spring, the pool is a constant 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year – meaning you can even make a trip here in the winter months. Best paired with a visit to the impressive Yarrangobilly Caves nearby. Located in the Kosciuszko National Park.

a couple soaking a dip in the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Yarrangobilly, NSW — Unwind in the rejuvenating Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Erskine Falls, Lorne, Vic

Driving down the Great Ocean Road can be a sticky business in the sweaty summertime. Take a break from the tarmac and stop by for a swim at the Erskine Falls in the coastal town of Lorne. It’s 230 steps down to the tree fern gully, where you can take a swim in its deep pool. Located in the Great Otway National Park.

an aerial view of Erskine Falls, Lorne, Vic — Beat the Australian heat at Erskine Falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

4. Ladies Bath Falls, Mount Buffalo National Park, Vic

So-named for the old tradition where men and women would separate to take a dip, the cool waters in the granite pools of the Ladies Bath Falls can now be enjoyed by everyone. Nearby, you can also find jaw-dropping views at the Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls.

the Ladies Bath Falls in Mount Buffalo National Park, Vic — Take a soothing dip in the granite pools of Ladies Bath Falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

5. Cardwell Spa Pools, Cardwell, Qld

A series of natural pools with a difference, this geological marvel is smack bang between Cairns and Townsville, on the Cassowary Coast. Once you arrive you can splash around in its pale, milky blue waters that change shades during the day as a result of the chemistry between the rocks and water. As a seasonal creek, it is best visited in the wet season.

an aerial view of Cardwell Spa Pools, Cardwell, Qld — Enjoy a dip in the milky blue waters of Cardwell Spa Pools. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Champagne Pools, K’gari, Qld

A very special natural saltwater pool, the Champagne Pools on K’gari is so-named because of the fizzing effect the crashing waves have on the water. In fact, it’s one of the safest saltwater places to swim on the island. Get here by travelling to 75 Mile Beach on the island’s northeastern coast.

the Champagne Pools, K’gari, Qld — Champagne Pools is a natural saltwater pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. The Basin, Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), WA

Another one of Australia’s favourite saltwater pools, but this time on what is, quite possibly, its cutest island – courtesy of its adorable resident quokkas. Head to Wadjemup (also known as Rottnest Island) off the West Australian coast, where you’ll find this naturally hollowed-out reef between Pinky Beach and Longreach Bay.

an aerial view of The Basin, Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), WA — The Basin is fringed by a naturally hollowed-out reef. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Zebedee Springs, El Questro Wilderness Park, WA

You will find plenty of pools in the far north of the state in its enormous El Questro Wilderness Park. Zebedee Springs consists of spectacular thermal pools and falls, set among tropical vegetation and prehistoric palms.

a couple enjoying a swim at Zebedee Springs, El Questro Wilderness Park, WA — Swim under palm trees at Zebedee Springs. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Be warned – it’s no easy afternoon trip. To get here it needs to be dry season, and you will have to take the Gibb River Road by a 4WD route from Kununurra or fly in. But the overall experience? Unforgettable.

the Zebedee Springs, El Questro Wilderness Park, WA — You’ll find Zebedee Springs nestled within El Questro Wilderness Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. Ewens Pond, Ewens Ponds Conservation Park, SA

Created by fresh springwater erosion of the limestone at the southern end of the state, the otherworldly Ewens Pond can be found 36 kilometres south of Mount Gambier. Underwater plants that have not been found anywhere else can be seen clearly here, thanks to the clarity of the water in the pools. If you wish to snorkel or dive, you will need a permit (which you can apply for here) .

diving underneath Ewens Pond, Ewens Ponds Conservation Park, SA — Dive into the depths of Ewens Pond. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. Pool of Siloam, Beachport, SA

For a trip to Australia’s very own Dead Sea (albeit, in miniature) on the South Australian Limestone Coast. It is thought to be seven times saltier than the sea itself, and as such, is thought to have therapeutic properties. Find out yourself when you enter to test out the water’s natural buoyancy.

scenic views over the Pool of Siloam, Beachport, SA — Bask in the magical sunrise over the Pool of Siloam. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

11. Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, NT

Another thermal pool to add to your list. For the beguilingly blue waters and tropical vibes of Bitter Springs, head to the Top End and outside of Mataranka. But take note – you won’t be able to visit during the wet season. Not ready to let go of that spa life? You can also visit the nearby Mataranka Thermal Pool.

floating over Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, NT — Float in the cobalt waters at Bitter Springs. (Image: Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits)

12. Kwartatuma (Ormiston Gorge) Water Hole, Tjorita / West MacDonnell National Park, NT

For secluded swims in the Northern Territory, it doesn’t get much better than the Kwartatuma swimming hole, 135 kilometres from Alice Springs. This outback pool is cold all year round, and is surrounded by sandy beaches and towering red walls and is best experienced after rainfall. If you feel up to it, you can also set out on the three-hour Ormiston Pound Walk nearby.

the Kwartatuma (Ormiston Gorge) Water Hole, Tjorita / West MacDonnell National Park, NT — Ormiston Gorge is surrounded by sandy beaches and towering red walls. (Image: Tourism NT)

13. Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tas

Along with Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake has played the main star in thousands of photos over the years, thanks to the dramatic wilderness landscape and mirror-like appearance. And while it is beautiful at any time of the year, come summertime it becomes warm enough to enter without shrieking.

misty mornings at the Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tas — Misty mornings at Cradle Mountain are divine. (Image: Off the Path)

It should go without saying that this wild swim is near perfect after a vigorous hike in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

the Cradle Mountain refelcted in the Dove Lake, TAS — Cradle Mountain is reflected in Dove Lake. (Image: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett)

14. Apsley River Waterhole, Douglas-Apsley National Park, Tas

Deep in the state’s dry eucalypt forests, Apsley Gorge is home to several watering holes and plunge pools. One of them – the Apsley River Waterhole – is considered one of Tasmania’s top swimming holes. If you find yourself exploring the east coast and longing to cool off in a freshwater pool, it is only a 15-minute walk to get here from the car park.

the Apsley River Waterhole, Douglas-Apsley National Park, Tas — Apsley River Waterhole is one of Tasmania’s top swimming holes. (Image: Simon Sturzaker)

15. Casuarina Sands, Stromlo, ACT

On the Murrumbidgee River, Casuarina Sands offers a welcome respite with riverside swimming on those scorching Canberra days. Shaded picnic spots dot the banks, while swimmers splash in the water. Feel like doing something different? It’s also a great spot to test out your canoeing skills and is the starting point for the 27.6-kilometre Murrumbidgee Discovery Track.

the calm waters at Casuarina Sands, Stromlo, ACT — Cool off at Casuarina Sands.

Need more wild swimming in your life?

Here are our other favourite pools where you can splash around in Australia.

16. Blue Pool, Briagolong State Forest, Vic

the Blue Pool, Briagolong State Forest, Vic — Soak in the calm waters at Blue Pool. (Image: Visit Victoria)

17. Never Never Creek, Bellingen, NSW

the Never Never Creek, Bellingen, NSW — Never Never Creek is a best-kept secret within Bellingen.

18. Millaa Millaa Falls, Millaa Millaa, Qld

the Millaa Millaa Falls, Millaa Millaa, Qld — The heritage-listed Millaa Millaa Falls is a sight to behold. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

19. Injidup Natural Spa/Wyadup Rocks, Margaret River, WA

two people enjoying a dip at Injidup Natural Spa/Wyadup Rocks, Margaret River, WA — Splash around Injidup Natural Spa. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

20. Greenly Beach Rock Pools, Coulta, SA

the Greenly Beach Rock Pools in Coulta, SA — Dip your toes into the clear blue Greenly Beach Rock Pools. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elise Cook)

21. Gunlom Plunge Pool, Kakadu National Park, NT

a man enjoying a swim at Gunlom Plunge Pool, Kakadu National Park, NT — Gunlom Plunge Pool is a picturesque swimming spot in Kakadu. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

22. Cataract Gorge, Launceston, Tas

scenic views over Cataract Gorge, in Launceston, Tas — Cataract Gorge is sequestered between lush greenery. (Image: Nat Mendham)

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The 22 best natural swimming spots around Australia