The Best Secret Swimming Spots In Sydney |Australian Traveller

Your weekend search for nearby places to take a dip can end right here thanks to our guide to the very best swimming spots in Sydney.

While most head to populated beaches to cool off when the weather warms up, we have a few under-the-radar alternatives for those seeking something a little more secluded when they bash ‘swimming near me’ into their phone of a sun-soaked morning. Whether you’re a local or planning on visiting the Harbour City, here you’ll find the best swimming spots in Sydney – but make sure to keep them to yourself!

1. North Curl Curl Rockpool, North Curl Curl

A hidden gem of the Northern Beaches and one of the most secluded swimming spots in Sydney, this 25m rockpool is an idyllic spot for a splash.

There’s a rock formation in the middle of the pool, so it’s not recommended for lap swimmers—though it is possible—but it’s a great location for fish spotting and cooling off on warm summer days.

You can access the pool via the beach during low tide, and via the coastal walk during high tide.

North Curl Curl Rockpool, North Curl Curl — (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Wylie’s Baths, South Coogee

You may be familiar with the popular pool that flanks the Surf Life Saving Club on the South side of Coogee Beach. You might also be familiar with the McIver’s Ladies Baths – a women’s-only ocean refuge hidden in the cove a little further up.

But Wylie’s Baths is a little more discreet. It’s one of Sydney’s oldest and most beautiful tidal pools but it’s overlooked by many Coogee-goers for sandier pastures. We can’t imagine why. The blue and orange panelling just screams coastal vintage – as do the crowds of retirees found bathing here at all times of the week.

an aerial view of the tidal pools at Wylie's Bath, Coogee — Wylie’s Baths showcase the most breathtaking tidal pools in Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain

Inner Westies have grown up swimming down at ‘Dawny’ longer than any other pools in the city. The Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain were built in the 1880s, making it the oldest pool and swimming club in the country.

Open during the spring and summer months, its most recent facelift was unveiled in 2021 and weekend crowds are still thicker than ever, cementing it as one of the best swimming spots in Sydney.

Paying homage to champion swimmer Dawn Fraser, the glorious tidal saltwater pool is located at the base of Elkington Park, offering netted harbour dips, a small beach perfect for little ones, a kiosk and plenty of unshaded restored decking to sloth upon.

the historic Dawn Fraser Baths in Elkington Park, Balmain — Cool off at Dawn Fraser Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Greenwich Baths, Greenwich

You’ll smell the hot chips laced with chicken salt before you even reach this secret swimming spot in Sydney’s North Shore, which rolls out a string of true-blue kiosk classics as city views twinkle in the distance.

Greenwich Baths consists of a small patch of sand complete with kids’ toys and netted swimming during the warmer months if you can secure some space, or one of the VIP sun loungers.

You’ll need to get right to the tip of Greenwich Point to find the place. There’s a bit of street parking but if the sun’s cranking ditch the car and hop on a train to Wollstonecraft Station.

an overhead shot of Greenwich Baths, Sydney — Have a refreshing dip in the Greenwich Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been given the wrong directions to Kutti Beach in Vaucluse as literal coastal holes in the wall are pretty hard to come by. Nestled at the end of Wharf Road, Kutti is accessible by a narrow set of stairs between a beach box and a white picket fence.

Most people who come to this hidden harbor oasis, hands down one of the best swimming spots in Sydney, are locals, many of whom have houses backing onto the sand. It’s also a popular dog beach for the area, so don’t be surprised if you see one paddling next to you while you’re taking a dip.

6. Great Mackerel Beach, Northern Beaches

While a little harder to get to than many of its listicle counterparts, Great Mackerel Beach more than rewards those who make the journey.

piles of kayak on the beach at Mackerel Beach, Pittwater — Go kayaking on Mackerel Beach, Pittwater. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

To access this truly secluded paradise, one must make the journey to the far more populated Palm Beach. Once there, book a ferry or water taxi to this very best swimming spot in Sydney.

After a glacial ten minutes by boat, you’ll find a place with no roads, no cars, patchy internet access, extensive bush walks, impossibly beautiful waters and just 40 permanent residents. All this, just 43 kilometres from the city.

a scenic view of Mackerel Beach in Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, Pittwater — Bask in tranquility with the rolling waves on Mackerel Beach, Pittwater. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

7. Maccallum Pool, Cremorne Point

Take your phone to the pool with you when you’re taking a dip — the views at this unbelievable swimming spot are pure world-class and you’ll want to capture them.

the Maccallum Seawater Pool at Cremorne Point with view of Sydney harbour — Bathe yourself in Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located on the western end of Cremorne Point, Maccallum Pool is perched right on Sydney Harbour and you can spy the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from every angle. Better still, there’s 33 metres of water to be swum plus it’s open all year round which means it doubles as a million-dollar picnic spot no matter the season.

Witness the sun rising over Sydney Harbour at Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

The Resolute Track , located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a sight to behold. Not only will it take you to two major Indigenous sites and incredible Aboriginal rock art, but it also leads to the secluded Resolute Beach – a small stretch of sand flanked by bushland, calm water and practically nobody else.

a man enjoying the sun from Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai National Park — Soak in the emerald-green waters of Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

A swim in the emerald green water will grant panoramic views of Barrenjoey Headland and Pittwater. For an even more exclusive experience, check out the neighbouring West Head Beach .

a man enjoying his morning walk along Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — Enjoy some alone time at Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook

Leave your car at the Glenbrook Information Centre and start the short journey downhill to Jellybean Pool , passing lush foliage and sandstone cliffs along the way. Once you’re well and truly warmed up, you’ll be more than deserving of a dip in the calm waters.

Many veterans bring lilos to help them lounge the day away, too. Alternatively, bring a picnic blanket for one of the sandy patches, or lie back in the shady gumtrees at one of the best swimming spots located just over an hour out of the city.

a rocky landscape in Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook — Lay your picnic blanket on the sand at Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook. (Image: Andrew Fysh)

10. Bents Basin State Conservation Area, Greendale

A popular spot for camping and fishing, Bents Basin State Conservation Area is also an accessible, beautiful swimming option. Housed in a well-established National Park, spend your day lazing on inflatables, paddling to your heart’s content or jumping off a popular four-metre rock face.

While there isn’t much of a beach in the traditional sense, there are certainly spots to sit and lounge. We suggest bringing your own towel or picnic blanket to make a day out of one of the best swimming spots in Sydney, right near Penrith and Camden.

an aerial view of water flowing from Bents Basin into the Nepean River near Wallacia, Sydney — The water flows from Bents Basin into the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Clifton Gardens, Mosman

If you can navigate the windy hills and narrow roads of deep Mosman, you’ll come across beautiful Clifton Gardens, a secluded beach, picnic area and playground in Sydney’s North Shore. A netted portion of Sydney Harbour provides calm and scenic swimming conditions, making it a huge hit with parents and toddlers.

There’s also a jetty where older kids love to launch off from and there’s a section that allows for dogs to frolic off-leash so make sure you arrive early – it’s a local favourite.

a kid frolicking on the beach at Clifton Gardens, Mosman — Go frolicking on the beach at Clifton Gardens, Mosman. (Image: Wilford Peloquin)

12. Prince Alfred Pool, Surry Hills

While Brisbane has its own inner-city cool-down zone, Streets Beach, Sydney proper boasts the equally idyllic Prince Alfred Park Pool . Housed next to Central station within Prince Alfred Park, the 50-metre lap pool is designed to match its surroundings so well that if you’re passing from the road, you may never spot it.

This iconic facility also offers beaming overhead sun, a toddler splash pad and a large, shaded area. On weekends, it comes alive with swimmers and unwinders from all demographics, happily sharing this urban oasis cleverly sheltered from the outside world.

a person swimming in a 50-metre lap pool at Prince Alfred, Surry Hills — Swim to your heart’s content in the 50-metre lap pool of Prince Alfred, Surry Hills.

13. Clarence Dam, Clarence

A truly secluded spot, you won’t find much about Clarence Dam unless it comes from the mouth of a local. A popular climbing area, the dam is good for a lazy inflatable float, low-key swim or adrenaline-filled cliff jump.

While not exclusively adults-only, the jagged cliff edges and lack of patrol don’t make for the safest of kid-friendly conditions. To get there, drive up through Clarence and turn right over crossing the bridge over the railway and past the turn off to the Clarence Colliery.

14. Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay

Scoot up New South Head Road towards Rose Bay from Double Bay and you’ll spy a gorgeous old sandstone building, the Woollahra Municipal Council. But the real delight lies beyond its steep staircase down towards the shore.

Sydney harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs — Murray Rose Pool is a great place to unwind. (Image: Destination NSW)

Murray Rose Pool , formerly Redleaf Pool, is a tidal enclosure popular amongst the city’s most beautiful people. As million-dollar yachts bobble against the city skyline, tranquil swimming conditions attract young families, serious sunbakers and chilled locals, making the whole experience beyond glamorous. There’s a great kiosk as you climb your way back up the stairs to reward the thirsty work you’ll put in getting there.

two people walking along the beach at Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay — Feel the soft sand beneath your toes at Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. Collins Flat Beach, Manly

Manly is world renowned for many of its nirvana-like swimming havens. Surprisingly, however, Collins Flat Beach isn’t one of them. With scenic harbour views and a location nestled between beautiful North Head and Little Manly Cove, you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard of this paradise before.

There are only two car spots for parking, which makes it a bit of gamble for far-flung visitors. For those on foot, you can start your walk from Manly Beach, walking around North Head, past the equally beautiful Shelly Beach.

a beautiful waterfall in Collins Flat Beach, Manly — Collins Flat Beach is hidden away from Sydney Harbour with a beautiful waterfall. (Image: Goran Has)

16. Store Beach, Manly

If Collins Flat isn’t secluded enough for your liking, this neighbouring beach may be up your alley. Store Beach is only accessible by water, meaning you’ll need to find a kayak or boat if you want to get there. The former can be hired in Manly’s tourist-heavy town centre.

Pack lunch, water and plenty of sunscreen before making the journey. You’ll feel like you’re on your own desert island here at one of the best swimming spots in Sydney.

an aerial view of Store Beach, Manly — Store Beach is a paradise on its own. (Image: Destination NSW)

17. Bungan Beach, Newport

While Bungan Beach doesn’t lack anything in scale (it’s 600-metres in length) it does lack in visitors. This might have something to do with how hard it is to get to. There’s a long, steep hill standing between you and the water, fronted by rock platforms between Bungan and Mona Vale heads.

It’s accessible via walking down the steep private driveway (at Myola Road) to the clubhouse. Due to the lack of parking, the beach is rarely crowded. Bungan is mostly populated by surfers with waves averaging about 1.5 meters high.

scenic coastal views of Mona Vale Beach across Basin Beach and Bungan Beach — Admire scenic views of Mona Vale Beach across Basin Beach and Bungan Beach. (Image: Adam Krowitz)

Keep reading our epic list of things to do in Sydney for more inspiration.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The 17 best secret swimming spots in Sydney