Seeking out a refreshing dip to beat the heat? If a crowded beach isn’t your cup of tea, there are a number of excellent places in and around town that are surrounded by nature and hidden away from the crowds. There are plenty of options to choose from if you’re hankering for a relaxing swim from hidden harbour beaches tucked away in the city to natural swimming holes with scenic views and waterfalls to boot. Check out some of our favourite natural swimming spots in NSW.
1. Dangar Falls
The Dangar Falls are a stunning sight and well worth the drive out of town. But what makes this picturesque waterfall even better is the sparkling swimming hole it flows into. The 30-metre cascade waterfall is located two kilometres north of Dorrigo town centre and is flanked by scenic bush and river views. Bear in mind the drop to the pool is very risky and it’s advised to never jump from the top of the falls. Read all about Dangar Falls here.
Distance: 1-hour drive from Coffs Harbour and 6-hour drive from Sydney
2. Nellies Glen
Everyone knows and loves Carrington Falls but surprisingly few are aware of the hidden swimming hole that connects to the falls. Nellies Glen is another wild swimming spot that makes for the perfect summer getaway complete with rugged bush views, a small cave at the base of the waterfall and opportunities for bird watching. This is also a shallow pool and it’s firmly advised against jumping in from the top of the waterfall. Read all about it here.
Distance: 2-hour drive from Sydney and an hour’s drive from Wollongong
3. Blue Pool
The South Coast is home to many natural wonders including white sand beaches and stunning rock formations formed over millions of years. If you’re driving down to this wonderfully rich part of NSW, don’t forget to make a pit stop at the iconic Blue Pool in Bermagui, a picture-perfect natural rock pool with turquoise waters and stunning ocean views. Read all about it here.
4. Parsley Bay
Parsley Bay is a popular spot amongst the locals in the area but is still somewhat under the radar compared to other popular swimming spots. Surprising considering it’s one of Sydney’s most idyllic swimming spots with an enclosed swimming pool, a photogenic wooden bridge over the water, a little waterfall and a short but pleasant bushwalk. Even better, it’s hiding in the heart of Vaucluse so you don’t have to go too far to experience its magic. Thanks to its calm waters and shark netting, it’s a safe and scenic place for families looking to cool off this summer. Plus, it’s an excellent spot for scuba diving. Read all about it on the Woollahra Municipal Council website.
Distance: 30-minute drive from Sydney CBD
5. Gordons Bay
One could argue that there’s nothing particularly hidden about Gordons Bay but the fact that it is home to Sydney’s only underwater nature trail is relatively unknown. If bushwalking in the sweltering heat is not your thing, you’ll want to keep this impressive swimming spot on your radar. The 600-metre-long nature trail takes about 40-45 minutes to complete bringing visitors up close to stunning underwater views and some local sea life. The picturesque turquoise bay is perfect for a number of water activities including swimming, diving and snorkeling. Read all about its underwater nature trail and get more information on the Randwick City Council website.
Distance: 20-minute drive from Sydney CBD
6. Karloo Pools
The Royal National Park is home to a number of natural swimming holes and beaches but Karloo Pools is one of our favourites. It’s best accessed via the Karloo walking track is in the Heathcote precinct of the Royal National Park and offers excellent options to swim, sunbathe and enjoy a picnic under the sun. As for Karloo Pools, the huge natural swimming hole is surrounded by untouched bushland and is about 30 metres long. The deep bush pool is absolutely stunning although it has gained some popularity on social media in recent years but if you visit early in the morning and during the week, you might be able to get it all to yourself. Get more information about the Karloo walking track here.
Distance: 50-minute drive from Sydney
7. Collins Flat Beach
Collins Flat Beach is one of our favourite hidden beaches in Sydney and certainly one of the most picturesque harbour beaches in town. It’s flanked by bush views and sandstone cliffs and even has its own private waterfall which is best visited after rainfall. The beach is also home to a number of natural rockpools that make for lovely swimming spots. Tucked between North Head and Little Manly Cove, this spot is only accessible on foot. Get more information on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Distance: 45-minute drive to Collins Beach Road
8. Minerva Pool
Minerva Pool is located in the Dharawal National Park and is a sacred site for the Aboriginal Dharawal People. Please note that it is open for women and children only. Surrounded by rich bushland and sandstone features, this is one of the best natural swimming spots in Sydney. The huge wide pool is fed by a small but pretty waterfall and can be accessed via the Minerva Pool walking track. Get more information here.
Distance: 1-hour drive from Sydney
9. Ivor Rowe Rockpool
This natural, shallow rock pool in Sydney might be one of the smallest but it’s still one of the best watering holes tucked away in the city with lovely views over the beach. The scenic spot is ideal if you’re looking to cool down on a hot day or a quick, refreshing dip. It’s best accessed through the Bunya Parade in South Coogee. Get more information about it here.
Distance: Less than 30 minutes from Sydney CBD