Looking for wild places to swim around NSW? You’ve come to the right place. Waterfalls, lagoons, thermal pools — NSW is filled with them. A lesser-known spot just outside of Sydney features a dreamy swimming hole and serene waterfall and it’s the perfect summer oasis. Nellies Glen in the Southern Highlands is located only a hop, skip and a jump from the popular Carrington Falls and is surrounded by bushland and picture-perfect views.
Nellies Glen
This picturesque swimming spot comes with a picnic area making it the perfect place for walkers to relax while exploring the Carrington Falls walking track. Surrounded by bush views, this tranquil swimming hole offers a refreshing experience, connecting the top of Carrington Falls with a small but lovely rock pool and waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing dip, stretch your legs, or enjoy the views from.
Though small and intimate, there’s plenty to do at this hidden gem. There’s a small cave at the base of the waterfall where you can relax under the shade and take some memorable pictures. You can also sit in the plunge pool and partake in the fun experience of being in the waterfall or you can even walk on top of the waterfall and enjoy the lovely view from the top. It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching.
It’s advised against getting too close to the edge of the waterfall even though it looks deceptively calm. The water in the pool is also not very deep so it is advised to not jump in from the top of the waterfall.
How to get to Nellies Glen
Nellies Glen is located in the Budderoo National Park on the south coast of NSW, well known for its picture-perfect waterfalls, lookouts, rainforest walks and the IG-famous Blue Pool. It’s easily accessible via the Jamberoo Mountain road from Robertson. The waterfall is about a 2-hour drive from Sydney and an hour’s drive from Wollongong. Find the carpark at the picnic area, from here the waterfall and swimming hole is a short and easy walk of just about 5 minutes. The best time to visit is after a day of rainfall.
Read more about Nellies Glen here.