Us Aussies are no strangers to the water. Our island home is wrapped in 35,821 kilometres of sparkling blue coastline, with almost 12,000 beautiful beaches to dive right in. But once you look beyond the shore, you’ll discover plenty of secret spots to get wet and wild – ranging from naturally formed ocean rock pools along the island’s perimeter, to gorges and waterfalls deep among the outback. Our mates at Lonely Planet recently rounded up the 60 coolest natural swimming spots around the world, and we think the five hidden Aussie gems they spotlighted are pretty epic.
Starting up top in the Northern Territory, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) is a gorgeous swimming hole in the Kimberley, just off the famous, 4WD-only Gibb River Road. Only open from May to October, the waterfall at Dalmanyi is flanked by dramatic sandstone cliffs and cascades into a wide plunge pool, reachable via a steep descent and river crossing.
Continuing clockwise, Lonely Planet featured three East Coast swimming spots among the world’s best. Hidden in native bush in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Booloumba Creek is one of the clearest swimming spots you’ll find in southeast Queensland. The creek’s turquoise waters have a crystalline quality so you can see straight to the bottom – no goggles needed!
Jervis Bay is famous for its blindingly white sands, but it’s also home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife. Next time you’re adventuring along NSW’s South Coast, head to Green Patch Beach. A short stroll through a forest of blackbutt trees leads you to this secluded paradise, where you might come face-to-face with kangaroos, wallabies, parrots and rosellas. A refreshing swim in the sparkling, sheltered waters is a worthwhile reward.
Another bush bash in NSW will bring you to Jellybean Pool in the Blue Mountains, located just an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD. Shaded by a towering sandstone cliff-face and gum trees that stretch theatrically up into the sky, the pool feels divinely remote (especially on less-crowded days) – despite being one of the most easily-accessible freshwater swimming holes close to the city. Warning: the water gets pretty chilly, so it’s best to head here on a hot summer’s day.
The final Aussie watering hole spotlighted on Lonely Planet’s list, and perhaps the grandest, is Lake Williams in Western Australia. With an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, the frosty waters will leave you breathless in more than one way. But there’s nothing like a plunge to get the blood pumping, right?
You can check out our top picks for the best natural pools in Australia here, or discover Lonely Planet’s other 55 favourites from around the world in their recent book, The Joy of Wild Swimming.
Here are five of Australia’s best wild swimming spots:
- Dalmanyi, NT
- Booloumba Creek, QLD
- Green Patch Beach, NSW
- Jellybean Pool, NSW
- Lake Williams, WA
Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether.