When choosing your travel destination, quality swimming spots will tend to be on the list of essential criteria. We have found the top swimming spots to visit in NSW to add to your list.
Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
Located in the Kosciuszko National Park, the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is the perfect place to stop for the experienced bushwalker.
From the gate at the thermal pool carpark, a short but steep track descends into the Rules Creek Valley, to the thermal pool. The walk to the pool is approx. 0.7km (one way) and takes around 15 minutes with the return journey being quite a steep climb so packing water is recommended.
The main pool is about 20 metres long, 2.5 metres deep, and is fed by a natural spring around 1km below the surface. With the water in the pool staying at a constant 27 degrees all year round, swimming is possible across most months. You will also be delighted by the natural wildlife who inhabit the pool and surrounding environment.
COST: Access to the pool is via the Yarrangobilly Caves visitor centre. The cost is $4 per vehicle per day which applies to motor vehicles without a Kosciuszko National Park day pass or NPWS All Parks annual pass
FACILITIES: Facilities include a picnic area next to the pool, toilet amenities, and a change room.
NB: Toilets are drop toilets or self-composting toilets. You can also get some basic supplies at the park’s visitor centre
ACCOMMODATION: Yarrangobilly Village campground, Talbingo Caravan Park,
NB: Bookings are now required for all campgrounds and campsites in national parks. This includes locations that were previously available for use without a booking. This is necessary to protect visitors and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Photo Credit: Emma-Jane Bertoncello
Kiama Blowhole Point Rock Pool
If you are holidaying on the south coast, the Kiama Blowhole would surely be on your must-see agenda. The largest blowhole in the world attracts thousands of visitors every year, but there is a spot just as appealing around the corner and is popular amongst swimmers of all ages. The Kiama Blowhole Point Rock Pool is the smaller of Kiama’s two beautiful saltwater ocean pools and sits on the edge of the ocean. This rock pool has variable depths with shallow wading areas for children or not confident swimmers.
COST: Nil
FACILITIES: The pool has amenities and change rooms on-site and is a short distance from Kiama’s town centre
ACCOMMODATION:Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park, Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park
Washpools Waterhole
You don’t always have to head to the coast for a good swimming area. Washpools Waterhole is a perfect example of this if you are heading inland. Located in the Towarri National Park Middle Brook, the Washpools Waterhole is a natural swimming hole only 500 metres from Washpools picnic area and viewing platform.
The shallow brook is approximately 1 metre wide and 10 metres long and is perfect for letting the water run over you like a spa. A great spot for cooling down after a bit of bushwalking. The roads to enter the national park are unsealed and parking is available at the Washpools’ picnic area.
COST: Nil
FACILITIES: There isn’t anything close by to Washpools Waterhole other than the Washpools picnic area. There are non-flush toilets, BBQ facilities (gas/electric), and picnic tables in the picnic area. Drinking and cooking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
ACCOMMODATION: Washpools campground, Reflections Lake Bawn Holiday Park, Murrurundi Caravan Park
Tuncurry Rock Pool
If you are heading up the North Coast, Tuncurry rock pool is one of the most popular beaches of the Great Lakes region. Located at the start of the ‘breakwall’ the Tuncurry rock pool is a small ‘beach’ sectioned off from the main bar of Forster-Tuncurry. What more could you ask for with crystal clear flat water, golden sands, and an enclosed swimming area. You might even have a close encounter with a dolphin as they make their way into the cove. Even though it is a popular beach in the Tuncurry area, you should always be able to find a spot to place your towel. Beware of the strong currents near the outer edges of the netted-off area as it is not a patrolled beach.
COST: Nil
FACILITIES: Toilets, picnic shelters, kiosk
ACCOMMODATION: Tuncurry Holiday Park, Big4 Great Lakes, Forster Beach Holiday Park
Photo Credit: visitnsw.com.au
STAFF PICK:
“Tuncurry rock pool has it all for the family, a safe and relaxed swimming experience for adults and children of all ages who want to avoid the waves and rips of beach swimming.
The café is perfect for mums and dads to get a good coffee, smashed avo on sourdough (delicious!!) and ice-creams or milkshakes for the kids after a day of sun and swimming. Hot chips go down a treat if you decide to stay a little longer and if you didn’t bring your picnic lunch, there are plenty of menu options for the whole family.
Great fishing off the break wall for dads all within view of the rockpool and picnic table seating is available to enjoy a family picnic or to just sit and people watch. The fisherman’s co-op is also just a short stroll towards the bridge if you are looking for amazing local seafood.
A great pathway for taking a leisurely stroll, walking the dog, bike riding, or scootering and takes you right up to the point of the break wall.”- JULIE
Bermagui Blue Pool
It’s no wonder the Bermagui Blue Pool has been rated six out of eight of the best ocean rock pools in the world by Trip Advisor each year from 2015 to 2018. The ‘Blue Pool’ is a must-see south coast attraction with many visiting each year to swim and snorkel. A natural rock pool, it is washed with clean clear ocean water and the viewing platform is the perfect spot to whale watch during migrating season. For keen photographers, it’s a great spot to capture the different colours of the pool as it changes across the day.
COST: Nil
FACILITIES: There are well formed steps down to the pool as well as a toilet, cold shower, and change room amenities.
ACCOMMODATION: Bermagui Holiday Park, Big 4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park
Photo Credit: Brad Chilby Photography
Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell
If you love being back to nature, the Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell in Leura are perfect spots to swim in natural waterholes with waterfalls.
The Pool of Siloam is situated on Gordon Creek in the Blue Mountains National Park and is only deep enough for a dip but perfect to lie back and enjoy the tranquil waterfall.
Lyrebird Dell is also situated on Gordon Creek and has a sandstone cave and waterfall that is more substantial than the Pool of Siloam.
The two swimming spots are joined by a 1.5km circular track so is the perfect place to cool off after a long walk.
COST: Nil
FACILITIES: Starts at Gordon Falls Picnic Area
ACCOMMODATION: Blackheath Glen Blue Mountains Tourist Parks, Katoomba Falls Blue Mountains Tourist Park.
Photo: Steve Alton/NSW Government
Aslings Beach Rock Pool Eden
The South Coast is home to a plethora of beautiful beaches, rockpools and lagoons, but one you need to mark in your ‘must visit’ list is the gorgeous Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden.
Located at the southern end of Aslings Beach, the rockpool is filled by the natural flow of the seawater and is surrounded by beautiful white and pink cliffs so it is definitely a sensory experience.
The rockpool varies in depth depending on the natural flow of the ocean but when the water levels are low, it’s perfect for families wishing to swim in the safe surrounds spotting sea creatures along the way.
COST: Nil
FACILITIES: The beach is patrolled in summer, and the foreshore has picnic tables, a shower, and amenities.
ACCOMMODATION: Eden Holiday Park, Garden of Eden Caravan Park, Ingenia Holiday Parks Eden Beachfront
Photo Credit: visitnsw.com.au
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