There’s nothing like the refreshing reward of a cool swimming hole at the end of a bushwalk or hike. While Australia there are plenty of famous beaches in Australia, sometimes you need to escape the crowds.

The good folk at Wild Swimming Australia have created a directory of the best swimming spots around Australia – here are just a few you might want to put on the bucket list.

 

Booloumba Falls

Conandale National Park, QLD

Just under two hours north of Brisbane, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Booloumba Falls is a freshwater alternative to the beaches of Noosa and surrounds. Heading towards the town of Kenilworth, you will pass through the small town of Conandale – take the turn-off to Booloumba Creek Road about 13 kilometres outside of Conandale. From the falls carpark, a walking trail leads you to the falls lookout where you’ll find a path down to the base of main waterhole.

The main pool is wide and deep, allowing for plenty of room if you happen to share the water with other visitors. A short scramble up or down the rocks will lead to two plunge pools, one at the top of the falls and another at the base of the lower falls.

 

Emerald Pool

Popran National Park, NSW

Aptly named for its crystal clear bright blue water, Emerald Pool is a hidden oasis on the Central Coast of NSW. While the 7km return walk in and out might sound like a bit of a trek, it means that you’ll often get the pool all to yourself. Head here for a swim in Spring to be treated to a vibrant display of native wildflowers.

To get here, take the the F3 from Sydney or Newcastle and take the exit at Peats Ridge Road. From here turn off on to Wiseman’s Ferry Road, then on to Ironbark Road. There is a small car park at Ironbark Picnic Area where the walking track starts.

Sweetwater Pool

Nitmuluk National Park, NT

This oasis in the Northern Territory is a must-visit if you’re ever up north, especially considering how rare it is to find swimming holes safe for swimming! Surrounded by bushland and teeming with wildlife, Sweetwater Pool lives up to its dreamy name. While the pool is a safe swimming spot, there are still crocodiles in the region so please take heed of any warning signs.

Sweetwater Pool can be accessed two ways. The first is via a 4km walk from Leliyn Campground (60km north of Katherine). Alternatively, the pool is the final stop on the Jatbula Trail, a five to six day trek along the western edge of the Arnhem Land Escarpment.

 

Killen Falls

Tintenbar, NSW

You might’ve seen this one pop in your Instagram feed, it’s a favourite haunt of visitors to the Byron Bay hinterland. And with a 10 metre waterfall and large swimming hole, we can definitely see why! This beautiful spot sits in some of the last remaining ‘Big Scrub’ rainforest in the area, making it incredibly lush and teeming with life.

If you want to escape the surfing crowds of Byron Bay, simply head out of town towards Newrybar and then take Brooklet Road. Turn left on to Friday Hut Road and then left again on to Killen Falls Road. You’ll then turn right on to Killen Falls Drive where you’ll end up at the carpark. The falls are a short walk down the trail.

Blairgowrie Jump Rock

Blairgowrie, VIC

For those after a saltwater swimming spot, Blairgowrie Jump Rock offers a stunning crystal clear rock pool with jump platforms for thrill seekers. The jump rock has a number of points to leap off, so you can test your adrenalin as you go higher and higher. Of course, please check the water depth and underwater debris before you take a leap.

To reach Blairgowrie head towards Mornington Peninsula on Melbourne Road, taking the St John Woods Road keep going until you read the car park. Bridgewater Bay is a 10-15 minute walk from the carpark, Spot the towering sandstone rocks to find the rock pool.

 

Fern Pool

Karijini National Park, WA

Fern Pool and the gorges of Karijini National Park really are diamonds in the rough. Situated in the middle of iron ore country in the Pilbara Region, these swimming holes and shaded gorges sit in stark contrast to the surrounding mines. Fern Pool is one of the easiest swimming holes to reach and is one of the deepest. There are many pools along the various gorges, so take the time to explore them all. Kermits Pool will entice the more adventurous travellers who can find it at the end of a more challenging walk.

Karijini National Park is quite remote so you’re best to choose to camp in the park for a night or two. The closest major town is Port Hedland on the coastline.

Find full details and more swimming holes on the Wild Swimming Australia website and Instagram @wildswimmingaustralia.