Big Mowbray Falls – a secluded waterfall and swimming hole
Reached by an 8km (return) bushwalk, the picturesque Big Mowbray Falls is quite secluded. Above the waterfall is a shallow swimming hole and some small cascades.
Wild Swimming Search
Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole
The Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole is a popular spot along the Mossman River. It’s reached by a 400m walk along a paved track from the shuttle bus stop.
Anice Falls – a remote Royal National Park waterfall
One of the more remote waterfalls in the Royal National Park, Anice Falls is quite picturesque – but can only be easily viewed from above.
Winifred Falls – a scenic Royal National Park waterfall
Winifred Falls is a relatively easy to reach and picturesque waterfall and swimming hole in the Royal National Park.
Collins Flat Beach – a secluded North Harbour beach
Collins Flat Beach is a sheltered harbour beach between between North Head and Little Manly Cove. It can only be reached via foot, via a couple of walking tracks.
Dudley Beach (Glenrock SRA) – a Top 20 Australian beach
An isolated beach in the Glenrock State Conservation Area to the south of Newcastle, Dudley Beach was named as one of the “Top 20 Beaches in Australia” by Tourism Australia in 2022
Glenrock/Burwood Beach and Glenrock Lagoon
Located in the Glenrock State Conservation Area, Burwood Beach (or Glenrock Beach) can be reached via a number of walking tracks. Behind the beach is Glenrock Lagoon, which offers a safer swimming spot.
Bogey Hole (Newcastle) – a historic swimming pool
The heritage-listed Bogey Hole in Newcastle is Australia’s oldest sea baths, carved out of the sandstone by convicts in 1819 as a private pool for Major James Morisset.
Fairy Falls – a secret waterfall at the Crystal Cascades
A hidden waterfall reached by an unmarked track from the Crystal Cascades carpark, Fairy Falls is a picturesque cascade and a secluded swimming hole.
Emerald Creek Falls – spectacular cascades and swimming holes
About an hour from Cairns, the Emerald Creek Falls offers both an impressive lookout over the Upper Falls, and some spectacular swimming holes at the Lower Falls.
Babinda Boulders – a popular and beautiful swimming hole
A popular destination from Cairns, Babinda Boulders offers a number of spectacular swimming holes. A short walk to Devils Pool gives you good view of the cascades and rock formations along Babinda Creek.
Josephine Falls – one of the best waterfalls and swimming holes around Cairns
A series of picturesque cascades and beautiful swimming holes, the popular Josephine Falls is reached by a paved walking track (1.4km return)
Nandroya Falls – a powerful waterfall that plunges into a deep pool
A powerful and impressive waterfall in Wooroonooran National Park, Nandroya Falls plunges 50m into a rainforest-fringed swimming hole.
Ellinjaa Falls – a rainforest-fringed waterfall and pool
Reached by a short but steep paved trail, Ellinjaa Falls is a picturesque waterfall that drops 15m into a shallow pool.
Millaa Millaa Falls – a spectacular waterfall and natural pool
One of the most spectacular and most-visited waterfalls around Cairns, Millaa Millaa Falls is surrounded by rainforest and has a beautiful swimming hole at the the base.
Malanda Falls (Tutamonlin) – a man-made pool and wide waterfall
Malanda Falls (Tutamonlin) is a wide waterfall with a popular man-made swimming pool beneath the falls. Located just over an hour south of Cairns, it’s very easy to get to.
Davies Creek Falls – a short bushwalk to a stunning infinity pool
Davies Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall in the Dinden National Park, about an hour from Cairns, Above the falls is a spectacular infinity pool or waterhole, perched above a sheer cliff.
Clover Falls – a spectacular Macquarie Pass waterfall
Clover Falls is a spectacular waterfall and beautiful swimming hole along the Macquarie Rivulet. It’s reached by the relatively challenging Clover Hill Trail.
Mulangong Falls and swimming hole
Mulangong Falls is formed by the Macquarie Rivulet cascading over multiple tiers into a small pool and swimming hole.
Burning Palms Beach – a secluded but patrolled Royal NP beach
Burning Palms Beach is one of the many popular Royal National Park beaches. It can only be accessed on foot, via a few different bushwalking trails.
The Basin – campground with a beach at West Head
The Basin Campground at West Head has beaches on both a Pittwater beach and a a lagoon, both of which are very sheltered. Access is via ferry or a firetrail from West Head Road.
Great Mackerel Beach – a family-friendly West Head beach
A family-friendly beach with very calm water, Great Mackerel Beach can be reached by ferry (from Palm Beach) or via a couple of bushwalking tracks.
Hungry Beach – a sheltered and secluded West Head beach
Hungry Beach is a picturesque West Head beach, which can be reached by boat or via a couple of informal walking routes.
Flannel Flower Beach – a narrow sliver of sand
A challenging beach to reach on foot, Flannel Flower Beach is a narrow sliver of sand, best visited at low tide.
Resolute Beach – a beautiful West Head beach
One of the most picturesque West Head beaches, the sheltered Resolute Beach is reached by a walking track from either West Head Lookout or the Resolute Picnic Area.
West Head Beach – the easiest beach to get to at West Head
The easiest beach to get to by foot at West Head, the sheltered West Head Beach faces Pittwater. and is opposite the Barrenjoey Peninsula. It’s a nice spot for a swim.
Coachwood Falls – a small Dorrigo NP waterfall with a swimming hole
The small but impressive Coachwood Falls is along the Rosewood Creek Track in Dorrigo National Park. There’s a shallow pool at the top, and a deeper swimming hole at the base of the falls.
Red Cedar Falls – the tallest waterfall in Dorrigo National Park
The highest waterfall in Dorrigo National Park (58m), Red Cedar Falls is reached by a fairly challenging 6.2km return bushwalk.
Flint and Steel Bay – a secluded West Head beach
The lesser-visited brother (or sister) of Flint and Steel Beach, Flint and Steel Bay is initially accessed via the same bushwalking track. But the track which branches off to the bay is a bit overgrown and rougher, and gets a lot less traffic. The bay is not as picturesque as
Flint and Steel Beach – the best West Head beach
Flint and Steel Beach is a sheltered and usually quiet beach at West Head. It’s reaced by a 1km bushwalking track.
Mobong Creek Cascade – a small waterfall and secluded waterhole
A picturesque waterfall in a rainforest setting along the Mobong Walking Track, the Mobong Creek Cascade is also a nice and secluded swimming hole.
Mobong Creek Waterhole – a hidden swimming hole near Cascade
Mobong Creek Waterhole is a tranquil and shaded swimming hole along Mobong Creek, right next to Moses Rock Road.
Flat Rock Creek – a secluded Royal National park pool
A very short walk from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, Flat Rock Creek is a secluded and shaded natural swimming hole in the Royal National Park.
Turimetta Beach – a surf beach in Warriewood
Located on Sydney’s northern beaches, Turimetta Beach is an unpatrolled surf beach. It’s generally pretty quiet, but swimming can be hazardous due to strong rips.
Refuge Bay – a stunning beach and waterhole
Refuge Bay has both a sheltered and protected beach, and a stunning cliff-top waterhole above the beach. It’s most easily reached by boat, but can also be accessed on foot via an informal bushwalking track.
Tabourie Beach – a long and remote Shoalhaven beach
Tabourie Beach is a long surf beach at the northern end of Meroo National Park on the NSW south coast.
Stokes Island Beach – a tiny and rough South Coast beach
Stokes Island Beach is small surf beach in Meroo National Park on the NSW south coast. Above the beach is a picnic area and campground.
Termeil Beach – a secluded Shoalhaven beach and lake
Termeil Beach is a very long beach in Meroo National Park on the NSW south coast. Two popular campsites are located nearby.
Honeysuckle Beach – a cobble and sand Murramarang beach
Honeysuckle Beach is a dark sand and cobble beach in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast.
Richmond Beach – a Murramarang hidden treasure
Richmond Beach is a picturesque and isolated beach in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast. It’s easily reached via a very short walking track
Myrtle Beach – a nude beach in Murramarang National Park
Myrtle Beach is a picturesque, clothing-optional beach in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast. It’s reached via two bushwalking tracks, just south of South Durras.
Dark Beach – an interesting dark sand and white sand beach
Dark Beach is split by a rock outcrop into two bays: one has white sand, and the other black sand and pebbles. The secluded beach is south of Durras in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast.
Emily Miller Beach – a hidden gem in Murramarang National Park
Emily Beach is a picturesque, secluded beach between South Durras and North Head in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast. A rock outcrop splits the beach into two.
Little Pebbles Beach (Burns Bay) – a pebbly beach in Murramarang
Little Pebbles Beach or North Pebbles (formally called Burns Bay) is a secluded cobble beach in Murramarang National Park on the south coast.
Bawley Beach – a Shoalhaven beach with a jumping spot
A beautiful and fairly sheltered beach in Bawley Point, on the NSW south coast. A restored jetty on Bawley Beach is a popular post for kids to jump into the ocean.
Gannet Beach – a dog friendly Shoalhaven beach
Gannet Beach is a small beach in Bawley Point, on the NSW south coast ideal for swiming, snorkelling and surfing.
Cormorant Beach – a dog-friendly South Coast beach
Cormorant Beach is small and sheltered dog-friendly beach in Bawley Point, on the NSW south coast.
Bull Pup Beach – a secluded beach in the Murramarang Aboriginal Area
Bull Pup Beach is a beautiful and fairly isolated beach in the Murramarang Aboriginal Area on the NSW south coast.
Cat and Kitten Beach – a protected beach in Murramarang Aboriginal Area
Cat and Kitten Beach is a small and fairly isolated beach in the Murramarang Aboriginal Area on the NSW south coast.
Murramarang Beach – a long beach near Bawley Point
A fairly long beach near Bawley Point, Murramarang Beach on the NSW South Coast is good for swimming – but be aware of stong rips.
Racecourse Beach – a remote South Coast beach
Racecourse Beach is just south of the Murramarang Aboriginal Area on the NSW South Coast. It’s a fairly quiet swimming and surfing beach.
Snake Bay South – a remote Murramarang National Park bay
Snake Bay South is a remote, sheltered bay in the Shoalhaven. It’s reached by foot (or by boat in low swell).
Snake Bay – an isolated Murramarang beach
Snake Bay is a remote beach in the Shoalhaven, with a 60m long sand and cobble beach. It’s reached by foot (or by boat in low swell).
Dawson Island Beach – a beautiful Murramarang swimming beach
Dawson Island Beach is one of the most remote beaches in the Shoalhaven. It’s reached by foot (or by boat in low seas) and is a great beach for swimming.
Island Beach – a quiet Murramarang surf beach
Island Beach is quiet and pristine surf beach in Murramarang National Park, which is only accessible via a short walk.
Pretty Beach – a popular and beautiful Murramarang beach
Pretty Beach is a picturesque surf beach in Murramarang National Park, about 3.5 hours south of Sydney. It has a campground and cabins, and some basic facilities.
Crystal Cascades – a popular swimming hole near Cairns
Along Freshwater Creek near Cairns is a series of swimming holes and cascades. The furthest waterhole along the 1.5km track has a pair of picturesque waterfalls.
Saut du Day (Vallorbe)
Saut du Day (or Cascade du Day) is a waterfall on the River L’Orbe near Vallorbe, which is accessed by a short hiking trail.
Pencil Pine Falls (Cradle Mountain)
Pencil Pine Falls is a small waterfall along Pencil Pine Creek, a short walk from the Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Edith Falls (Leliyn) – a popular swimming hole and waterfall
Edith Falls (Leliyn) are a series of cascades in Nitmiluk National Park. They are popular in summer, with an upper and lower swimming hole below the waterfalls.
Mooney Falls (Havasu Canyon)
Mooney Falls is the highest waterfall along Havasu Creek in the Havasu Canyon. It’s a stunning waterfall that drops 65m into a large pool.
Havasu Falls (Havasupai Falls)
Havasu Falls (also called Havasupai Falls) is the most popular waterfall along Havasu Creek in the Havasu Canyon. The turquoise water drops about 30m into a swimming hole.
Navajo Falls (Havasu Canyon)
Navajo Falls is one of the many stunning waterfalls along Havasu Creek in the Havasu Canyon. It’s reached via a long overnight hike into the canyon.
Pisang Falls (Sungai Pisang) – the Banana Falls on the Gombok River
Reached via a “jungle trek” up the river, the Pisang Falls (or Sungai Pisang waterfall) is an impressive waterfall that plunges into a natural swimming hole.
Girrakool Waterfall
Girrakool Waterfall in Brisbane Water National Park (near Gosford) is a beautiful waterfall, which drops into a natural pool surrounded by bush.
Mullet Creek Falls – a family-friendly waterfall and swimming hole
The popular Mullet Creek Falls (or Irrawong Waterfall) is a small but very photogenic waterfall. Mullet Creek drops off a wide ledge into a large pool and swimming hole.
Mele Cascades – a jungle waterfall near Port Vila
A series of smaller cascades, culminating in the tallest waterfall with a drop of about 35m. A walking trail (entry fee applies) follows the Mele Cascades up to the top falls.
Rocky Crossing Cascades – a series of small but stunning cascades
Located on the Willlams River in the Barrington Tops National Park, Rocky Crossing Cascades is a series of stunning waterfalls and waterholes.
Minerva Pool and cascade
The small Minerva Pool Waterfall (which doesn’t officially have a name) is formed by Stokes Creek cascading into the tranquil Minerva Pool.
Jingga Pool and waterfall
The Jingga Pool Waterfall (which don’t officially have a name) is formed by O’Hares Creek plunging into the beautiful Jingga Pool.
Haruru Falls (Bay of Islands) – a wide waterfall at the end of large lagoon
A wide, horseshoe shaped waterfall, Haruru Falls is formed by the Waitangi River dropping into a wide lagoon.
Okere Falls – two cascades along the Kaituna River
The Okere Falls is located along the Kaituna River, with easy access to a viewing platform, and the Okere Falls Jump for brave swimmers!
Dangar Falls (Dorrigo) – swim beneath an enormous waterfall
Dangar Falls near Dorrigo is a popular waterfall, with a viewing area at the top of the waterfall and a trail to the pool at the bottom where you can swim.
Ba Ho Waterfalls – a short jungle trek to three swimming holes
The Ba Ho River near Nha Trang descends over three tiers, forming three waterfalls and natural swimming holes called the Ba Ho Waterfalls.
Minyon Falls (Nightcap National Park)
Minyon Falls is formed by Repentance Creek plunging 100m down a cliff in the Nightcap National Park. Easy walk to the top, and longer walk to natural swimming hole at base of falls.
Waterfall on Allt Daraich
A small cascade along the Allt Daraich on the Isle of Skye; this small stream flows into the River Sligachan.
Victoria Falls (Liffey Falls)
The Liffey Falls consist of four waterfalls along the Liffey River; the largest and most picturesque of these is Victoria Falls.
Boarding House Dam – a small waterfall and pool in the Hunter Valley
A very small cascade, the Boarding House Dam waterfall is just below the dam.
Mulligan Falls – a tall cascade that drops into a beautiful swimming hole
Mulligan Falls is a picturesque waterfall with a deep swimming hole on Hinchinbrook Island. It’s accessed by the multi-day Thorsborne Trail, or by boat with a 2.5km walk from the beach.
Zoe Falls – a cascade and tropical swimming hole along the Thorsborne Trail
Accessed by the multi-day Thorsborne Trail or by boat, Zoe Falls is a picturesque cascade and swimming hole on Hinchinbrook Island.
Medang Falls (Lata Medang)
Medang Falls (Lata Medang) is a picturesque waterfall with a deep swimming hole, reached by a 3-4 hour jungle trek.
Lovetts Pool – a tranquil bush waterhole
Lovetts Pool is a beautiful natural waterhole; a small waterfall drops into the natural pool. It’s near the Elvina Track (at West Head).
Piles Creek Cascades – a great spot to cool off in Brisbane Water NP
The Piles Creek Cascades is set of cascades formed by Piles Creek flowing over a wide rock platfom
Upper Gledhill Falls – a secret waterhole on McCarrs Creek
The “secret” Upper Gledhill Falls is a picturesque waterfall and swimming hole, only metres from McCarrs Creek Road at West Head.
Kariong Brook Falls – a secluded waterfall on the Great North Walk
Kariong Brook Falls is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall in Brisbane Water National Park. It plunges into a deep pool and swimming hole.
Tawhai Falls – a popular swimming hole and waterfall
Tawhai Falls, a filming location in the Lord of the Rings, is reached via a short walk.
Seven Wells Waterfall – a picturesque and popular Langkawi attraction
Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh) is the most popular waterfall in Langkawi. It has a swimming hole at the bottom, and multiple pools at the top of the falls.
The Cascades – lots of rock pools along a picturesque creek
The Cascades is more of a waterhole than a waterfall, but does have a number of small cascades. Continue down Middle Harbour Creek after rain for the best cascades.
Emerald Pool Falls – a beautiful swimming hole in Popran NP
Emerald Pool Falls is a small cascade above Emerald Pool in Popran National Park.