This is my guide to spring-fed quarries, waterfall pools, lakes, rivers and ocean pools for swimming along the NSW north coast, from Gosford to Tweed Heads, east
of the Great Dividing Range. All of these swims have been verified by getting into the water to check out the local conditions, wherever it was legal to do so.
Above: Discover swimming holes such as Angourie Green Pool on swimmingholeheaven.com
(Order this image)
Select Your Swim:
Click on the heading of each location to find your next swimming day trip or holiday destination below or
alternatively
search by map.
Swim safe, have fun and remember that no matter how cold the water is, it's alright once you're in!
Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls and Estuaries:
A freshwater spring-fed former bluestone quarry on the coast at Angourie, this pool is quite well sheltered from the wind
for days when it is blowing a gale at the beach and the stingers are in the ocean. Located next to the Angourie Green Pool…
A long swimming hole at around 80 metres in length, with an imposing natural bluestone wall for a backdrop, this pool is
well suited for long laps in fresh water, with the sound of the ocean nearby. Located next to the Angourie Blue Pool…
This lake pool on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie has a 60 metre long netted swimming enclosure. It's salt water and tidal,
and can suffer from water quality problems after rain, but has a handy ramp entry into deep water and good facilities for swimmers…
This lawless former brickworks quarry of dubious water quality shines a brilliant turquoise colour in the sunlight. Whilst it is popular, especially with
local teenagers, it is both risky and grungy, and not a swimming hole that I recommend in its current state…
Not in any way depressing and open to dogs of any colour, this little swimming hole on Bucca Bucca Creek, north of Coffs Harbour, is intimate
and close to a well frequented country road, but offfers one premium parking spot right next to the water…
Quite a large waterfall pool that was surprisingly calm down below compared to the gale blowing up at the car park. It has a reliable
flow of water most of the time running over the waterfall, with high circular walls around the pool…
Age is no barrier for a swim in this tidal pool behind a gap in the breakwater wall at the Lake Macquarie entrance in Blacksmiths. Quite shallow
apart from the small section of the pool near the gap in the breakwater, with a sandy bottom…
A waterfall pool that you can stand up in and wave to the visitors on the waterfall viewing platform high above, making them suitably jealous that you
are cool and refreshed below whilst they are watching on helplessly, in the blaring sub-tropical heat and sun…
This freshwater swim in a large perched lake in the sand dunes is less than 100 metres away from the Lennox Head surf beach, so there is a swim
for everyone or two very different swims for anyone at this lake that has barbecue facilities and a caravan park across the road…
A 50 metre pool in the Wallis Lake estuary, this tidal pool has a narrow strip of deeper water for swimming laps, with the added bonus of an
over-water cafe next door and a jetty all around the pool. Mainly for lap swimming rather than snorkelling…
Hidden at the back of town, uniquely situated next to the local wastewater treatment plant, this rocky waterfall pool is nestled in sub-tropical scrub with
a wide curtain of water spilling in at the top end, and a little lawn big enough for a few drop sheets…
I liked the variety of swimming options available here, from the modestly sized pool filled by the main waterfall, to the channels on the rock ledge that
let me get in amongst the waterfall, with broader river pools downstream…
Ocean Pools:
Cut from the rock by convict labour so a local military officer could take a bath, this is one of Australia's oldest swimming
pools. Located on a rock shelf beside the ocean it can sometimes get very wild, including smashing into the platform at the back of the pool…
A shallow sandy beach pool at the northern end of Newcastle Beach with not much depth for swimming but heaps of room for
mucking about in the shallows or sitting down in the warm, calm water taking in the views of the Newcastle shoreline…
A great all-rounder in Forster, not only for long lap swimming, but also for playing around in the shallows or for snorkelling along the barnacle-covered
back wall that is home to various small fish that have made their way into the pool…
One of the biggest pools you will ever see in an even bigger ocean landscape that makes swimming here a joy. Located a few kilometres
south of Newcastle, this swim is a must for any ocean pool enthusiast, or anyone who likes really big pools…
At the back of a majestic grassy headland with an amazing panoramic view, this relatively calm ocean pool in a wild landscape is enclosed
by a natural rock outcrop on three sides, with a window to the surfing and rock fishing action beyond…
Head into the trenches with surf exploding overhead in this sandy channel, behind a line of jagged rocks that run parallel to the beach. Best for swimming at low
tide, protected from the wind, when the seas are calmer, as it can get pretty rough when the tide is in and when there is a large swell…
Not your traditional rock pool, this netted swimming enclosure in between breakwater walls is an excellent option for an early morning swim and
post-swim coffee or breakfast at the rock pool cafe. Expect a large audience of passers-by watching your stroke technique…
A narrow ocean pool surrounded by a concrete concourse, similar to a small municipal pool, but with an impressive view that looks out onto the waves
rolling in onto Yamba Main Beach. Unfortunately I could not get into the water here due to storm damage, but was still able to appreciate the views…
Each swimming spot includes a link to
swimming safety information. Please make sure you
read that information before you head out, particularly if you are an inexperienced swimmer.
I'm always interested in hearing about and visiting new swimming holes, so feel free to share them
with me and
suggest a swim.
My companion website
Waterfall Seasons - The Waterfall Guide lists
all of the waterfalls that I have visited during my search for swimming holes. You can swim at some of them, but most are
just for viewing and admiring. Great for a day trip when it's too chilly to get into the water.
