Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Your guide to the best swimming holes

This guide is the primary source of information for swimming holes in Victoria, Australia. Every swim has been tested by getting into the water. Swimming Hole Heaven includes directions, photographs and videos of the best waterholes, lakes, rivers and waterfalls for swimming around the State, based on more than 15 years of research. Above: Discover swimming holes such as Venus Baths on swimmingholeheaven.com (Order this image)

Feel free to browse the online version, or order the full Guide to Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria, first published in 2004, to access a curated book of my top 50 swimming experiences in Victoria. Click or tap on the title or photo of each region of Victoria below to find your next swimming day trip or holiday destination, 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!

In and around Melbourne

These swimming holes are all within around an hour's drive from the city centre, including several spots along the Yarra River. I've also included a few iconic swimming pools and bathing options for the colder months of the year…

North East Victoria

The north east of Victoria has some invigorating swims, particularly in the many national parks in the area. North of the Great Dividing Range, the swimming season here is slightly longer than in Melbourne due to the warmer weather and more reliable water sources…

Gippsland (South East Victoria)

One of the more pristine areas of the State, expect clean and clear water, especially in the high country and far East Gippsland, including spots along Victoria's longest undammed river. Swim in a cave pool, or enjoy a crowd free picnic by the water's edge…

Western Victoria

Some of Victoria's best waterfalls to swim under are located in western Victoria. My selection includes some spots in the Grampians and the Otways, as well as several waterfall-fed pools that are bounded by tall basalt columns…

My hot tips include, for a swim close to Melbourne, Lerderderg Gorge. If you are heading west for a day trip or overnighter, try St George's Lake in Creswick, and if you are heading east, Buchan Caves Reserve is one of my favourites. If you are looking for a swim within the Melbourne metropolitan area, Lysterfield Lake is the pick of the bunch.

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. Some of my suggested swimming hole equipment could make your bush swims safer and more enjoyable.

If you are thinking about relying on one of the swimming hole lists for Melbourne or Victoria that have been floating around the internet, my review of those swimming hole lists might make you think twice about it. For more reliable information that gives you quick access to some of my favourite swims, you can check out my own swimming hole lists.

Too wet for a swim? Visit a waterfall

My companion website Waterfall Seasons of Victoria 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. Still not sure what you're looking for? You can also access featured content for Victoria on swimmingholeheaven.com by clicking or tapping on the pictures in the following slide show. This site survives by word of mouth, so if you support genuine, well researched, independent content on the web, don't forget to share it with your friends.

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