Nothing hits harder than rolling up to your local swim spot on a roasting hot day and struggling to find space to park up for a refreshing dip. To help you dodge the crowds this summer, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best off-track swimming spots to flock to when the thermostat peaks. But with most of these idyllic havens involving a trek through the elements in the baking Aussie sun, Kathmandu’s new UPF 50+ range needs to be on your radar. Lightweight, adaptable and sun-safe, this slick gear helps you do all you can this summer—whatever that looks like.
Round up the crew and add these secret swimming spots to your bucket list stat.
Victoria
Ladies Bath Falls, Mount Buffalo
A popular spot for women to bathe in during the early 1900s, The Ladies Bath Falls remain a welcome sight after a hike on a hot summer day. A short, five-minute walk from the Eurobin Falls car park reveals a steady stream of clear, ice-cold water flowing straight from the peak of Mount Buffalo. Stop for a bracing dip into the depths of the refreshing granite pool, or continue along the walking track to scope out the upper and lower Eurobin Falls.
Fairy Cove, Wilson’s Promontory
While droves of Melbournians head to the world-famous surf coast for summer, the east side of Victoria has plenty of lesser-known coastline to get excited about. Tucked away in Wilson’s Promontory National Park and only accessible by foot, Fairy Cove is a wild oasis of crashing waves, ancient boulders and white sandy beaches.
Vaughan Springs, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Hidden away in the central goldfields—and an hour’s drive from Bendigo—Vaughan Springs is one of Victorian spa country’s best-kept secrets. This bushy, secluded swimming spot was built within the banks of the Loddon River a century ago, blocking out a wide freshwater pool for paddling on warmer days. Surrounded by dappled trees, picnic tables and electric BBQs, it’s worth packing the esky and a few snags and making a day of it with the crew.
New South Wales
Blue Waterholes, Kosciuszko National Park
A tiny piece of wild paradise hides between the ancient Clarke and Nichols Gorges in Kosciuszko National Park. Only a short drive or stroll from Blue Waterholes Campground, the turquoise-tinted swim spot is enclosed by towering limestone cliffs and lush, native bushland. It’s worth the trip purely to peep the bright blue waters fed by Caves Creek—owing their incredible hue to the water’s high calcium carbonate content.
Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains
Located in the Blackheath area in the depths of the Blue Mountains, this untouched swimming spot can be found at the base of an imposing sandstone cliff. Forming part of a 4km return hike through lush ferns, rocky formations and ancient trees, the Victoria Falls drop an incredible 20 metres over a steep rocky outcrop. Here, you can cool your head under the refreshing spray or float blisfully around beneath the massive canopy of native foliage.
Scouts Falls, Coffs Coast
It’s well worth the boulder hopping and creek crossings it takes to uncover Scouts Falls, where a high curtain of bracing water cascades into a deep, rocky pool. Hidden away in Sherwood Nature Reserve and surrounded by towering trees, it’s a dream spot to wash off the heat away from the crowds and soak up the area’s breathtaking beauty.
Queensland
Booloumba Falls, Conondale National Park
A 2-hour drive north of Brisbane, the Booloumba Falls walk takes you through ancient sun-dappled rainforests and past multiple cascades, falls and rock pools. The easy 3km hike offers up a range of secluded spots to cool off in refreshing mountain water—or dig into a picnic perched atop one of the ancient mossy rocks.
Fairy Falls, Cairns
While most Cairns locals head straight for the popular Crystal Cascades to cool off, a 15-minute trek past the main car park takes you through dense tropical rainforest and into a secluded (and croc-free) gully. Home to a small but peaceful swimming spot, these breathtaking falls carve a narrow path through the cliffs where you can dunk your head under a refreshing spray of water.
Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast
It’s hard to believe that anywhere close to Surfers Paradise could be quiet during the hotter months, but the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek hides a dreamy swim spot over on the Burleigh Head National Park side. Here, you’ll find a protected beach cove with twinkling, calm waters and a wide stretch of sand perfect for parking up with a towel and a good book.
Western Australia
Long Pool, Collie
Located within the idyllic picnic grounds of Wellington Forest, this secluded section of the Collie River is a glorious spot for swimming, kayaking and canoeing on hot days. Surrounded by lush peppermint trees with a set of stairs and jetty for easy access, Long Pool is a ripper place to kick back for the day and paddle around with mates.
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Image Credit: Parks Victoria, NSW National Parks, Queensland Parks and Forests, Collie River Valley & Tourism and Events Queensland