While Sydney is known for its sparkling beaches, there are stellar swimming holes, creeks and rivers in and around Sydney that are absolutely worthy of your summertime swims.
Most of these require a short bushwalk to enjoy, so pack your towel, swimmers, water, and snacks and prepare for a super satisfying swim. These are the best swimming holes, creeks and rivers to swim in near Sydney.
Editor's note: these swimming holes are unsupervised and unpatrolled places to swim. Make sure you check NSW National Parks alerts and warnings.
The Best Swimming Holes Near Sydney
Mermaid Pools
Tahmoor
You’ve probably seen incredible snaps of the Mermaid Pools, so it’s about time you made a plan to visit this spot that's about a 75-minute drive southwest from Sydney.
The 8.7-km loop trail takes around three hours to complete, with a few river crossings and a dip in the beautiful Mermaid Pools swimming hole breaking things up. People have been injured jumping into these pools in the past, so be careful and always check for alerts in the area.
Clarence Dam
Blue Mountains
Rope swings, cliff jumps and a whole lot of water to swim in—Clarence Dam is bush swimming at its finest.
When you punch ‘Clarence Dam’ into Google Maps, it will paint a route to ‘Dam Cliffs’ but fear not—this is the right place. Follow Chifley Road until you come to a clearing, which is where you’ll throw your towel over your back and wear out those Tevas down a 200-metre track towards one of the best natural swimming holes near Sydney.
Lovetts Pools
Ku-ring-gai National Park
These small, calm pools are the ideal spot to cool off on a hot day—especially if you don't mind sharing your swimming hole with some of the local wildlife.
They're not super deep, so better for a dip than a proper swim, but very easy to access down a series of unmarked bush paths from the Elvina car park.
Upper Gledhill Falls Swimming Hole
Ku-Ring-Gai National Park
You’ll find this epic little swimming hole inside Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, just below the actual Upper Gledhill Falls. The natural swimming spot spans about 10 metres and while you’ll definitely have to Bear Grylls it for a bit, making your way over big rock formations to get to it, it’s very much worth the effort.
There’s everything from shady enclaves, a rope swing, and a sandy beach to set yourself up on for the day as well.
Jellybean Pool
Blue Mountains National Park
If you're bound for the Blue Mountains and in search of a quiet spot for a dip, Jellybean Pool is a must-visit. Use the Glenbrook access point, park up at the Glenbrook Information Centre and take the quick stroll down to the pool.
There's small sandy beaches, and plenty of shade from the towering gums—you might even spot a kingfisher.
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Blue Pool
Budderoo National Park
Blue Pool is a natural swimming spot that sits about 50 minutes southwest of the 'Gong. It’s not the kind of place you can easily Google, as its name is regularly misconstrued, its location is a bit vague and it’s often confused with the Blue Mountains’ Blue Pool Walking Track or Bermagui ocean pool.
Regardless, it’s well worth the weekend road trip as it’s packed with long, beautiful walks, lookouts, waterfalls and, of course, a beautiful blue swimming hole. For more on this swimming hole near Sydney, check out this guide.
The Best Creeks And Rivers To Swim In Near Sydney
Karloo Pools
Royal National Park
Accessible through the Karloo Walking Track, which is a medium track ideal for those wanting a quick nature fix in Sydney, the Karloo Pools is a swimming hole near Sydney worthy of your next weekend adventure.
The walk also leads you to Uloola Falls where you can picnic the day away while gazing upon the scenic waterfall and natural surrounds. You can even make a weekend out of it, camping at the popular Uloola Falls campground, but bookings need to be made in advance.
Simmo’s Beach
Macquarie Fields
This in-land beach and bushland swimming hole needs to be high on your swimming bucket list this summer.
Located on the Georges River Corridor, this has been a local go-to for a long time and the area sports walking trails (we suggest hitting Simmo’s Track which does an easy 4km loop through the entire reserve), BBQ, picnic areas, and a kayak ramp.
Bob Turner Track Swimming Hole
Colo River
Bob Turners Track was originally a packhorse route. You can access this hike about 500m from the Ampol service station on Putty Road. Follow the signage towards Bob Turners Track and you’ll end up at a park to leave your wheels for the day and kickstart your hike.
The track drops 350 metres down into the Colo River on the edge of the Wollemi wilderness, so wear some solid walking shoes because you’ll be crossing a series of gullies. The swimming hole can be found at the bottom of Bob Turners Track, at the junction of the Colo River and Hungryway Creek.
South West Arm Pool
Royal National Park
Another goodie inside the Royal National Park is South West Arm Pool. If you’ve got a thing for rope swings, cliff jumps, rocks to sunbake on and lush forest, we reckon you’re going to absolutely love this lil’ cracker of a place.
Google Maps your way out to the Royal National Park, and then take a left onto Warumbul Road once you’re inside. From here, keep rolling on until you get to the Winifred Fire Trail, which is where you’ll want to start by foot to the South West Arm Pool. You’ll hit Winifred Falls first, but the true swimming mecca is another few hundred metres downstream.
McCarrs Creek Reserve
Church Point
Flowing from Ku-ring-gai Chase into Pittwater near Church Point, McCarrs Creek is an easily accessible waterway with plenty of spots prime for a dip on a summer's day.
At the Reserve, there's a big grassy area for drying off, plus seating, BBQs and picnic facilities making it a prime spot for a day out with a group. Bonus: this spot is a dog off-leash area Monday-Friday in the signposted area.
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Image credit: Destination NSW, Stephen Broome, Nick Rickert