Bogey Hole, NewcastleCredit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a swim at Bogey Hole ocean pools in Newcastle at sunrise.
Ready to dive in? New South Wales offers endless ways to cool off in nature’s most beautiful settings. From sparkling ocean pools and secret waterfalls to natural springs, NSW is brimming with swim spots to refresh or explore your adventurous side.
Whether you’re chasing coastal charm or inland tranquility, pack your swimmers, grab your sunscreen and explore these stunning NSW swim spots to make your summer unforgettable.
Coastal Classics and Ocean Pools
More than 100 ocean pools sparkle along the NSW coast, offering special swimming spots and picturesque stops on coastal road trips. Start your summer by the sea at Bogey Hole in Newcastle, NSW’s oldest rock pool hand-carved out of the rock platform in 1819. This heritage-listed gem offers dramatic views and a refreshing dip.
If you’re in the Sawtell and ECO-certified destination Coffs Coast area, the Sawtell Memorial Rockpool is a beautiful spot with its natural rock bar edge and prime position tucked into the headland.
For another showstopping ocean pool experience, head to the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool in Kiama. This family-friendly pool sits right by the famous Kiama Blowhole, offering calm waters and amazing coastal views – the perfect place to cool off after exploring one of NSW’s iconic attractions.
Or go further south to the Sapphire Coast to visit the spectacular Bermagui Blue Pool, a natural rock pool with turquoise waters and sweeping coastal vistas. It's ideal for a sunrise swim or family day out.
Bogey Hole, Newcastle Credit: Time Out
People enjoying a dip in the Bogey Hole, Newcastle.
Bogey Hole, Newcastle Credit: Time Out
People enjoying a dip in the Bogey Hole, Newcastle.
Bermagui Blue Pool, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
Couple at Bermagui Blue Pool, Sapphire Coast, NSW
Bermagui Blue Pool, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
Couple at Bermagui Blue Pool, Sapphire Coast, NSW
Waterfalls and Natural Pools
Trade the beach for the bush and relax in some of NSW’s spectacular waterfalls.
In the Southern Highlands, cool off in the natural pools at Bargo State Conservation Area, where swimming spots at Little River and Moore Creek offer refreshing bushland escapes.
Or head to the ECO-certified destination Blue Mountains, where you can visit Blue Pool in Glenbrook (check conditions with the National Parks Information Centre at the Glenbrook Park Entrance before swimming) or the Victoria Falls waterhole for serene swimming spots.
Further north, Unicorn Falls in the Tweed region is a hidden gem with a serene swimming hole, perfect for those looking for off-the-beaten-path beauty.
Inland Escapes
For something truly unique, head inland for thermal pools and hidden swim spots surrounded by rugged bush and epic scenery.
Explore Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in Kosciuszko National Park, a 27-degree pool which is a year-round favourite fed by a natural spring. Views don’t get better than this in the Snowy Mountains, swimming surrounded by alpine scenery and limestone caves.
Or visit Sofala near Bathurst and try your luck panning for gold dust in the Turon River - and if fortune doesn’t strike, you can still enjoy fishing and swimming in its cool waters.
Note: follow this helpful advice to ensure you stay safe and well during your visit to New South Wales:
Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Couple explores the Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Yarrangobilly, Snowy Mountains
Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Couple explores the Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Yarrangobilly, Snowy Mountains
Gold Panning, Sofala Credit: Destination NSW
Gold panning guide and family in Sofala
Gold Panning, Sofala Credit: Destination NSW
Gold panning guide and family in Sofala
More Inspirational Stories
Sails Port Macquarie by RydgesCredit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the Hastings River from Sails Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie.
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Take a relaxing, rewarding road trip along the southern sections of the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive, hugging the picturesque coastline north of Sydney to the beachside holiday destination of Port Macquarie, where laidback locals include heart-melting koalas. With a total driving time of less than five hours, you’ll never spend long in the car as you spend memorable days enjoying pretty beaches, great seasonal food in charming seaside towns and expanses of preserved natural beauty.
Activate holiday mode on the Central Coast
Start your epic drive by rejoicing in a string of beautiful beaches on the Central Coast, an hour’s drive north of Sydney. Refresh with an ocean swim or ease into a relaxed frame of mind with a stroll around the seaside villages of Ettalong Beach and Avoca and the larger beachside town of Terrigal.
Grab an energising caffeine hit at Lords of Pour in Ettalong, or linger in Terrigal for a long lunch at The Tropic at Terrigal Pavilion, where you can take in panoramic ocean views as you tuck into the coastal-inspired menu of spaghetti vongole, kingfish carpaccio and fresly shucked oysters, or take your taste buds to Italy at Lago Cucina, a contemporary Italian trattoria on Lake Budgewoi.
If you want to extend your stay, rest your head at the brand new voco Gosford, a 130-room lifestyle hotel boasting a podium-level swimming pool, swim-up bar and five hospitality venues all overlooking the tranquil Brisbane Waters.
Embrace the new in Newcastle
Follow the curves of the coast northward for another hour to the vibrant port city of Newcastle. Learn about the changing face of Newcastle as you pedal through alleys splashed with street art on a cycling tour with Newy Rides.
Then take a morning coffee break at Autumn Rooms on the bustling Darby Street which has perfected the art of traditional cafe fare, before joining fun-loving locals for an aperitivo at light-filled Humbug, a neighbourhood wine bar where the homemade pasta and noodles warm the soul.
Soak up more Newcastle history along with a slice of urban luxury at the slick QT Newcastle, where chic metallic furnishings reference the city’s mining heritage. Head up to the rooftop bar to bask in the golden glow of sunset with a cocktail in hand, then enjoy a hearty meal of local produce at in-house Jana Restaurant and Bar.
Avoca Beach, Central Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Woman heading out for a morning surf at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
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Avoca Beach, Central Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Woman heading out for a morning surf at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Pair nature with fabulous food in Port Stephens
Get back to nature in a big way in Port Stephens, less than an hour’s drive north of Newcastle. Get a buzz watching wild dolphins frolic in the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park on a cruise with Moonshadow–TQC Cruises, work up a sweat on the 2.2km-return Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, or simply seize the opportunity to laze on picture-perfect Zenith Beach.
Toast to a day well spent with an ice-cold Little Beach Lager at Below Deck marina café and bar. Perched over the azure waters of Nelson Bay and surrounded by bushland, it’s a dreamy location to catch the sunset. Then head upstairs to savour the setting along with contemporary dishes celebrating the region’s bounty at Little Beach Boathouse restaurant.
Retire for the night in luxury at The Anchorage in Corlette, where sweet dreams come easy after an indulgent visit to the hotel’s Spa Lucca.
Breeze along the Barrington Coast
Slow down to fully appreciate the spectacular scenery as you trace the blissful Barrington Coast, north of Port Stephens, perhaps pausing for an invigorating dip at Blueys Beach, one of the region’s prettiest stretches of sand. Or take a longer break to immerse yourself in nature on the 7.3km Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track in Booti Booti National Park, which pairs inspiring views with sweet swimming spots.
Continue on the coast road to the seaside town of Forster, where the soothing blue waters of Wallis Creek set the tone for a relaxing long lunch at Mediterranean-inspired Isola Riva, housed in a historic boatshed overlooking the water. Or keep it casual with an ultra-fresh fish and chips feast by the water at Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-op, just across the Coolongolook River in Tuncurry.
Push on to Port Macquarie for the night, or check into Forster’s Dorsal Hotel, where you can wake up with the sun in its ocean-facing rooms, refreshed and ready for your final leg of the trip.
Peace out in Port Macquarie
Savour the last hour or so of your road trip as you drive past the lush farms, coastal national parks and lazy rivers of the Manning Valley on your way to Port Macquarie. When you arrive, take your cues from resident koalas — which you might be lucky enough to spot along the 1.3km rainforest boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park — and relax.
A leisurely walk along the expansive Lighthouse Beach is a great way to wind down, followed by a moreish seafood meal at Bills Fishhouse and Bar or the iconic Whalebone Wharf, where you can slurp oysters to your heart’s content. Top off your trip with a calming soak in the private outdoor spa pool of your quaint cottage at Telegraph Retreat, just 15 minutes north of town.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the coastal views along Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens.
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Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the coastal views along Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens.
Whalebone Wharf, Port Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
The interior of the Whalebone Wharf seafood restaurant with views across Hastings River, Port Macquarie.
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Whalebone Wharf, Port Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
The interior of the Whalebone Wharf seafood restaurant with views across Hastings River, Port Macquarie.