The Best Swimming Holes In NSW

Chasing the best waterfalls in NSW as well as the best swimming holes in the state? New South Wales offers plenty of stunning destinations to dip your toes and cool off in the warmer months. Pools, waterfalls, and gorges — clinging to the edge of cliffs, deep in remote bushland or within walking distance of a coastal rockface, beautiful swimming holes are scattered all over New South Wales. You'll have plenty to choose from on your trip to New South Wales! Let’s dive into the best swimming holes in NSW (as well as waterfalls you can swim in NSW!) to stop at on your upcoming campervan hire adventure.

 

Image: Destination NSW

 

The best swimming holes in NSW 

Waterfalls and swimming holes are the perfect addition to any NSW campervan itinerary. Pack a picnic and head to your local swimming spot to cool off at these amazing sites. You'll be rewarded with a complete sense of calm and, at the same time, a wondrous appreciation for the natural beauty of New South Wales. Here are some of the best places to swim on your upcoming trip. 

 

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is one of the most beautiful swimming holes in NSW. It's located in Katoomba in the iconic Blue Mountains National Park – an easy driving distance from Sydney and the perfect escape from the Sydney city hustle. While this track is only a 1.4 km return, the walk itself can take up to an hour as much of this walk involves steep hills with over 200 steps and ladders in some sections. Fletchers lookout is the perfect halfway stop to marvel at the falls as they plunge 100 metres to the valley floor. From here, it is only a few more minutes where Jamison Creek pools on one side, where you can cool off with a swim before making the return journey. Overall, it's a worthwhile stop if you like to swim or are an avid hiker keen to soak up the surrounding views in New South Wales.

 

Image: Destination NSW

 

Blue Pool 

Located in Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast, Blue Pool is as idyllic as it sounds. 

Tucked away at the bottom of the cliff, this glistening rock pool is the perfect mix of a man-made pool and the fresh salt water of the open ocean. Of the 100+ ocean-fed rock pools along the New South Wales coastline, Blue Pool is often ranked among the prettiest. After parking your campervan at the top of the hill on the main road, meander down to the top of the cliff, where you will find a staircase leading you to this 50m-long gem. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel! There is an abundance of marine life that call this pool home, including seas stars, fish and marine snails. 

Top tip: While there is a secondary car park a little further down at the top of the stairs, this car park is quite tight and not suitable for campers! So be sure to park your camper at the first car park and walk down the street to the entrance. 

 

Bogey Hole

Bogey Hole is located in Newcastle in King Edward Park and is a photographer's dream! This ocean-fed pool was hand-hewn by convicts for  Major James Morisset back in 1819. In fact, it is the earliest known example of a purpose-built swimming pool in all of Australia. This is one of the best things to do in New South Wales for history buffs and photographers alike! So bring your camera and your swimmers and soak in this beautiful and historic pool on your upcoming campervan trip. 

 

 

Image: Destination NSW

 

Somersby Falls

Somersby Falls is located on the Somersby Falls walking track in Brisbane Water National Park. After parking up at the upper picnic area, you will descend to the base of the falls along the steady 100m pathway with plenty of lookout stops to admire this waterfall along the way. In the summer months, the cool spray of the waterfall is a welcomed reprieve from the heat. However, these falls are particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall. Aside from being a glorious place to go swimming, this is also a great place to admire the local wildlife, including water dragons, frogs and goannas! 

Top tip: This area can be extremely busy on weekends and school holidays. If you want to beat the crowds, it’s best to visit before 10 am. 

 

Jellybean Pool

This sweetly named pool is located on the Jellybean track in the Blue Mountains National Park. This is another contender for top places to swim in the greater Sydney region. The Jellybean track itself is a short 1 km return track that leads to the calm waters of the Jellybean Pool. Surrounded by mountain spotted gums and grass trees, this spot is also a wildlife haven. Keep an eye out for kestrels, rainbow lorikeets and the dazzling blue kingfisher darting around this idyllic New South Wales swimming spot. 

 

Nellies Glen

Nellies Glen picnic area is located in Budderoo National Park, just two hours south of Sydney. This is one of those swimming spots that would be amiss without a good picnic and a whole day of exploring to go with it. So pack your campervan-friendly meal to go and grab a spot under the shade of a eucalyptus tree and enjoy your lunch to the soothing sounds of the waterfall. When you’re done, dip your toes in the water or go admire the local lookouts, such as the Missingham lookout track or the Carrington Falls picnic area. This is the ultimate bushland retreat you will not want to miss. 

 

Karloo Pool

Located on the Karloo walking track in the Royal National Park is the bushland oasis of Karloo Pool. After wandering through 5 km of stunning New South Wales bushland, this track delivers you to the base of a stunning reservoir. Whether you want to park up and enjoy a picnic, join the lizards by soaking in the sun on the rocks, or just float the day away in the water, this is easily one of the best swimming holes in NSW to spend a day! 

 

Where to stay in New South Wales

When travelling in a campervan, you have the luxury of taking advantage of low-cost and free camping options. Helping you to save a little on your campervan adventure. However, it's a good idea to have a few holiday parks on hand where you can pull up, charge your batteries, have a long shower and dump and fill your tanks. Here is a list of some of the best holiday parks to stay at during your campervan adventure in New South Wales. 

 

Katoomba Tourist Park

Katoomba Tourist Park is a stunning holiday park located within walking distance of iconic Australian attractions like the Three Sisters, Scenic World Skyway and the quaint (and beautiful!) Katoomba township. Whether you are simply in town to explore the local swimming spots or want to go a little deeper with local food, hikes, and other natural wonders of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba Tourist park is the place to do it. 

Location: 101 Katoomba Falls Rd, Katoomba

Cost: $49 for a powered campervan site per night

 

Image: Destination NSW

 

Blackheath Glen

Blackheath Glen is another great holiday park tucked away near the stunning Blue Mountains National Park. Set in the secluded bushland near Pope’s Glen, you can enjoy mother nature in all its glory. It is also a short distance to access the centre of Blackheath as well as the best swimming holes in the Blue Mountains. 

Location: 67-69 Prince Edward Street, Blackheath

Cost: Powered sites start at $47 per night 

 

Sapphire Coast Caravan Park

Sapphire Valley Caravan Park is the perfect camper home away from home. Set on 14 acres of natural bushland and within a 500-metre walk of shops and restaurants in Merimbula – this is the perfect place to base yourself on the NSW coast. Plus, with incredible facilities such as a complete laundry, pool, games room and a 9-hole put-put course, you also have everything you need to unwind and recoup after a long day exploring in your campervan. 

Location: 29 Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula

Cost: $50 per night for a powered campsite

Image: Destination NSW

 

Ready to dip your toes into these New South Wales swimming spots?

The New South Wales coastline is overflowing with stunning vistas and swimming holes to explore. Whether you are chasing waterfalls, you can swim in NSW or NSW rivers, NSW lakes, NSW pools or ocean dips – this state delivers some of the best places to swim in Australia. 

Ready to dip your toes into these iconic New South Wales swimming spots? Hire a campervan with Mighty today and start exploring. You can easily hire online or at one of our local Mighty branches, and then all there is left to do is start planning your adventure. Looking for more tips for your upcoming Australian road trip? Want to know the best and most underrated national parks in Australia, the fun and free things to do in Sydney and more? Check out the Mighty blog, where you will find everything from recommendations on the best holiday parks, the best travel itineraries through New South Wales as well as other things to do in New South Wales.