Natural swimming spots to keep you cool this summer

By Charlotte Anlezark, National Trust Conservation Officer and Ruby Vassallo.

Each year the National Trust (NSW) recommends a few of our favourite historic ocean pools that are perfect for a refreshing summer splash. This year, we’re exploring bathing spots that are hidden amongst some of the state’s most remarkable natural heritage landscapes – the National Parks of NSW. Safeguarding our landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and culturally significant sites, the National Parks are also home to some of the best swimming spots in the state.

Paradise Pool – Linden, Blue Mountains National Park

The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains area is comprised of a vast range of geological formations that sit across more than a million hectares of bushland. Located within the Country of six Aboriginal nations, including the Darkinjung, Dharawal, Dharug, Gundungurra, Wonnarua and Wiradjuri, these incredible landscapes house many significant First Nations cultural sites and a huge proportion of Australia’s biodiversity. Around 1,500 plant species, over 400 vertebrate animals, and more than a third of the nation’s bird species can be found in this unique environment.

The Blue Mountains National Park is also the location of Paradise Pool – a stunning natural swimming hole nestled at the bottom of a rocky walking track. The Paradise Pool trail is a roughly 3km return walk that starts in the residential streets of Linden before weaving through the scrub (make sure you keep an eye out for the beautiful flora and fauna on your journey.) A steep path then leads to a tranquil oasis below. Here you’ll find a peaceful retreat filled with a refreshing pool, ample shade, and even a waterfall. Pack a picnic and make a day of this dip – the flora is cool, the scenery is cooler and the water is pleasantly cold.

Maitland Bay, Bouddi National Park

A secluded spot perfect for a plunge in the ocean, Maitland Bay is hidden inside Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast of NSW. Located on the traditional Country of the Darkinjung Aboriginal people, there are 70 Aboriginal sites inside the perimeters of the parkland, containing over 200 significant objects.

Bouddi is a local Aboriginal word for ‘heart’ or ‘water breaking over rocks’ and the National Park is full of dense eucalyptus forest, heath and grassy woodlands, which open up to wide cliffs of yellow sandstone, and sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean.

Surrounded by the bushland of the National Park, Maitland Bay is sheltered by a small headland known as Bouddi Point, allowing for gentler waves than its neighbouring beaches. The water is often a clear blue-green, bookended by scenic sandstone escarpments at either end. On a clear day, you can see the Barrenjoey lighthouse and landforms of the Northern Beaches.

The bay can be accessed via a steep track from Killcare Heights, or along the Bouddi Coastal Walk that weaves along the water’s edge from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach. After a dive in the briny waves of the Pacific Ocean, see if you can spot the fossils of plants, fish and amphibians captured within the sandstone coastline.

Wottamolla Beach & Karloo Pool, Royal National Park

Established as Australia’s first National Park in 1879, the Royal National Park is also the world’s second oldest national park. Spanning over 150 square kilometres to the south of Sydney, it is situated on the land of the Dharawal people. Rock art and engravings, middens, grinding grooves and shelters throughout the park share insight to the lifestyle and cultural practices of the local Aboriginal people prior to colonisation.

Where the bush meets the beach, this stunning parkland makes the perfect place for a cooling dip after an adventure through nature.

Wattamolla Beach

With scenic views of the ocean and great facilities for a whole day of fun, Wattamolla Beach is ideal for families. Attracting over 300,000 visitors a year, this popular swimming spot features a show-stopping shoreline with invigorating cool waters. The beach serves as a junction between Coote Creek and the ocean, forming an estuarine lagoon featuring various water holes, falls and rock pools catering for the more adventurous visitors as well as the humble day-tripper.

Retaining its original Aboriginal name, meaning ‘place near running water’ Wattamolla features picturesque walking tracks, scenic picnic flats and many ways to enjoy the calm waters of the lagoon. It’s the spot to seek out for summer.

Karloo Pool

Feel like going a little more off road? The stunning Karloo Pool might be more your style. Located along the Karloo track, this pool is one of the more easily accessible locations in the Royal National Park and can be accessed via public transport (the trail begins at Heathcote Station). Throughout your adventures on the bushland track to the pool, you will encounter a vast array of native fauna such as bats, birds, amphibians and reptiles, as well as an array plant species including the protected waratah, cabbage palm, gymea lily and grass tree. Traversing through heathland, the descending path opens up to a lush oasis. After cooling off in Karloo Pool, visitors can continue along the 10km return track to the stunning Uloola Falls.

A note on safety and accessibility

Please note that many of these bathing places are visited via walking tracks through bushland and may not be easily accessible to everyone. Please check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website for information about access, health and safety before visiting these places.

Find out more

The National Trust (NSW) has been campaigning to protect NSW’s built, cultural and natural heritage for over 75 years. Find out more about our advocacy work.

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