📍53 Best Wild Swimming Holes To Visit This Australia Day. (2024.)

Greater Brisbane.

As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is the beating heart of the state. With sky rises and suburban sprawl, it wouldn’t appear that the city wouldn’t have many places where one could find to wild swim in a natural setting.

But there are two spectacular offshore islands and a beautiful national park on the mainland proving otherwise.

1. Walkabout Creek/ Enoggera Reservoir.
(D’Aguilar National Park.)

If driving from east to west, the first place within the national park you will come across is Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

But it’s more than just an information area. There’s also a cafe, a few walks and a function centre for that special occasion too.

For many people, though, Enoggera Reservoir is what they drop by for. As the closest natural swimming hole near Brisbane, this serene lake is the perfect place to get back to nature without driving too far. 

And for those who love going in the water but not getting wet, kayaking is also a beloved activity people do here.

Gold Coast.

Just over an hour’s drive south of Brisbane is the Gold Coast. Famous for fun, the coastal city has a cornucopia of exciting activities every traveller can enjoy, and for the wild swimming enthusiast, there’s a handful of beautiful places to go.

From endless beaches, picturesque creeks and stunning waterfalls, the Gold Coast delivers some of South East Queensland’s most beloved swimming locations.

2. Coolangatta Beach, Greenmount Beach/ Snapper Rocks.

When it comes to beachfront swimming, the Gold Coast is awash with so many choices that it can get overwhelming to choose which one to go to.

I won’t go into those but my favourite is Burleigh Heads because it toes the line between the quintessential Gold Coast vibe but is also slightly less busy than Surfers Paradise and somewhat feels like a small coastal town. 

But if you want the full beach scene but aren’t a fan of the waves, head right down to the border with NSW and you’ll find Coolangatta Beach and Greenmount Beach near the famous surfing heaven Snapper Rocks.

As the Gold Coast’s only northward-facing beaches, they are sheltered from the sea and provide a great sandy swimming location for younger members of the family or folks who aren’t the most adequate swimmers but would still like to play in the water. (Both beaches are patrolled.)

3. Tallebudgera Creek.

For a stunning coastal experience on the Gold Coast that’s even more protected from the waves, a fantastic family-friendly place to wash away sweaty armpits is Tallebudgera Creek just before it empties into the ocean.

Situated between Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera, the sheltered waters are an inviting deep crystalline blue accessible from both sides. 

Tallebudgera has a large car park and is close to the creek providing easy access to the stunning swimming location, while the northern side has two access points.

The first one from the Burleigh Heads side has a small car park on the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre exit and is a short walk to Echo Beach. 

The second way is to walk through stunning Burleigh Head National Park from Goodwin Terrace. A few trails crisscross the small park, but the epic lookouts are worth visiting. 

And if you continue through, it also eventually leads to Echo Beach, where you can cool off in the gorgeous creek after working up a sweat. It’s a great way to tick two of the city’s best natural attractions along the coastline in one fell swoop.

4. Currumbin Creek.

A little further down the coast is the equally splendid Currumbin Creek. It’s not only a fantastic place to take the family swimming but engage in some other water activities that require calm waters, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. 

What makes it even better is that the southern side has Currumbin Rock, a stunning, rugged rock formation that juts impressively out of the landscape. And on the northern side is Palm Beach, a dog-friendly place where 4-legged pals can enjoy the picturesque creek or the ocean waves free and unleashed.

5. Currumbin Valley Rock Pool.

Inland from Currumbin along a series of roads that run parallel to the border lies the Currumbin Valley Rock Pool.

Situated right beside Currumbin Creek Road, the beautiful, spacious natural swimming hole is the perfect place to stop and enjoy the mountain-fed waters before it flows to the sea at the aforementioned Currumbin Creek

If you keep driving, there’s another Gold Coast attraction, the Cougal Cascades (Springbrook National Park), a small, picturesque waterfall. 

All three can easily be ticked off in one day and it’s a fantastic way to experience the beaches, creeks and hinterland of the southern part of the Gold Coast in one fell swoop.

6. Cedar Creek Falls.
(Mt Tamborine.)

One of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful places to cool off is in the fresh, clean, mountain-fed waters of Cedar Creek Falls.

Located on the lower part of the mountain on the north side, a short walk takes you alongside Cedar Creek, past a few waterfalls and plunge pools, before arriving at a rugged swimming hole in the lower part of the cascades.

It’s a scenic little adventure through gorgeous scenery, and relaxing in the natural infinity pool in this spectacular environment is a fantastic way to experience Mt Tamborine.

7. Bochow Park.

On the windy road between Nerang and Mulliminbah, lies the Natural Bridge (Springbrook National Park – Natural Bridge Section). It’s a spectacular geographical formation where a waterfall flows through the ceiling of a cave and is one of the main reasons people take this route.

While it looks like the perfect place to go wild swimming, it’s a fragile ecosystem so it’s prohibited to protect the environment and its inhabitants.

A little further north, however, is another beautiful place where swimming in the natural environment is permissible. Bochow Park is easily accessible 4.4kms away from the Natural Bridge and also sits on the Upper Nerang River. 

It’s a beautiful spot where you can play in a stunning freshwater mountain-fed waterhole and also have a picnic or BBQ. It’s so quiet and serene, you could easily spend a multitude of hours here and just enjoy the picturesque landscape.

8. Warringa Pool.
(Springbrook National Park.)

The Warringa Pool Track is a 6km trail that takes in the spectacular Purlingbrook Falls Circuit before branching off an additional 1km parallel to the Little Nerang Creek.

The walk has breathtaking views of the canyon, beautiful cliff faces, crystalline creeks and stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Purlingbrook Falls. 

At the end of the branch track, Warringa Pool awaits with a gorgeous small waterfall and a stunning swimming hole that is as peaceful and serene as it is beautiful. 

It is cold, but for those who brave it, it’s a fantastic experience. 

Note: Be aware that because it lies at the base of a canyon, it gets darker earlier, so ensure you have plenty of time to get back before it does.

Sunshine Coast.

On the other side of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast. The drive takes about an hour and a half to get there, but then you will be amongst some of the best and most beautiful wild swimming holes in South East Queensland. Choose between taking a dip at gorgeous waterfalls, crystalline creeks, and secluded beaches, just to name a few.

9. Alexandria Bay.
(Noosa National Park.)

Noosa National Park has its own beach. But it’s not a regular, easy-to-access one as is typically found. Alexandria Bay requires some legwork to get to, but if you’re up for a mini walking adventure through the bush to get there, you will uncover a beautiful secluded beach. 

The National Park has many paths crisscrossing it, but the Coastal Route is the most scenic route and heading in from the southern entrance is the way to do it.

It navigates past the rugged coastal cliffs of the Devil’s Kitchen before reaching Alexandra Bay. Wild swim in the beautiful waters off this stunning isolated beach and live out your Pirates Of The Caribbean shipwreck adventure (But don’t drown. There are no lifeguards here.)

And whether you venture forth or head back the same way, make sure to check out Hells Gate at the northernmost point of the national park for an even more incredible section of rugged coast.

10. First Bay Coolum.

Coolum is a gorgeous seaside town near the top of the Sunshine Coast. As with much of the region, the coastal areas have plenty of great beaches to swim at, but First Bay Coolum is one of the most picturesque.

Because it sits lower than the town and is surrounded by stunning cliff formations, the unpatrolled beach feels like you’re a world away. 

It’s perfect escapism and a great place to wild swim.

11. Ewen Maddock Dam.

As most people come through the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, Ewen Maddock Dam is the closest inland natural swimming hole to the capital city. 

Located 6km on the other side of the Bruce Highway near Caloundra, there are lots of things to do at the peaceful lake, including swimming.

Take a dip in the areas marked with buoys and enjoy splashing in the water days.

12. Gardeners Falls.

Further west towards Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland lies a quaint little hidden waterfall. 

Gardeners Falls lies a couple of minutes away from the picturesque town and is the perfect place to cool off on those steaming hot, sweaty armpit summer days.

Choose the shallow areas before the waterfall, explore the deeper plunge pool, or even go further downstream to where it is quieter as this little slice of paradise gets busy the hotter it is.

13. Baroon Dam.
Southern Recreation Area.

Head north from Maleny along North Maleny Road, and it will take you to Baroon Dam’s Southern Recreation Area. Here you can do an assortment of water activities including going for a relaxing swim in a beautiful natural environment. 

It’s a lovely place to spend some time, and with the Ewen Maddock Dam, Gardeners Falls and Baroon Dam being so close to each other, you can easily tick these three freshwater swimming holes off in one day. 

14. Kondalilla Rock Pool.
(Kondalilla National Park.)

Kondalilla’s main walk is to the gorgeous Kondalilla Falls. Before the Skene Creek tumbles over the falls, it passes through the Kondalilla Rock Pool. 

Featuring its own waterfall, this stunning naturally-occurring infinity pool has some lovely views overlooking the Obi Obi Valley.

Whether you swim it on its own or before or after doing the 300 steps to the bottom of Kondalilla Falls, the Kondalilla Rock Pool is undoubtedly one of the Sunshine Coast’s best freshwater swimming holes. 

Ipswich.

In the city southwest of Brisbane, the river is where you will find Ipswich’s best wild natural swimming holes. There are only two spots along the Brisbane River to choose from, but they are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

15. Colleges Crossing.

Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, Colleges Crossing is Ipswich’s best and most iconic outdoor attraction and a favourite place to live out one of Australia’s quintessential pastimes: river swimming. 

It’s not only a great place to take a dip in a stunning natural setting, but with numerous picnic tables, BBQs, playgrounds, a cafe, a walking trail and boat ramp and lots of open space, you can easily spend several hours here enjoying the outdoors.

What makes it even better is that it’s dog-friendly, so you can take your puppy on a fun play adventure with you and make new memories with them too.

Note: Partial reopening from 29/04/23

16. Kholo Bridge.

Another beautiful natural swimming location near Ipswich is Kholo Bridge. Unlike Colleges Crossing that’s equipped to the T with BBQs, benches, fields and playgrounds, Kholo Bridge has none of the Christmas tree trimmings. 

As the name suggests, this location is right by a bridge, and the rest is nature taking its course, so it’s a great place if you want your wild swimming to be just that: wild. 

A popular activity to do here is jumping off the bridge into the cold frigid waters below. It’s a decent but exhilarating drop, especially for the kids. 

There are often people there daring to see if their friends will take the plunge, so you’ll know where it’s safe to jump if you’re cunning enough to leap. 

(If no one is there, I think there is a gap in the railing which is where people jump from (on the northern end on the right if coming from the south), but be sure to check the depth of the water before you go in and ensure no logs, debris or anything else is lodged there for some reason. If unsure, don’t jump in.)

Moreton Bay.

Moreton Bay, directly north of Brisbane has fewer places for nature swimming but of the couple there are, they are lovely places to visit.

17. Sylvan Beach/Pumicestone Passage.
(Bribie Island.)

The waterway between the mainland and Bribie Island is known as Pumistone Passage and it’s a sheltered saltwater channel perfect for a relaxing beach swim. 

Sylvan Beach on the island is a great spot to splash around in the water while stand-up paddleboarders, kayakers, windsurfers and paragliders will also enjoy the calmer waters.

Oh, and there are lovely views of the iconic jagged peaks of the Glass House Mountains in the background to enjoy too.

18. Red Beach.
(Bribie Island.)

For a more true-to-style wild beach swimming experience, Red Beach on the southern side of Bribie Island is a fantastic hidden spot. 

From the western side of the island to the dog beach on the eastern side, Red Beach is an untouched paradise that will make you feel a world away, so pick a spot and enjoy the serenity.

19. Rocky Hole.
(D’Aguilar National Park – Mt Mee Section.)

Mount Mee Forest Drive is a 16km road that sees many natural attractions. There are a couple of short walks and lookouts along the way, but the Rocky Hole is what you’re seeking.  

It’s a stunning picture small waterhole towards the northern end of the Mt Mee section and is a peaceful spot to splash around in the water and a highlight of the drive. 

Somerset.

Like Ipswich, Somerset’s natural swimming spots are also on the Brisbane River. Situated further upstream, these secluded locations are the perfect place to get back in touch with nature.

20. Twin Bridges.

Somerset’s most well-known wild swimming hole is Twin Bridges.

Located just north of Fernvale along the Brisbane Valley Highway, the Brisbane River, fed by the region’s biggest dam, Lake Wivenhoe, is a great place to take families for a cooling dip thanks to its calm waters.

The gentle slope down to the water also means getting boats, kayaks and other watercraft in and out of it a breeze. 

It’s just a beautiful place to spend a few hours in a serene, natural environment.

21. Savages Crossing.

Back in Fernvale lies another lesser-known freshwater swimming location a few kilometres downstream along the Brisbane River.

Unlike Twin Bridges where there’s only one entry point into the water, Savages Crossing lies at a flatter part of the river meaning you can find a little slice of paradise all for your lonesome. There’s also lots of tall grass surrounding the water so get yourself a hidden place and frolic without prying eyes.

22. Lake Wivenhoe – Logans Inlet Day Use Area. 

Lake Wivenhoe is South East Queensland’s largest dam and supplies Brisbane and the greater Ipswich region with water. It’s also a beautiful spot to visit with the family and kids in tow. 

Picnics, BBQ and an assortment of watersports are some of the beloved activities people enjoy doing in and around the lake. 

There’s also a spot where people can take a swim and enjoy splashing around in the water for a while. 

23. Lake Somerset – The Spit.

A little further north, Lake Somerset’s The Spit offers a similar experience to Lake Wivenhoe. There’s lots of space and tables for people to have picnics and BBQs and people love heading out on the water and doing things like swimming, boating, kayaking, sailing, tubing and windsurfing.

Gympie.

Amongst the long list of things to do and see in Gympie, the city and region of the same name is touristically known for a couple of things: its gold mining heritage, fishing opportunities and its spectacular coloured coastline fringing a spectacular national park. While the former two don’t yield any safe swimming possibilities, the latter provides a handful of incredible places to enjoy nature from the water.

24. Rainbow Beach/ Coloured Sands.
(Great Sandy National Park. – Cooloola Section.)

Nestled within the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park lies the quaint, picturesque town of Rainbow Beach. While there’s a patrolled beach right in front of the main thoroughfare that provides a safe environment to take a dip, heading further south offers a more authentic wild swimming experience.

There are no roads to this breathtaking destination. Just walk along the beach until you reach the spectacular coloured sands that make Rainbow Beach famous. From here to the headland, there is nothing but towering cliffs of rock and sand of varying hues. 

And because it extends for over 10kms, you can have a spot to yourself. There is no place more picturesque to go ocean swimming than across these incredibly unique geographical formations.

(But take care where you put your stuff or sunbake as this stretch of sand is also a 4WD beach track, and you don’t want you or your belongings to get run over.)

25. Inskip Point.
(Great Sandy National Park. – Inskip Section.)

On the other side of Rainbow Beach, Inskip Point sits at the northernmost point of the Inskip Peninsula at the top end of Great Sandy National Park on the mainland. It’s the southern gateway to Fraser Island and a fantastic camping and ocean swimming spot.

While the campground primarily caters to 4WD enthusiasts due to the soft, sandy surface, you can still set up shop in a conventional vehicle in one of the campgrounds that allow 2WDs. 

But that is not what makes Inskip Point such a great place to wild swim. It’s that the campgrounds are right next to the beach, so during the day, you needn’t stray too far from your tent to frolic in the ocean. Choose to take a dip in the waves on the eastern side of the peninsula or in the sheltered waters on the western side. 

If the point is too busy, there are kilometres of oceanfront between Rainbow Beach and Inskip Point where you can find a place for yourself sans beach drivers. Win-win.

26. Searys Creek.
(Great Sandy National Park. – Cooloola Section.)

The coloured sands and Inskip Point might be the main attractions along this stretch of coast, but just before you get to Rainbow Beach, there’s a glorious little crystal-clear freshwater swimming hole that you shouldn’t pass up.

Depending on what time of year you arrive, Searys Creek’s water can either be a vivid yellow or a plum red (not unlike pee or murder, which is thankfully not why it is like that, or at least, I don’t think.) And while it is rather cold to enter despite being a small creek, it’s a lovely place to cool off on a hot day.

But if you are only here to wild swim, you’ll miss out on a fantastic family-friendly adventure. Although it may not seem like it at first glance, Seary’s Creek is an excellent place to go snorkelling. Because it is such a narrow waterway, everything is condensed. So when you look beneath the water, everything is super clear and close. 

You needn’t put in any effort either. Let the current take you down the stream, where you’ll glide past tree roots, fallen logs and all sorts of underwater vegetation.

If you’re lucky, you may see tiny fishes, yabbies and maybe even one of the resident eels! All-in-all, wild snorkelling in this small waterway always equates to a magical and unforgettable experience.

27. Mothar Mountain Rock Pools.
(Woodum National Park.)

While most of the swimming locations in the greater Gympie region are toward the coast, there’s one not far off the highway you can enjoy if you’re not ocean-bound.

Mothar Mountain Rock Pools lies in Woodum National Park and is a beautiful small waterfall that cascades into a larger basin. It’s only a short walk from the car park, and it’s a fantastic place to take a swim and escape the summer heat, although sometimes the waters are stagnant and uninviting.

Even if you do come when it’s like that, it’s still a beautiful place to visit, and the proximity of the rocks to each above the falls makes it a fun place to explore by rock-hopping. 

Bundaberg.

More than halfway down the coast of Queensland lies Bundaberg, where there is a world of things to do and places to see. None of which are more spectacular than what lies underneath the water. That’s because Bundaberg lies at the southernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef, and with such a prolific ecosystem surrounding its shores, you know there are some tremendous wild swimming locations.

28. Nielsons Beach.

Starting with the mainland, Nielsons Beach is a fantastic spot to swim in the ocean. It is the region’s most popular bathing beach thanks to its location in Bargara, Bundaberg’s largest coastal town.

The patrolled beach is also conveniently opposite the Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park Bargara, so those looking for a beach getaway with the family will love vacationing here.

29. Kellys Beach.

Sticking with the Bundaberg suburb of Bargara, Kellys Beach is another place that offers a classic beach experience. As another easily accessible patrolled beach, it is a beautiful place to play in the sand, wild swim in the ocean or ride in the ocean waves on a boogie board under the protective eyes of lifeguards.

30. The Basin.

If you love swimming in the sea but aren’t an experienced swimmer or a fan of waves, The Basin provides a lovely sheltered area separate from the sea. 

It’s especially great for small kids because while it is pretty shallow, there is still plenty of space to place. 

Not only that, it’s a good place for them to try out snorkelling. Small fish reside in The Basin, and they will have a fantastic time searching for them and discovering small corals along the way too.

31. Mon Repos Beach.

Another beautiful stretch of sand on the mainland worthy of your time is Mon Repos Beach. Offering up all the usual appeal of hitting the beach, Mon Repos stands out above the rest of Bundaberg’s mainland coastal attractions thanks to its popularity with nesting turtles and their tiny hatchlings.

Every year between October and December, majestic sea turtles haul themselves up onto this iconic beach to lay their precious eggs. Then between January and March, after the babies have incubated for a while, they break free from their warm, sandy nests and waddle their tiny, adorable asses to the ocean.

While unlikely to chance upon any turtle action happening during the day, and the beach is closed at night during the entire season to allow the turtles to do their turtle thing), you can claim bragging rights to say you wild swam or surfed in the waters off a famous turtle nesting beach, which is pretty damn cool. 

For the best chance of seeing turtles nesting and hatching, the Mon Repos Turtle Centre offers ranger-guided tours at night during turtle season, where you can get up-close experiences with them.

32. Mon Repos Tidal Lagoon.

Adjacent to Mon Repos Beach lies the Mon Repos Tidal Lagoon. It’s a beautiful inlet protected by the sea, and, as the name suggests, its water level is affected by the tide. 

That doesn’t mean you need to be there at a certain time to get the best experience because this hidden saltwater swimming hole is a fantastic place to play in the water. 

It’s perfect for people of all ages, but those with kids will appreciate it the most because the area close to the path is shallow, so littlies can splash around. The other side of the sandbank is perfect for older kids as it’s over a metre deep, and they can wild swim more immersively.

It’s just a great place to visit all around, and if you decide you would rather be in the waves, Mon Repos Beach is a short wade through the water away.

33. Oaks Beach.

If you find yourself further up Bundaberg’s coastline around Burnett Heads, the shoreline is covered in black boulders, which doesn’t bode well for swimming. Thankfully, a small cleared section of the coast known as Oaks Beach allows you to swim in the ocean without worrying about getting swept onto rocks. 

34. Theodolite Creek
(Burrum Coast National Park.)

Bundaberg may not have many national parks on the mainland, but Burrum Coast National Park in the region’s south is a fantastic place to get away from it all. While some walking tracks and campsites are only accessible by 4WD, there are plenty of places a conventional vehicle can get to if you want to take a dip in the ocean. 

While you will have a lovely experience anywhere along this stretch of coast, one place in Burrum Coast National Park not to be passed up is Theodolite Creek.

A short drive from the national parks township of Woodgate, Theodolite Creek is a stunning place to enjoy numerous water-based activities. Not only does it feel like a world away, but it is also calm, shallow and sheltered from the sea. It’s the perfect place for people of all ages, especially kids, to wild swim, kayak and play in the water.

35. Lady Elliot Island.

Way offshore off the coast of Bundaberg is the southernmost island on the Great Barrier Reef. With anything coming under that area, you know it will be not only a spectacular place to wild swim in the Wide Bay Burnett region but an incredible place to be, full stop. And Lady Elliot Island is no exception. 

But people don’t go here just to wild swim. Damn, you’d be missing out on a lot if you did. Snorkelling and diving are the activities of choice here. There is a shallow reef known as the lagoon that surrounds the island, but slightly further out, it drops off into deeper water, and that is where the good stuff lies. 

Venture out on your own or take an included tour with the tour guides on a glass-bottom boat and snorkelling adventure and discover a myriad of colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and perhaps even a friendly reef shark!

It’s a fabulous way to explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef. And whether you choose a day trip or stay overnight at the island’s accommodation digs, you will leave with incredible wild swimming memories which will last a lifetime!

Note: As a traveller, you can only get to the island with a tour or if you stay overnight, but you can also go if you navigate a boat there.

36. Lady Musgrave Island
(Capricorn Cays National Park.)

Lady Musgrave Island, part of the Capricorn Cays group, lies 100km north of Bundaberg and is the cream of the crop for wild swimming and snorkelling.

Also forming part of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island differs from Lady Elliot Island in that the latter is an established resort, while the former is virtually an untouched wilderness. 

And that’s what makes it so special. It’s one of the few places where you can experience nature as untouched as it comes these days.

But it also depends on how you go about visiting the island. Tours allow you to explore the beautiful lagoon and briefly the island for the day.

Or get a camping transfer and discover the incredible coral cay in your own time and in a much more intimate and personal way. I did this for a week, and it was one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever done in my life so far.

It will increase your chances of seeing more of the Great Barrier Reef’s most spectacular creatures like majestic sea turtles, enormous grey nurse sharks and groupers.

And if you go during turtle nesting season, you can see female green and loggerhead turtles come up on the shore and lay their eggs, something you can’t do with a day tour.

Alternatively, you can stay at the luxurious Pontoon just off the shore.

No matter which way you go about it, Lady Musgrave Island is by far and away Bundaberg & Gladstone’s most spectacular swimming destination. 

Toowoomba.

From the undulating hills in the lowlands to the mountainous peaks and the isolated lakes, the Darling Downs gateway city and region of Toowoomba has a bit of everything, including a handful of beautiful places where you can frolic in some soothing and serene waterways.

37. Kauyoo Pool.

The first waterhole is Kayou Pool at the base of the incredible boulder-strewn Cascades. While the water here is shallow, it is a beautiful place to sit in the creek and admire the spectacular landscape.

If it is not busy and you are lucky, you may even spot a gorgeous rock wallaby. These cute furballs can bound up sheer cliff faces with astonishing ease.

38. Bottlebrush Pool.

The second natural pool you will come across in Crows Nest National Park is the Bottle Brush Pool. The waters are a bit deeper here, so you can have a more immersive experience soaking in the scenery of Crows Nest Creek.

It is a stunning natural setting and a lovely place to float on your back and watch the clouds converge and dissipate as the day goes by.

Western Downs.

Heading towards the Outback from regional Toowoomba will land you in the Western Downs. This Darling Downs sub-region surprisingly has some gorgeous swimming locations.

39. Lake Broadwater.

Lake Broadwater, not far from Dalby, is the only naturally occurring freshwater lake in the Darling Downs and makes an excellent place for birdwatching. It is also a lovely place to have a pic-a-nic and play in the water. 

The calm waters make it an ideal spot for a splash in the water to cool off on a hot day. And afterwards, slip around to the fantastic hot showers behind the toilet blocks and get changed so you won’t have to marinate in lake water for the rest of the day. Win-win.

40. Tara Lagoon.

In the middle of the Dalby, Miles and Moonie triangle lies Tara. This small town on the Surat Developmental Road has a beautiful natural waterhole within walking distance of the CBD named Tara Lagoon. 

The gorgeous waterway is lovely to walk around and let the old legs have a stretch-a-roo, but if it is hot out, also a fantastic place to take a dip. 

Adding to the fun is a rope swing too, so those who want to enter the water with more flair can do so with a splashdown. 

It is the perfect way to combine an immersive experience in the Darling Downs while also taking the heat off on those sweet, sweaty summer days. As a bonus, there are hot showers to cleanse off in afterwards too.

41. Brigalow Creek.

Flowing through the tiny town of Meandarra in the Western Downs’ southwest lies another beautiful freshwater swimming hole. 

Brigalow Creek is a quaint little waterway by a free overnight rest area perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring local attractions such as the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum and the Meandarra Statue. 

42. Caliguel Lagoon.

If the trifecta of seclusion, tranquillity and stillness sounds like an appealing way to wild swim, then a deviation to Caliguel Lagoon is a must. This stunning remote water hole with newly renovated parklands is one of the region’s most inviting places to spend a few hours. 

Not only is it one of the Western Downs’ most easy-to-access places for a freshwater swimming experience, but it is also a peaceful place to paddle the canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Better yet, the stunningly Caliguel Lagoon is also a free camping site. Yup, that’s right. You can pitch your tent, caravan or motorhome by the gorgeous waterway, light a campfire, roast some marshmallows under the stars and get the ultimate country experience for absolutely no cost. It is experiencing life at its most pure and is a must-visit if travelling through the Western Downs.

43. Chinchilla Weir.

Whether heading to the bi-annual Melon Festival or just seeing what’s out Chinchilla way, visiting the Chinchilla Weir is a must. 

As one of the Western Downs’ most scenic spots along the Warrego Highway, the impounded lake is a fantastic place to take a load off and enjoy some picturesque views.

With newly revamped public areas and facilities, it is a beautiful spot to pull out the picnic basket or enjoy some leisurely outdoor activities, like kayaking, boating and swimming.

It’s also a great place to hole up for the night because, like Caliguel Lagoon and Brigalow Creek, it’s free to camp by the water, making it the perfect place to drop by, especially out this far west where the towns are o far apart.

Ballina Shire.

Not far south of Byron Bay lies Ballina. Surrounding the Richmond River, Ballina offers a less hectic experience than its northern neighbour, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some great natural swimming holes of its own.

44. Lighthouse Beach.

Ballina’s most popular beach is Lighthouse Beach. It’s a beautiful sandy beach that’s not only a fantastic place to wild swim in the sea, but there’s also a lookout that overlooks the stunning coastline and glistening ocean, making it a great place to observe any marine animals, like dolphins and whales breaching the surface. 

Nearby, there’s also the Richmond River lighthouse, which, while not the most impressive warning light, is only a short walk away, meaning you can knock off a couple of Ballina’s attractions in one fell swoop. 

45. Lennox Head Beach & Lake Ainsworth.

The delightfully quaint coastal town of Lennox Head has a dual natural swimming experience conveniently within the township. First off is Lennox Head Beach, a beautiful long stretch of beach right in front of the town. It’s a great place to go ocean swimming, surfing and all manner of water sports that require wind and waves.

Not far behind the beach and within walking distance of town is another stunning place to wild swim. Affectionately nicknamed Coca-Cola Lake by the locals, Lake Ainsworth is a beautiful small water body with a brownish tinge similar to the famous carbonated beverage flavour. 

The beach and lakes’ proximity to each other and the town is perfect if some of your group like the waves while the rest prefer calmer waters.

Perhaps you’ll feel like activities that require calm water, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or kiteboarding are great activities to do in addition to swimming that day. Or maybe you like the kind of sports that require waves such as surfing, body boarding, paragliding or kite surfing. Or a mix of both. In that case, Lennox Head is the perfect 2-for-1 swimming destination. 

46. Killen Falls.

A few kilometres inland from Lennox Head lies the unassuming village of Tintenbar. But don’t be deceived by its apparent lack of ceremony because Tintenbar is home to one of the Northern Rivers’ most spectacular waterfalls. 

Killen Falls is a few kilometres off the Pacific Highway and is fed by the Emigrant Creek Dam. A short walk takes you to a viewing area of the top of the falls before it heads to the bottom where you can see it in all its glory.

Instead of a typical cliff face, Killen Falls plunges over a gaping overhang allowing you to walk behind the spectacular curtain waterfall. 

Not only that, you can wild swim in its refreshing waters and enjoy this breathtaking landscape in a much more interactive way. Who would have thought a gem like this could be so close to a national highway.

Greater Darwin.

Darwin is a gorgeously modernized city that sits at the top of continental Australia, but something that won’t be escapable is the heat. It’s seriously hot and humid up there. Thankfully, Greater Darwin is known for having some of Australia’s most spectacular natural swimming holes.

47. Darwin Waterfront.

Starting in the Northern Territory’s capital, Darwin Waterfront doesn’t quite count as a “wild swimming hole”, but it also doesn’t not count as one either. 

While the beaches around the city are lovely, swimming is ill-advised. As inviting as they look, there’s a risk of sea-faring crocs looking to take a chomp out of you. There’s also the concern of jellyfish encounters which will elicit a painful sting.

So as a way to combat casualties, Darwin created Darwin Waterfront, a modern swimming precinct with dining venues and shops to explore. While the wave pool isn’t au-naturel, the beach and recreational lagoon are free-to-use, ocean-fed beach-lined swimming areas cordoned off by a wall to keep the crocs out while lifeguards monitor the jellyfish situation. 

It’s not exactly the natural swimming spot you’d expect, and there are no waves like you’d get at a typical beach. But it’s got all the salty goodness of the ocean without the potential for disaster, making it a fabulous place to cool off on those dastardly hot summer days. 

Plus, tiny fishes swim around in the shallows, and there are sections with seaweed at the deeper end that creates a somewhat authentic feel, so bring along a snorkel as well if you wish to go for the full, oceanic experience in a safe environment.

48. Lake Alexander.

Another beautiful place to go swimming in Darwin lies in the East Point Reserve in the city’s north. The reserve is historically notable for the role it played during World War II when Japan bombed Darwin.

With so many of its buildings and structures remaining scattered throughout the parklands as well as a museum, it’s a fantastic place to learn about the city’s war history.

But it’s not just history that attracts locals and visitors alike. People love coming here for recreational activities and exercise, such as swimming, walking, biking, picnicking, kayaking and photography. 

And with so many things to do at East Point Reserve, taking a dip in the lake after exploring the rest of the parkland is the perfect way to unwind and escape the sweaty armpit-inducing humidity Darwin is famous for.