The heat is here! You know, that time of the year when you break out into an instant full body sweat the moment you step foot outside. The kids are standing in front of the air conditioner vents with no plans of enjoying the outdoors. If you want to stay outside, you need a body of water to offer immediate relief to the sweltering heat. Living in Western Australia our immediate thoughts go to the beach. With the beach though comes limited shade options and then there’s the sand that seems to be a part of your DNA for the next month.
Luckily for us West Aussies, we are blessed with many beautiful swimming holes that are largely under utilised. These make for a great day trip from Perth, or an adventure further afield, and offer a unique swimming experience that the kids are sure to enjoy.
They also offer great sun protection, unlike a day at the beach, by way of shady trees. We’ve created a list in our Play in WA web app with 14 stunning locations, many of which are within a two-hour drive of Perth. Read on to find out more about these delightful swimming holes!
Important note: While natural swimming holes are a delight to explore, we recommend checking the water quality of any fresh water body before swimming, as harmful bacteria like amoebic meningitis may be present. Find information about water quailty at the end of our blog.
Perth and Surrounds
Bicton Baths (Bicton)
Arguably one of the best locations to swim on the famous Swan River. As the baths are situated in a tidal gorge, the water is heavily influenced by the ocean and is ultimately quite clean. A u-shaped jetty presents an exciting opportunity for the kids to get a bit of air on their jumps. The baths also offers opportunities to see dolphins and other aquatic life.
Chidley Beach Park (Mosman Park)
Chidley Beach Park is a stretch of sand and grassed area along the beautiful Swan River in Mosman Park. Harmless jellyfish provide a point of great fascination for the kids in the water, while BBQ areas cater for the parents. Bountiful shaded areas and crystal clear waters make this a perfect local venue for a family day out.
Matilda Bay (Crawley)
Matilda Bay has always been a popular swimming spot, and it remains one of the best spots Perth for families to splash, play, relax and engage with nature on the city’s doorstep. Matilda Bay is easily accessible and provides lots of shaded spots on the banks of the river. The river itself is suitable for a range of water activities, including canoeing, swimming, cycling and fishing. Kids will love jumping from the pontoon, and you might even spy some of the bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the Swan River!
Rocky Pool (Bibbulmun Track, Piesse Brook)
One of the more challenging swimming holes to access, perhaps one for those with adventurous ambitions. After a beautiful 5km walk you will feel well-rewarded when you reach the small pool. Check it out after rain has hit the city, for higher water levels and a faster flowing waterfall which add to the vibrancy of the location.
Serpentine Falls (Serpentine)
Serpentine falls is located just 55 kilometres southeast of Perth in the stunning Serpentine National Park. The base of the large waterfall offers an idyllic swimming location for the family, with the water on the cooler side. Wildlife spotting is also great for the kids; expect to see lots of kangaroos in the park. It’s a popular place on warmer days, so consider getting there early to secure a good spot. Please note there is a $15 per vehicle fee.
Regional Spots
Dwaarlindjirraap/Lane Poole Reserve (Dwellingup)
Lane Poole Reserve is a well-known gem approximately 90 minutes from Perth. Stunning forest surrounds a beautiful section of the Murray River offering the perfect place to take the kayaks out on the river. Great spot for a hike amongst the towering trees before cooling off in the waters. Ideal for an overnight stay with camping facilities close to the water, however it can get busy especially on the weekends.
Honeymoon Pool (Worsley)
Another aquatic gem located on the Preston River between Bunbury and Collie is Honeymoon Pool. The dark water lined by banks of overhanging trees offer plenty of shade options and puts the water temperature on the colder side. This is a great location for the family to escape the heat of the more extreme days of summer. There are some mild hazards at this location so consider bringing some floaties or a boogie board.
Long Pool (Wellington National Park, Collie)
Little-known Long Pool misses out on all the plaudits of nearby Honeymoon Pool, but that only this location even more special. Secluded, with few crowds and a spectacular swimming space shaded by peppermint trees, Long Pool is a top choice for a quiet, family adventure.
Lake Leschenaultia (Chidlow)
Lake Leschenaultia is a human-made recreational lake just under an hour east of Perth. The white sand lining the shore is perfect for a picnic, there is also a café on the bank. A tranquil and scenic location makes this a fantastic option for a morning or afternoon from Perth to escape the city. Swim out about 50m to the pontoon and watch the kids practise their diving and “bombie” skills jumping into the water.
Barrabup Pool (Nannup)
This divine natural water hole outside of Nannup , is about 40 minutes south-east of Busselton. With the comparatively remote location comes seclusion. A very peaceful and picturesque location with a great jetty to jump off however perhaps bring life jackets for younger children, as the water gets deep very quickly.
Lake Brockman (Cookernup)
Located about halfway between Mandurah and Bunbury, Lake Brockman is an expansive lake perfect for water activities. Popular for boats for water skiing and wakeboarding. Camping or accommodation options are available near the lake making this an ideal weekend getaway for the family. A large playground has also been recently constructed for the kids to enjoy when they are not cooling off in the lake.
Moore River (Guilderton)
Just an hour’s drive north of Perth, the Moore River is a popular swimming spot with picturesque views. A sandbar separates the river from the ocean, allowing visitors to have the best of both worlds! The river’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and fishing, whilst the stronger ocean waves are great for body boarding.
Barrett Street Weir (Margaret River)
While better know for its beaches, Margaret River’s Barrett Street Weir, tucked down a side street just a 15 minute walk from town, is a gorgeous freshwater swimming hole. The water gets deep quickly so bring some floatation devices to splash around on. This part of the river is great for launching a canoe/kayak/paddle board and making your way up-stream, taking in the beautiful bushland that flanks the river.
Weano Gorge/Handrail Pool (Karijini)
This swimming spot is certainly off the beaten track but is truly amazing, and the brilliant part is the fun you’ll have getting there. The kids will love scrambling over rocks, paddling through water and squeezing through the narrows of the Jurassic Park surroundings.
Jump on the Nature Play in WA app to see the whole list!
While natural swimming holes are a delight to explore, we recommend checking the water quality of any fresh water body before swimming, as harmful bacteria like amoebic meningitis may be present.
Water Quality Information:
Swan/Canning Riverpark – Perth Metro locations
Metro Dams – Serpentine Dam
Shire of Harvey – Lake Brockman
Shire of Mundaring – Lake Leschenaultia
Explore Parks WA – Barrabup Pool
National Park closures and emergency information:
Severe summer weather conditions often brings fire risk and park closures. Be sure to check the latest information about closures and bushfire risk at https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/
Looking for more fun things to do over the Summer holidays? Download our 25 Things to do in Summer resource and see how many you can tick off the list!