6 Epic swimming locations near Sydney with waterfalls
Beat the heat this Summer with these top swimming spots near Sydney, complete with waterfalls you can swim under. They are all within roughly 2 hours from Sydney depending on where you’re located.
Nellies Glen
Nested in the Southern highlands, Nellies glen is spectacular swimming hole. It was recently used as a shooting location for a mount Franklin commercial, that what level of crystal clear water we’re talking about here. The Pool is deep enough to properly submerge yourself, but shallow enough in parts for even young children. This is definitely a swimming location for the must do’s list. Nellies Glen is located in Robertson, if heading down from Sydney, follow the Hume hwy south. If you’re after a whole day of activities there is plenty more to see in the area. While in the area, the township of Bowral is worth a visit and maybe even a feed. This is a short one, only 200 meters of easy walking the water.
Minnehaha falls
Out west in the Sydney’s adventure playground, the Blue Mountains, is this epic swimming hole. This pool is deep, deep enough to jump in from the rock ledges surrounding(don’t forget to check the depth of where you’re jumping first). This waterfall also isn’t national park so it’s even dog friendly! This walk is roughly 800 meters to the base of the waterfall.
Kelly’s falls
Between Sydney and wollongong at Stanwell tops is Kelly’s Falls. Similar to minnehaha falls in the fact that its a deep pool with rock jumping opportunities. The way down to this waterhole is a bit difficult, involving a bit of climbing, but is only a 300 meter walk down to the base of the falls.
Mermaids Pools
Up for some thrill? mermaid pools is definitely the cliff jumping capital of Sydney. An hour south of Sydney on the bargo river, this swimming hole is unique from the other mentioned due to its cliff jumping. The jumping platforms range from roughly 15 meters up to 30 meters. Keep note that there is no safe entry in and out of the main pull, if you want in, then you’re jumping. If adrenalin seeking isn’t your thing, the see thru pools just up stream provides for another swimming hole with a waterfall into it, wihtout the cliff jumping. The walk to mermaid pools is roughly 1km to the water.
Curracurrang Falls
Australia’s oldest national park, the royal national park, is home to this hidden pristine pool. Nested amongst palm trees, you don’t feel like you’re less than an hour south of Sydney. The sandy and rocky floor of this pool makes the water crystal clear, this swimming hole is the perfect summer chillout zone. This one is a bit longer at 2km to the water, but provides for an also walk. You also park at Wattamolla beach, with another waterfall you can swim under, but is often very crowed.
Upper Gledhill Falls
For a change of direction, this gem is found north of Sydney. In the Ku-Ring-Gah Chase National Park, there are no signs posted and no clear view of this waterfall from the road. So without knowing its there, you’d drive right past it. Lucky, we’ve got your back and are telling you about it now. Upper Gledhill falls is another quick one to get to, it involves a small amount of climbing but is only 100 meters to the water.
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