8 of the best waterholes

8 of the best waterholes

It's not too cold yet to go and find some of these rippers of waterholes to plunge in, swim in or even skinny-dip in if you're game. 

Probably my favourite swimming hole in NSW, in Bungonia Gorge

I was recently asked by a reader of my blogs to come up with a list of great swimming holes within a couple of hours' drive of Sydney. There are so many out there, so I don't pretend this is an extensive list - just some of my favourites. Please feel free to add your own via the comments at the bottom. But also, some of the best waterholes are those that you stumble upon, and actually aren't that keen to divulge to others - they're part of a whole bush experience.
Still, this little list should provide some fun to those partial to a soak in the wilds. Be warned that some waterholes are probably quite polluted immediately after small amounts of rain.

1. Kariong Falls, Central Coast

Kariong Falls, Central Coast

Water cascades into a deep pool with a sandy bank. The pool is hemmed in on two sides by a large sandstone overhang, with a red hand stencil high on the wall. You can walk to Kariong Falls via the delightful little Wondabyne Railway Station or Woy Woy Bay. Track notes are in my book, Top Walks in NSW.

2. Gibberagong Waterholes, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A delightful little surprise in a fairly untrodden part of this national park, Gibberagong Waterholes are high up Cockle Creek, and a fairly easy walk in from the end of Grosvenor Street in North Wahroonga.  Last time I went there they were so cold I could only stay in for seconds, so be prepared to warm up on the walk out.

3. Upper Gledhill Falls, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Over the past decade, I've had so many great experiences at this waterhole, as it is the waterhole commonly visited by campers at Camp Kedron. One favourite memory was about 100 leaders and campers crammed in there after a massive food fight that we'd had at camp. Found at the sharp bend in the road a couple of hundred metres up McCarrs Creek Road from The Duckhole, it has room for a couple of cars to park beside the road, or others can park at The Duckhole and walk up. Jumping in off the cliffs is not advised as the bottom has several large boulders that can't be seen. If you have the time, walk down the creek, past The Duckhole, to the much more impressive Lower Gledhill Falls.

4. Jellybean Pool, Blue Mountains National Park

Just a five-minute walk from the car, this is one of the best, easily accessible swimming holes in the Blue Mountains. Of course, that can make it really popular on hot weekends. It's right near the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park, and suitable for little kids and families.

5. Empress Falls, Blue Mountains National Park

Canyoners reach this deep, big waterhole, by abseiling 30 m down Empress Falls, which is truly a great experience and highly recommended. But walkers can also get there simply by walking down the popular Valley of the Waters walk from Conservation Hut. It is a steep walk down, and when you walk back up you'll wish you were back in the water. There are some good spots to jump in from (keep an eye out for ropes and abseilers from above), and the bottom is sandy.

6. Figure 8 pools, Royal National Park

The delightful Figure 8 pools, Royal National Park

The only saltwater pools that I've included, these are just so delightful that they are worthy of inclusion. Only accessible about two hours either side of low tide, they are found on the rock platform two headlands south of Burning Palms Beach, which means a bit of a hike however you come in. They're not so much swimming holes as beautiful plunge pools, although it could be interesting to stay a while with a mask. A wonderful treasure that most people miss in this very popular park.

7. Bungonia Gorge, Bungonia National Park

I think my absolute favourite swimming hole in NSW is in this gorge, but there is no direct track there.  Track notes again are in my book Top Walks in NSW. Best route is probably via the steep and slippery White Track to the bottom of the gorge, then follow the gorge upstream until you find it. There are a few lovely waterholes on the way, but one is just superb and you'll probably only share it with a few thirsty wallabies. Give yourself plenty of time to walk out.

8. Wollondilly River Station, Southern Highlands

Gorgeous emerald waterhole at Wollondilly River Station

At one end of the main camping area is this little emerald-coloured waterhole. It's a bit rocky on the feet, and can be freezing, but it is truly a beautiful little spot for a dip.