Luckily for us, there’s plenty of wonderful places in Melbourne and Victoria for us to stay cool on a hot summer’s day. From swimming pools to beaches, there’s lots of ways to have a splashing good time. But sometimes, you might want to stray away from these public areas to cool off in a hidden haven with crystal-clear waters. Journey around Victoria, and dive into some secluded swimming holes around the state. Surrounded by native bushland, these natural pools offer a cool respite on any hot day.
As with any activity in the great outdoors, there are some risks involved. Beware of any hazards like debris, rocks or water quality, and bring a buddy with you for safety. For more information about water safety, check out this handy guide from Parks Victoria. Now, without further ado, here are some of the best swimming holes in Victoria.
1. Pound Bend
The shallow pools at Pound Bend in Warrandyte are a popular place for swimming on a hot summer’s day. At just a 40 minute drive away from the city, this freshwater spot is accessible for any keen swimmers in Melbourne. You can also bring inflatable tubes for a lazy float down the river. Around the area, you’ll also find picnic spots and walking trails.
Some important things to note about this location. The man-made tunnel at Pound Bend is dangerous and must be avoided. Also, as Pound Bend is part of the Yarra River, it can get dirty. Avoid swimming at Pound Bend at least 48 hours after rain, and keep an eye on the EPA website to check the water quality.
📍Pound Bend Rd, Warrandyte VIC 3113
2. Laughing Waters
Laughing Waters is as inviting as it sounds. Cool down in this series of deep connected pools, surrounded by the beauty of natural bushland. There are some small rapids in the river, so you’ll want to be careful. There’s also no toilets or rubbish bins available. Find more details here.
📍Laughing Waters Rd, Eltham VIC 3095
3. Needles Beach
Werribee Gorge State Park is a wonderfully rugged natural wonder that’s roughly an hour’s drive away from Melbourne. Home to impressive geological formations, winding rivers and wildlife, there’s lots of things for you to see and do. Put on your hiking shoes and embark on a journey along the 10km Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk. This trek has no shortcuts and can be challenging, so reward yourself with a refreshing dip at Needles Beach. Complete with a sandy beach, this part of the river is deep enough for a good swim. The area gets its name from the towering rock wall next to the water. Consisting of vertical shale deposits, the formation resembles needles. You’ll find other freshwater swimming holes in Werribee Gorge, including the large Blackwood Pool. If you’re lucky, you might even find yourself paddling alongside a local platypus!
📍Werribee Gorge Circuit Track, Pentland Hills VIC 3341
4. Jebbs Pool
You’ll find the utterly tranquil Jebbs Pool nestled behind the Cumberland River Holiday Park, about 8km away from Lorne. Follow the flat walking track from the holiday park through the bush, and relax in this freshwater oasis. There’s both shallow bits and deeper areas, as well as natural rock waterslide. The space to land at the end of the waterslide is a bit tight, so if you decide to use it, it’s best to keep your knees tucked. More details here.
📍Jebbs Pool, Lorne VIC 3232
5. Gooram Falls
Roughly two hours drive north of Melbourne, you’ll find the pleasant Gooram Falls. From the carpark, you can take a pleasant stroll about 400m long towards the falls. Watch the water cascade over the rocks, admire the rock pools, then pop in for a refreshing swim. See more here.
📍1981 Euroa-Mansfield Road, Gooram, VIC 3666
6. Mackenzie’s Flat
Within Lerderderg State Park, you’ll find Mackenzie’s Flat. Perfect for families, this swimming spot along Lerderderg River is right near the carpark. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the grassy area, then enjoy a nice swim in the water. If you’re keen for more, take a 3.5km walk towards Graham’s Dam, and have a splash in the freshwater pool there.
📍591 Lerderderg Gorge Rd, Coimadai VIC 3340
7. Vaughan Springs
Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park has a couple of cool swimming holes for you to check out. One wonderfully scenic spot is Vaughn Springs. Located in the southern section of the national park, this serene area is great for swimming and picnics. Enjoy a bite to eat on the grassy area, sample the mineral water and have a splash in the river pool.
Another nice spot for the whole family is Expedition Pass Reservoir. This scenic reservoir north of Chewton is great for swimming, as well as fishing and canoeing.
📍Vaughan VIC 3451
8. Blue Pool
Tucked in Gippsland, about three hours away from Melbourne, you’ll find the dreamy Blue Pool. This natural pool is located in a gorge on Freestone Creek. Perfect for a summer’s day, this freshwater swimming hole is wide and deep. There’s a pebbly beach for you to relax on, as well as a giant rope swing. There’s a free camping site about 500 metres away from the pool if you’d like to stay for a while. If you’d like to stretch your legs after a swim, venture along the Peregrine Lookout Trail, and keep an eye out for falcons.
📍Briagolong VIC 3860
9. Ladies Bath Falls
Back in the early 20th century, travellers on the way up to the Mount Buffalo chalet would stop and cool off at Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls. As you can guess from the name, the women would refresh themselves at Ladies Bath Falls. There’s one trail available for you to visit the falls. From the carpark, journey along the Eurobin Falls Track, and discover the beautiful pool at Ladies Bath. Watch the water cascade over rocks and tumble into a clear pool of water, perfect for swimming on a hot day. Be careful when walking over the rocks, as they can get very slipper. After a dip, keep going on the track to see both Lower and Upper Eurobin Falls.
📍Mount Buffalo Rd, Bright VIC 3740
10. Venus Baths
Heading to the Grampians? Don’t forget to cool off in Venus Baths. This natural oasis is just a short stroll from the centre of Halls Gap. The naturally formed pools in the sandstone rocks get their water from Stony Creek. Bring a picnic or some snacks for a perfect day out. While you’re in the Grampians, don’t forget to check out the Grand Canyon.
📍Venus Baths, Halls Gap VIC 3381