The Blue Mountains are absolutely full of incredible swimming holes. Whether it’s at the bottom of a waterfall, in a gorge, or sublime pools surrounded by bush land - you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to where to take a dip.
Many can be reached via a short stroll, whilst a couple require a little more exertion. We’re sharing all our favourite spots, including lots of hidden gems.
If you live in Sydney and are also interested in wild swimming close to the city, check out this post.
Here are the best swimming holes in the Blue Mountains.
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1 - Glenbrook Gorge
2 - Minnehaha Falls
3 - Pierce’s Pass
4 - Dalpura Canyon
5 - Crayfish Pool
6 - Pool of Diana
7 - Jellybean Pool
8 - Glenbrook Giant Pool
9 - The Grand Canyon
10 - Asmodeus Pool
11 - Jack Evans
12 - Empress Falls
13 - The Blue Pool
14 - Paradise Pool
15 - Victoria Creek Cascades
16 - The Grose River at Faulconbridge Point
17 - Shaws Pool
18 - Pool of Siloam
19 - Victoria Falls
The most beautiful swimming holes in the Blue Mountains
1. Glenbrook Gorge, Glenbrook
Distance: 3km return (can be less if preferred)
Difficulty: Easy, but some rough patches and stairs
It’s hard to believe this wild and wonderful gorge is less than an hour from Sydney city centre! Swimming in the deep green water beneath the towering gorge walls has that true into the wilds feeling. The walk into the gorge is less than a kilometre each way, although you can walk a lot further if you choose.
Once inside the gorge, all that’s left to do is find your own little sandy beach and relax in the peace and serenity of this truly beautiful setting. Accessing the water is easy as you can walk straight off the sand without having to negotiate any rocks.
When looking for your perfect swimming spot take note of the current, which can be very strong when the water level is high. After swimming, the walk back out of the gorge is quite steep, but it doesn’t take long and it’s so worth it.
You can read our full guide to Glenbrook Gorge here.
2. Minnehaha Falls, Katoomba
Distance: 2.5km return
Difficulty: Easy, but with a couple of steep staircases
Minnehaha Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in all the Blue Mountains. The fact that it has an emerald green swimming hole at the base is the icing on the cake. It’s a spectacular place for a dip.
The pool is small though, so it’s perfect for a few people, but you don’t really want to pick this one on a warm Saturday afternoon when it can become crowded.
The walk to get to the falls has some lovely views and is just 2.5km return. There are a couple of steep staircases, but there are handrails, so you don’t need to worry about slipping.
You can read our full guide to Minnehaha Falls here.
3. Pierce’s Pass, Bell
Distance: 6.2km return (plus 400m if you want to visit all the swimming spots)
Difficulty: Moderate, lots of stairs!
The pools along Pierces Pass are located on one of the most spectacular stretches of river we’ve seen anywhere in the Blue Mountains. Taking a dip in the crystal clear water surrounded by huge boulders and towering mountains is nothing short of magical.
Although you could take a dip right off the main track, there are several more secluded options. The deep pools have a wild untouched beauty that makes you forget everything but where you are in that exact moment. It is pure Robinson Crusoe vibes and one of my favourite spots in the Blue Mountains to date.
The downside? It’s quite the hill to climb after your swim and the walk is relatively lengthy. Accessing the pools themselves is easy though as you can step straight off the river bank into that crystal clear water.
You can read more about how to find the best pools in this guide.
4. Dalpura Canyon, Bell
Distance: 6.1km return, or a 5.3km circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
Dalpura Canyon is spellbinding. With luminous green water and a shaft of light casting an ethereal glow, it looks otherworldly. I have never seen water colour quite like it. Swimming here has the wow factor moment and though the pool is not large, it’s deep and rock free through the middle, allowing for a proper swim.
The water is relatively cold by most people’s standards, so if you're not used to cold water swimming, expect it to be bracing.
Though the 6.1km return walk begins as a normal hike through the bush, you will then enter the canyon and the rest of the way to the waterfall pool is all off track.
This involves wading through water, which can be up to shoulder height, climbing up log jams and small cascades, and a couple of steep downhill sections where care should be taken. There is no phone signal and conditions can change following rain when debris may wash into the canyon. Do not attempt during rain or after heavy rain when flash flooding can occur.
You can read exactly what to expect from this adventurous hike in our Dalpura Canyon guide.
5. Crayfish Pool, Glenbrook
Distance: 2.1km return
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Crayfish Pool has the wow factor. When I saw it for the first time I immediately knew I was looking at one of the most beautiful wild swimming spots in NSW. The shimmering green pool is deep and more than big enough for a proper swim.
The pretty waterfall cascades into the pool and you’re surrounded by fern covered cliff walls. Swimming here is magical.
It generally doesn’t get too busy because the trail is off a dirt road and un-signposted. It’s a fairly steep climb down and parts of the path are not in the best condition.
There is also one scramble, and for that reason I’d highly recommend wearing shoes with good grip.
Accessing the water requires climbing over a couple of rocks, but it’s not difficult (you could also take the slightly overgrown path to the little beach which allows access into the water without the need to climb over the rocks). The difficult part is tearing yourself away again…..
Directions to the pool can be found in this post.
6. Pool of Diana, Newnes Plateau
Distance: 2.5km return
Difficulty: Moderate
The Pool of Diana is a real beauty. Set in a gorgeous honeycomb coloured overhang you’ll find a perfect sandy beach, deep emerald pool and picturesque waterfall. From inside the pool you can look out to the towering pagodas beyond. It’s idyllic.
The 2.5km return walk to reach the pool is a mix of fire trail and a rougher track, but there is no technical terrain and it’s generally pretty easy.
The route is mainly downhill on the way, so it’s a bit of a climb back up after your swim, but it doesn’t take too long.
Once you're there entering the pool is easy as you can walk straight off the sandy beach and into shallow water. It gets deeper as you come closer to the falls and there’s plenty of room for a proper swim.
This part of Newnes is very remote, so it’s not advisable to visit alone unless you are carrying a PLB.
Directions for the pool as well as what to expect from the access road are in this guide.
7. Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook
Distance: 200m return
Difficulty: Easy
Jellybean Pool has a wonderful setting, nestled in-between the cliffs and abundant eucalyptus trees. The pool is really big so there’s plenty of space to swim and relax. When you catch it on a quiet day it really is idyllic.
In summer the water is really warm, so this is a great option for those who aren’t keen on the cold water found in some of the pools which don’t receive much sun.
It’s easy to access the water as you can walk straight off the sandy beach and into the shallows.
The walk to Jellybean Pool is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes from the nearest car park. It’s downhill on the way and the path is well maintained.
You can read more about Jellybean Pool in our detailed guide.
8. Giant Pool, Glenbrook
Distance: 2.6km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Glenbrook Beach offers a pretty spot to while away a day dipping in and out of the water. However, venture just a few hundred metres beyond the beach and you’ll come to one of the best wild swimming spots in the Blue Mountains, Giant Pool.
It’s bigger than an olympic pool, yet hemmed in by cascades, boulders and rock walls, which give it a secluded feel. The deep green pool is simply stunning and it’s places like this that had us fall in love with the Aussie bush in the first place.
The walk to reach the pool is short at 2.6km return, but it is steep in places and there is one easy scramble to negotiate. Climbing into the pools is generally easy, though there are one or two rocks to to climb over at most of them (though Glenbrook Beach has sandy access).
There are also many other pools both up and downstream of Giant Pool, so you could easily spend a day waterhole hopping along the creek.
Directions for the pools are in this guide.
9. The Grand Canyon, Blackheath
Distance: 5.1km return
Difficulty: Moderate
This is the Grand Canyon, but not as you know it. Hiding just a short distance from the ever popular walking track you'll be able to experience the majesty of the canyon from a whole new perspective.
Once you’re inside the slot canyon, it’s like entering another world. It’s a wild place with impossibly high canyon walls, giant boulders and endless cascades and waterfalls.
However, the best swim spot is very close to the main walking track, so you don't need to go far off track for the chance to swim in this incredible 30m pool.
The sculpted canyon walls are covered in ferns and tower above you, blocking out almost all light. It definitely puts the wild into wild swimming. The first half of the pool is shallow, but the second half is very deep and perfect for a chilly, but incredibly atmospheric swim.
To reach the pool requires a 5.1km return walk, the last 350m of which are off track and require care as you'll need to negotiate some slippery rocks and logs. This should not be attempted after heavy rain when the creek will be up, making entering the canyon a potentially dangerous endeavour.
You can read more on how to find the pool, and canyon safety advice in this guide.
10. Asmodeus Pool, Wentworth Falls
Distance: 2.3km return
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat
Asmodeus Pool is one of my favourite spots on this list. It's far from the biggest, but the atmosphere is simply otherworldly. A waterfall cascades into a deep pool and the towering canyon walls give it a dark and mysterious feel, even on the sunniest of days.
It's quite simply a dream destination and it’s nicely hidden away, despite being just moments from a popular walking track. The return trail is a mere 2.3km, although there are a fair amount of stairs to climb on the way back. It's not signposted and does require climbing over a boulder to access the water, but it's otherwise an easy enough walk.
All the details on finding the pool, as well as another secret spot nearby are here.
11. Erskine Creek via Jack Evans, Glenbrook
Distance: 2.7km return
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Yes it's another spot in Glenbrook, but what can we say? It's clearly the home of wild swimming in the mountains! Erskine Creek is a glorious place to go for a dip, with clear green water and a large sandy beach to relax on.
You don't want to visit after a long dry spell or the water will be too shallow, but otherwise it's perfect. You’ll be surrounded by dense forest and a tall sandstone cliff which makes you feel tiny as you swim by.
The 2.7km return walk to get there is along a very well maintained track until a short section at the end which requires a little boulder hopping.
Although it is almost all uphill on the way back, it's never overly steep, and it's well worth the effort for the chance to experience this wonderful secluded spot.
You can read more in our detailed guide to the Jack Evans Track.
12. Empress Falls, Wentworth Falls
Distance: 1.8km return
Difficulty: Easy (but a lot of stairs….)
Provided you go when it's quiet, swimming at Empress Falls is about as atmospheric as it gets. The canyon walls feel impossibly high from inside the pool and no matter how many times you’ve seen the waterfall, swimming there will definitely give you a completely different feeling.
Even when the flow of the falls is pretty good there isn’t much current in the water, so it’s a leisurely place for a swim. And when it comes to the scenery, it really does have the wow factor.
The walk to Empress Falls is only 900m and though steep, the path is in excellent condition, so it's an easy enough climb. Getting into the water is easy as even the rock inside the pool is grippy and you can just step right in. The pool is quite small, but it’s actually very deep so you can swim off straight away.
The water is very cold, so this probably isn’t an ideal first wild swim, but when you get out you’re guaranteed to feel more alive!
For more details check out our Empress Falls guide.
13. Blue Pool, Glenbrook
Distance: 600m return
Difficulty: Easy
Blue Pool is located very close to Jellybean Pool, but sees less visitors. It’s a fantastic place to swim with lots of space and no rocks to bump into (that I have ever found anyway!).
The water is deep almost immediately and you can step straight in and start swimming without having to negotiate any rocks. Of all the spots on this list, this is the one where I would say you get the best chance for a really long swim because the pool just goes on and on.
It’s a gorgeous colour unless you go after heavy rain when it can turn a more greeny brown colour. If you’re visiting after rain, make sure to leave a couple of days in-between to make sure there is no urban runoff.
The walk to get there is only around 300m each way and though it has a few uneven steps, it’s not a difficult trail. Make sure you park at the Blue Pool car park, not the one for Jellybean Pool, or you’ll have to walk along the road for a bit.
14. Paradise Pool, Linden
Distance: 2.8km return
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Paradise Pool is one of my favourite places to swim in NSW. Not only is the pool large and deep, but there aren’t any submerged rocks for you to bump into, so a swim here is truly relaxing. The waterfall running into the pool and the fern covered cliffs all add to the paradise setting - yes it does live up to its name!
There’s a little sandy beach to relax on and the whole scene is just stunning.
The walk to get here is only 1.4km each way, but part of the track is unmaintained and a little rocky. None of it requires scrambling, but I would wear shoes with some grip. It’s all flat and downhill on the way and then you have a bit of climbing to do on the way back.
Paradise Pool does get busy though, so if you can’t visit midweek and you’re looking for a quiet swim we’d recommend coming very early in the morning.
You can read our full guide to the pool and walk to get there here.
15. Victoria Creek Cascades, Mount Victoria
Distance: 4.2km return
Difficulty: Hard
We hadn’t seen pictures of these cascades before visiting and they were so beautiful I thought they were actually Victoria Falls itself! The cascades are absolutely spectacular and tumble into a large swimming hole.
The water is deep enough for a proper swim, although there are a few rocks to watch out for. This is one of those spots where you can’t help looking around in awe of your surroundings.
To access the water you have to walk over a couple of rocks which can be slippery, but it’s not too difficult. There are lots of the little fish that take a nibble if you stay still long enough, so ticklish people should beware!
The walk to get down to the cascades is very steep (but the track is in excellent condition) which seems to keep crowds away and you’ll very likely get this spot to yourself.
You can read more about the trail in our detailed guide.
16. Grose River at Faulconbridge Point
Distance: 15.5km return
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
This is an option for those that like a long walk, or you can cover around 11km of the distance on a bike before you need to start hiking. Your efforts will be rewarded when you reach the pristine swimming hole, which you will likely get all to yourself. It’s so spectacular and has the most fabulous remote feel.
The water is crystal clear and you can see all the way to the bottom at all times, despite the fact it is very deep. The surrounding mountains and forest, as well as the huge boulders will make you feel like you've just landed in your own private patch of pristine wilderness.
It’s magnificent, and a wonderful place to laze around, with the large flat boulders offering a smooth surface to bask on inbetween dips.
The final part of the walk is on a rougher track and you'll have to negotiate a ladder and rope climb to reach the pool, but if you're up for an adventure it's well worth it.
You can read all the details in our Faulconbridge Point guide.
17. Shaws Creek Pool, Hawkesbury Heights
Distance: 2.1km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Shaws Creek Pool is about as off the beaten track as it gets without having to do a really long hike.
It's one of those spots you can still get to yourself on a sunny Saturday afternoon in summer, and believe me, it's not because it's any less beautiful than other more well known places.
It's a stunning deep green pool with crystal clear water (photos don't do it justice) and even a small waterfall. The surrounding forest keeps it wonderfully shady, although that does mean the water is pretty cold!
Accessing the pool is not as easy as at other spots on this list, although most people probably have a little more upper body strength than me and will not find it difficult! The walk is short at just over 2km return, but it does have a steep section which is covered in slippery leaf litter.
If that hasn't put you off then you can read all the details including how to find the un-signposted track here.
18. Pool of Siloam, Leura
Distance: 1.1km return
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat
The Pool of Siloam is the perfect place to come with kids. The water is shallow, so it’s perfect for them to have a good splash around, and the bottom of the pool is sandy. For adults this is obviously more of a plunge pool experience, but the setting is gorgeous and it’s great as long as you aren’t expecting a proper swim.
The small waterfall cascades into the pool and you’re surrounded by tall cliff walls which give it a lovely secluded feel, as well as lots of shade.
The Pool of Siloam is only 550m from the car park (at Gordon Falls picnic area) but it’s quite steep, so you have to be prepared to climb a few staircases after your dip.
The path is very well maintained, so it’s steep, but easy in terms of terrain.
19. Victoria Falls, Mount Victoria
Distance: 5.2km return
Difficulty: Hard
Victoria Falls is a gorgeous waterfall which has a large pool at the base. It has a sandy bottom and it’s very easy to get into without having to walk over any rocks. Sitting and looking up at the tall waterfall makes it one of the most memorable places to take a plunge.
The only downside is that almost all of the pool is too shallow to swim, so it is really just somewhere to sit and relax in the water, rather than somewhere for a proper swim. It is deeper at the left side but that doesn’t leave much room to swim!
Victoria Falls is just 500m further along the trail from Victoria Creek Cascades, but you do have to descend one more hill! The whole walk if you do both the cascades and the waterfall is 5.2km return.
Wild swimming safety
None of the spots mentioned on this list are patrolled. Please make sure you only swim within your own comfort zone. Glenbrook Gorge is the only one where you need to be mindful of currents, but many of the other pools are deep with submerged rocks.
Facilities at the pools
None of the swimming holes have rubbish bins beside them, please pack all your rubbish out with you and make sure we leave the pools pristine. No one likes to go to an incredible wild spot and find other people’s trash. We know 99.9% of people would never litter but this is a message for the very small minority that may need a little reminder.
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