Get your bathers at the ready! Wild swimming in lakes, rivers and waterfalls is a popular pastime in Australia and especially along the east coast. The beautiful national parks that are found in every state are home to a number of waterfalls, lakes and rivers, all suitable for a relaxing (and safe) dip straight into nature.  We’ve broken down the top 5 swimming spots on the East Coast of Australia here. 

North Queensland – Lake Eacham and Millaa Millaa Falls

Estimated to be more than 9,000 years old, Lake Eacham is a volcanic lake located in the Atherton Tablelands near Cairns. The lakebed is a volcanic crater which slowly filled with water over thousands of years and eventually formed the lake as it is today. Its deep waters are a great place for a cooling dip and easily makes it to our swimming spot list.

Just 30 minutes away is Millaa Millaa Falls, a stunning (and popular) waterfall with a plunge pool. It’s well known for its wildlife such as Ulysses butterflies, turtles, flying foxes and even water dragons!

K’gari Fraser Island – Lake Wabby and Lake McKenzie

These two beautiful lakes are located on the sandy paradise of K’gari Fraser Island and make up just two of many awesome, and unique, swimming spots on the island. Lake Wabby is K’gari’s deepest lake with striking green waters backed by beautiful sand dunes meaning you can swim and relax in equal measure. Lake McKenzie is a larger, “perched” lake which means the water you’ll be swimming in is pure rainwater. The silica beach here is even whiter than regular sand and makes for a beautiful place and swimming spot to chill out at.  Click here for more info in K’gari!

Gold Coast – Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls are a series of picture perfect waterfalls and plunge pools formed out of natural rock amphitheatres located in the Tambourine National Park, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. The rocks surrounding the falls are smooth and flat meaning they’re great for sunbathing and relaxing after your swim. A hiking trail passes close by and the falls are very easy to access. Cedar Creek is a great spot to day trip out to from Brisbane when the city madness gets too much.

NSW – Jellybean Pool

Jellybean pool is a stunning water hole located in the Blue Mountains National Park. With a sandy river beach and calm waters it’s a great place to take a relaxing dip with kids. There’s plenty of shade on land and it’s an easy hour’s drive from Sydney. Check out Red Hands Cave while you’re here. Vibrant red, white and yellow hand print silhouettes grace the walls and are thought to date back as far as 1,600 years.

Sydney – Woronora River

Staying in the city doesn’t mean you have to miss out. There are a surprisingly high number of hidden places to take a dip near Sydney and the Woronora River is a great place to start. Hop on a train to Engadine station and walk the 3km to the river’s shores. Expect a whole lot of pristine bushland, a couple of rope swings and not much else. Perfect swimming spot for anyone after a true wilderness experience a stone’s throw from the action of the city.

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