Best swimming spots in Sydney to take the plunge this summer
FEELING a bit dusty after New Year’s Eve? Try swimming off your hangover at some of these natural water spots around Sydney.
Northern District Times
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WITH summer heating up we have dived into some of the best natural swimming spots around Sydney from stunning harbour views, to isolated strips of sand, stunning rock platforms and a natural water hole shaped like a jelly bean, we have them all:
1. Parsley Bay, Vaucluse
Parsley Bay is a narrow inlet of Sydney Harbour, with the surrounding land enhanced with
caves and rock overhangs, a small watercourse and dense native vegetation. The
foreshores of this tiny but beautiful bay have long been one of Sydney’s favourite
harbourside places and, since 1906, have been officially reserved for the enjoyment of
the public. Parsley Bay is great for picnics and snorkelling.
Horler Ave, off Parsley Rd.
2. Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park
Many people flying to Melbourne would know the stunning cliffs which march down the coast between Sydney and Wollongong. About half way along is Wattamolla, one of our most stunning beaches, somewhere most people have heard of but relatively few Sydneysiders ever visit. You can snorkel in the lagoon or the ocean, have a picnic, play beach cricket or just float about on a lilo.
Little Marley Fire Trai, Wollongong District.
3. North Curl Curl Rock Pool
In an area with a string of ocean pools, stretching from Palm Beach to Manly, the North Curl Curl Rock Pool is a favourite among locals. The 25m pool towards the northern end of the headland at North Curl Curl Beach is tucked into the cliff face on one side. During high tide it can only be accessed via the coastal walk across the headland.
North Curl Curl Beach.
4. Clovelly Bay, Clovelly
Clovelly Beach is a small and tranquil beach located at the end of a narrow bay. The beach is popular with families and snorkellers. Concrete platforms and promenades have been constructed on both sides of the bay which are popular sunbaking spots. There are access steps into the water, making Clovelly Beach more like a large ocean pool than a beach. The beach is a popular snorkelling site with a range of underwater marine life. The beach is home to a large local Blue Groper nicknamed “Bluey”. The lowest platform on the southern side of the beach contains a saltwater pool.
Clovelly Rd, Clovelly.
5. Manly Dam, Manly Vale
Manly Warringah War Memorial Park — known as Manly Dam — has a wonderful diversity of flora and fauna. It is great for picnics by the water and renowned for mountain biking and water skiing. Manly Dam’s network of bush tracks are great for exploring. There are four picnic areas (call 9942 2460 to book a table) and the water sports available include water skiing, fishing, swimming and kayaking.
112 King St, Manly Vale.
6. Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Located in Sydney’s north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Resolute Beach is accessed via
a steep 2km downhill walk with sweeping views of Pittwater. The reward is an isolated strip of sand where you can swim undisturbed or work on your suntan while gazing across the water to Station Beach. Trees shade the beach, making it a good place for a picnic. With amazing views of Pittwater and The Barrenjoey Headland, beautiful emerald green water and virtually no tourists around, this is a true hidden gem.
Off the Mackeral Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
7. Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay
This harbourside tidal enclosure, previously known as Redleaf Pool, features a wrap around pontoon and views looking out to Darling Point and the Harbour Bridge. The enclosure provides a safe swimming area (90m x 60m), while the kiosk provides shaded seating. There is stair access from New South Head Rd.
536 New South Head Rd, Double Bay.
8. Bents Basin, Greendale
Bents Basin is a camping, fishing and swimming area within easy reach of urban Sydney. It’s an open, grassy campground bordered by trees on one side and featuring Bents Basin on the other. You can take your pick of campsites, pitch your tent or bring your caravan or trailer along. You can relax by the Basin, take a walk along Caleys Lookout Track go for a paddle or try your hand at fishing.
Gulguer Trail, Bents Basin Station Conservation Area.
9. Jelly Bean Pool, Glenbrook
A short walk takes you down to a naturally formed water hole, somewhat in the shape of a jelly bean. The picturesque swimming hole near Glenbrook is popular among locals. The track is well-defined and has staircases in steeper sections. The start of this walk is found in the car park, by turning left about 200m after passing the toll gate at the Glenbrook entrance to the park.
Jellybean Rd, Glenbrook..
10. Birdie Beach, Central Coast
Nudists have been getting their kit off at Birdie Beach for years. The beach — in Munmorah State Conservation Area — is the only official nude, or “free bathing’’ beach in the region and one of only three official nude beaches in northern NSW. The others are North Belongil Beach near Byron Bay and Samurai Beach near Nelson Bay. The beach is accessed via Birdie Beach Drive (within the conservation area) and there is some parking. The track down to the beach is well sign posted. The unclad part of the beach is at the northern end. It’s a spectacular remote spot but swimmers should be aware that it is not patrolled by surf life savers, so caution should be taken.
Birdie Beach Drive, Lake Munmorah.
11. Gordons Bay, Coogee
Gordons Bay is a secluded oasis, hidden north of Coogee Beach and south of Clovelly Beach. It can only be accessed via the Coastal Walkway and parking is available at either Coogee or Clovelly Beach. The pocket-sized beach is lined with racks of boats from the local fishing club, reminiscent of a European fishing village. The rock platform stretches back towards the beach and juts out to meet the crystal blue waters. Relax and be cooled by the sea breezes, as the water gently laps the rock platform. Take a swim in the calm waters and explore what lies below.
Major St, Coogee.
12. Simmo’s Beach, Macquarie Fields
Enjoy the scenic views of the Georges River from the timber deck or climb the stairwell down to Simmo’s Beach where you can sit on the white sand and absorb the beauty. There is also a large playground and walking trails through the reserve that is home to a number of threatened fauna and flora including the Little Lorikeet and a small-flower grevillea.
Fifth Ave, Macquarie Fields.
13. Nepean River, Menangle
The spectacular Nepean River is one of the region’s primary natural attractions. It is a great place for fishing, swimming or simply enjoying a relaxing picnic on the river bank with family and friends. The river reserve is a great place for birdwatching and canoeing.
Menangle Rd, Menangle.
14. Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain
The Dawn Fraser Baths is a tidal flow salt water pool and at low tide there is even a beach for the children to build sandcastles. This netted pool in Sydney Harbour lays claim to the title of Sydney’s oldest pool. There is a 50m lap section and decks for sunbakers.
Elkington Park, Fitzroy Ave, Balmain.
15. Oak Park Ocean Pool, Cronulla
Located on Cronulla’s Esplanade coastal walk way, within Oak Park, this beach and rock pool is a feature of the rocky shoreline that is a popular dive and snorkelling spot. There is a grassed area, seating and playground in Oak Park.
156-164 Ewos Pde, Cronulla.
OTHERS FOR THE MUST LIST
Jeffrey St Wharf, Kirribilli: Famous for being one of the most popular vantage points for views of the city skyline.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour: You can swim in the slipway near the campground or kayak at this picturesque location.
Reef Beach, Balgowlah Heights: A picturesque beach at Dobroyd Head near Manly, with scenic harbour views.
Lake Couridjah, Thirlmere: Part of the world heritage-listed Thirlmere Lakes that are some of the oldest in the world
Como River Pool, Georges River Como: Timber and netted river pool adjacent to the Como Pleasure Grounds
Castle Rock at Balgowlah Heights: It’s worth taking the wooden stairs down to the small harbour beach which looks across to Mosman — on the route of the Spit to Manly walk.
Little River Pools Buxton: A great swimming hole near Buxton.
Maldon Weir, Wilton: This popular swimming hole lies about 250m upstream from the Maldon Suspension Bridge.
Minerva Pool, Dharawal National Park: A waterhole with a waterfall feeding into the pool makes this a must-see.
Mermaid Ponds, Bargo: There are various pools for diving into a deep natural pool. There are plenty of other watering holes for those less daring.
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