Natural rockpools and waterholes in Sydney’s west are perfect for summer

THE temperature is set to peak in the high 30s this weekend. Lake Parramatta will be the best place in Sydney’s west to cool off. And it’s free!

Cooling off at Lake Parramatta.

• Best swimming spots to take a plunge
• Sydney’s hidden waterholes

THE temperature is set to peak in the high 30s this weekend. Lake Parramatta will be the best place in Sydney’s west to cool off. And it’s free!

Lifeguards are on duty from Saturday at Lake Parramatta, officially kicking off swim season.

Australian Lifeguard Service will patrol the swim area on weekends, public holidays and school holidays from 9am to 6pm.

They’ll cover these days until April 2.

Pedal around Lake Parramatta.

Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson said the lake had been open for swimming for the last three years.

“And the secret is well and truly out, with tens of thousands of people now visiting this hidden gem every summer,” he said.

The site has had improved facilities and completed some major upgrades over the last few months.

During last summer at Lake Parramatta.

This has included upgrades to the path leading to the lake foreshore to improve access for swimmers, a public viewing platform accessible for prams and wheelchairs has also been completed.

As part of the $300,000 upgrade, additional picnic shelters and electric barbecues will cater for the influx of people who spend their down time at the lake.

Cooling off at Lake Parramatta on a hot day.

An underwater safety inspection of the swimming area was completed ahead of this weekend and regular testing has confirmed the lake continues to have good water quality.

You can have just as much fun on the water.

“Lake Parramatta is one of our city’s most important recreational assets and council will continue to investigate ongoing improvements we can make to the area,” Mr Wilson said.

Details: visit the Parramatta Council website.

Some of the action at Bent’s Basin in summer.

OTHER NATURAL WATERING HOLES IN THE WEST:

Bent’s Basin, Bents Basin Rd, Wallacia

A short walk from the carpark. There are plenty of spots to hang out by the water having a picnic. There’s plenty of trees for shade too.

Jelly Bean Pool, Jellybean Rd, Glenbrook

A short walk takes you down to a naturally formed water hole. The track is well defined and has staircases in steeper sections.

Jelly Bean Pool, Glenbrook.

Ingar campground, end of Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath

The perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Camp and park for free. Take the short walk to the water and enjoy the natural surrounds.

Wheeny Creek campground, just off Comleroy Rd, Kurrajong

Isolated, quiet, picturesque, loads of grass and just enough water to cool off on a hot day. Camping is free. Barbecue facilities and toilet on site.

TELL US: Where’s your favourite place to cool off?

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